So, Norwich’s big year of cultural anniversaries and celebrations is already underway. In a city of pioneers and performers, makers and mavericks, there’s always a story to be told. Here’s our rundown of the ‘not-to-be-missed’ events happening from February through to April.
Festival fever this Feb
A bright new festival celebrating art and innovation came to Norwich over Valentine’s weekend, 13 – 15 February, and if you are from the area you would have been hard pressed not to have seen it. Thousands of people flocked into the city centre to experience a light festival, the likes of which hadn’t been seen before in Norwich! If you missed it take a look at our Instagram account @visitnorwich and look up #lovelightnorwich.
Now in its fifth year, Norfolk Makers Festival (8 – 23 Feb) give’s you the chance to try your hand at weaving, printing, knitting, spinning, embroidery and much more. Organised by The Forum Trust, the festival celebrates local makers, artists and designers while highlighting the county’s fantastic heritage. Engage in free, family-friendly workshops and hone your crafting skills with the help of expert makers from all across Norfolk and Norwich. For those who can’t make it to The Forum, fear not! Running alongside the main programme of events is the ever-popular ‘Fringe Festival’, with events taking place across the county. Learn the basics of machine embroidery with ArtPocket in Sheringham, Colour Yourself Calm in North Walsham, or join the ‘Craftivism’ movement in Great Yarmouth.
Photo: Amor image credit CJGrifiths
March – Mother’s Day, Misérables and MUD!
Cameron Mackintosh’s critically acclaimed new staging of Les Misérables is set to take Norwich Theatre Royal by storm this March/April. Hailed as the “Les Mis for the 21st Century” and seen by more than 120 million people worldwide in fifty-two countries, this is a must see for theatre lovers. However, the barricades have well and truly been stormed (see what we did there?), with limited tickets available now. Book yours here.
A key date for your diary this March: Mother’s Day. Norwich and Norfolk are not short of options if you’re looking to spoil mum this year, with plenty of restaurants and bars offering themed menus or discounts for mothers. The Ivy Norwich will be showcasing their limited addition Tulipa Mother’s Day dessert, while Bill’s will be treating every mother to a free dessert with their meal.
Why not treat mum to a delicious, traditional afternoon tea at Barnham Broom? You’ll spend your day relaxing in their stylish Valley Bar as you tuck into delicious sandwiches, freshly baked scones and indulgent sweet treats, all accompanied by freshly-ground coffee or their great range of loose-leaf teas.
Or why not head to The Maid’s head Hotel for an afternoon of tea, cakes and crafting. Partnering up with the award-winning Milly J Shoes, the Maid’s Head will be treating guests to a traditional afternoon tea followed by a workshop to design your very own shoe clips. You’ll leave with a belly full of cake and some very stylish footwear!
We finish March with the Only The Brave challenge. Now in it’s fifth year, the six or ten-mile course (depending on how brave you’re feeling!) is a great local activity that also helps raise funding for East Anglian Air Ambulance. There are still some tickets left, so grab your friends and family and brave the muddiest obstacle course in Norfolk!
Photo: Les Misérables at Norwich Theatre Royal
April – Easter Treats
The Easter break is just around the corner which means, for some, you’re faced with keeping the little ones entertained for just over two weeks (gulp!). So, it’s time to get planning. BeWILDerwood kicks-off the Easter break with Cedric’s Bunny Burrow Eggs-pedition. From 2-19 April, you can visit Cedric, explore his home and take part in Easter crafts and activities. Family-friendly and fun for all ages.
If you’re still looking for more egg-citement (sorry, couldn’t resist!), Norwich Puppet Theatre’s ‘Eggs on Legs’ production promises to be packed full of Easter wonder and surprise. With an accompanying workshop before the show, this is a fantastic day out for all the family that promises you’ll never look at an egg in the same way again! Shows run twice a day, from 9 – 11 April.
Photo: Eggs on Legs at Norwich Puppet Theatre
For those of you looking for something a little more grown up this April, Norwich has plenty in store. OPEN Norwich are excited to be hosting BBC Radio 1’s very own Greg James on 4 April. Former UEA student, Greg, will be treating you to an evening of classic party anthems, Chart Hits, and a celebration of the music from his youth. From R&B to Rock and Indie, you’ll be dancing your way into the early morning.
Jonathan Pie is back, with his renowned Fake News Tour. Join the exasperated news reporter for an evening of witty, brave and hilarious comedy at Norwich Theatre Royal. Jonathan’s brutally honest responses to global news stories have made him a viral sensation, with his video content regularly achieving millions of views. A true tour de force. Not to be missed.
We wrap up April with the Festival of Wellness 2020. An inspiring 2-day, weekend festival at The Halls in Norwich that will showcase a range of wellness therapies and treatments. Free for all to attend, you can experience therapist massage, reflexology, sounds and colour therapy. Meet over 60 exhibitors, take part in arts & craft workshops, and sit in on a series of talks and demonstrations tailored to improving your mind and body.
Don’t miss the full list of what’s on this Spring and beyond. Search here.
Why not make a break of it?
We love Spixworth Hall Cottages and farm stays at Fielding Cottage Holidays, or Gothic House B&B for a city overnight for two. For independent city centre hotels look no further than The Maids Head Hotel and The Assembly House. And if you want to stay slightly outside Norwich take a look at The Norfolk Mead, Park Farm Hotel, Barnham Broom Hotel Golf & Spa and Ketts Cottages. Finally, why not stay on the water in the stunning surrounds of the Broads? Check out Norfolk Broads Direct.
Search all accommodation here
Photo: Spixworth Hall Cottages
