August is bound to be an exciting month to be in Norwich and Norfolk. As always, there is loads on – enough to keep everyone entertained during the summer holidays! Expect weekly outdoor performances, West End theatre, and events for the whole family to enjoy. Plus, they’re all free or affordable!
If you’re in need of some recommendations while you’re here in the City of Stories, you’ve come to the right place. Read on for our top picks this August…
And if you’re looking for even more ideas for your trip to Norwich, make sure you check out our ‘Family Events in Norwich and Norfolk This Summer‘ blog for even more suggestions!
FREE
Sundays in the City of Stories are about to get a lot livelier with Norwich Summer Sessions! In previous years, you may have spotted the dazzling performances of ‘Head Out Not Home’ by the Norwich Business Improvement District. Well, it’s back and better than ever with the new name – Norwich Summer Sessions.
Starting on Sunday, July 30 and running weekly until Sunday, September 3, you’ll be able to find an afternoon of FREE entertainment across five different stages in the city. These stages are: The Forum, Westlegate, St Gregory’s Green, London Street, and Gentleman’s Walk.
There’s going to be some incredible acts to amaze all ages, from the best local musicians to Covent Garden Entertainers, which will all come together to create a festival atmosphere across the city each week.
The programme for Norwich Summer Sessions is managed by NORCA, including a large range of both national and local acts, with a performer from each of the last ten years returning once again. For more information about Norwich Summer Sessions and what acts are returning, click here!
The performances of Norwich Summer Sessions will fill the streets with a festival atmosphere!
FREE entry with admission into Norwich Castle
August is the last full month you have to see this incredible exhibition at Norwich Castle, so you cannot miss it (Officially closing on Tuesday, September 10). The Last Voyage of the Gloucester explores the dramatic discovery of the Gloucester, a warship carrying the future King of England and Scotland that ran aground off the coast of Great Yarmouth in 1682. Here, you’ll get to find out why it sunk, and decide who was to blame…
On top of that, you’ll see some of the jaw-dropping objects recovered from the wrecksite for yourself – the most striking of which is the bell that confirmed the ship’s identity. Alongside the bell, you’ll find some of the most fascinating preserved personal items that tell the stories of the passengers and crew, as well as life, on board the ship.
In this exhibition, you’ll learn more about the historical, scientific, and archaeological research into this wreck, and the importance it carries. After all, it has been hailed the most significant nautical discovery since the Mary Rose! Entry into this exhibition is FREE with admission into Norwich Castle, booking is advised.
The findings of the Gloucester include intact bottles of wine!
Tickets from just £10 per person
Once again, Norwich Theatre are bringing the West End to the City of Stories as yet another spectacular production hits Norwich… From Tuesday, August 1 – Saturday, August 5, be sure to catch the smash-hit production of ‘Annie’!
An iconic musical, Annie is a must-see for any theatre or musical lover. Be transported back to 1930s New York as brave young Annie escapes the cruel Miss Hannigan’s orphanage to spend a fairytale Christmas with famous billionaire, Oliver Warbucks. Meanwhile, Miss Hannigan hatches a plan to spoil Annie’s search for her true family… How will it unfold?
One thing is for certain, you can bet your bottom dollar that you’ll come away with a head full of catchy songs and a smile on your face! It’s the perfect family night out. Tickets for this show have limited availability, so book your seats soon to avoid disappointment!
Don’t miss this musical theatre classic!
Tickets from £9.95 per person
A very special, one-night only event is coming to ROARR! as you can visit the Park from 6pm – 10pm on Saturday, August 5 and discover some wild nightlife! Are you brave enough to explore the Valley of Dinosaurs once the sun has set? What about the Predator High Ropes after dark? Maybe, if you’re feeling extra courageous, you can handle some creepy crawlies at ROARR!’s Animal Encounters?
It’s going to be a superb summer night for the whole family, complete with tastebud tantalising delights from some delicious street food vendors such as Bucket List and Swosh Nosh, rounded off with tasty coffee from Deans Beans!
There’s even going to be some extra special stalls to see and interact with such as Norwich Astronomy, Twinkle SEN, and Dereham Theatre Company! Plus, you can catch live music from the Big Summer Blowout Band, who doesn’t enjoy a dance?! Tickets are available from just £9.95 per person for this truly spectacular night at ROARR!
Don’t miss this one night only event at ROARR!
FREE
There’s no better feeling than knowing you’re supporting local businesses and traders. So, get ready for this mouth-watering extravaganza with Native2Norfolk, based at the Forum for one day only on Saturday, August 19! Explore vibrant stalls, brimming with the finest culinary delights that showcase the creativity and depth of our county’s food and drink scene.
From artisanal chutneys to craft ales and cider, Middle Eastern & Mediterranean street food to refreshing rolled ice creams, there is something to satisfy every palate and appetite! There’s going to be an impressive 20 vendors to meet and shop from, with more information available here!
Support local business while eating and drinking some incredibly good food!
FREE
Relaxing is great, but just because it’s the summer holidays, doesn’t mean the kids shouldn’t still be learning! And what better way to do it than with the family in a fun, interesting museum like Strangers’ Hall? Even better news, this hidden gem of Norwich is extending its opening times and offering FREE admission from Wednesday, August 23 – Friday, August 25 and Sunday, August 27!
Strangers’ Hall is one of Norwich’s oldest buildings, and its utterly gorgeous. With every room, you’ll feel transported back in time through the different periods this museum is host to, including the Great Hall, Chestnut Room, Georgian Dining Room, Victorian Room, and the beautiful Knot Garden, which is perfect for a picnic.
New for this summer, interpretation panels in these period rooms will be introduced with images of archive photos and documents, with stories attached to each room! These will tell the story of the founding of Strangers’ Hall.
There’ll even be some new objects to see for yourself, including Mr & Mrs Taylor’s Doll House, a Victorian Bazaar Doll, and peg dolls in National costume. It’s great for the kids to see how the toys of today have changed!
Strangers’ Hall is a beautiful museum well worth a visit!
So, as you can tell, it’s going to be a busy August around the City of Stories! But what a fun month it will be too. If you’re in the city for the summer holidays and want some more fun ideas for your trip, check out our ‘Family Events in Norwich and Norfolk This Summer’ blog for even more recommendations!
