by Katie Thompson
As sun kissed evenings turn gold and treetops turn yellow, we’re anticipating that back-to-school feeling here in Norwich. We might be embracing the end of summer, but it’s no surprise we’ve started planning for autumn. Especially as Norwich welcomes a whole host of exciting things to do!
Throughout September, there’ll be buzzing sports events, unique musical performances and more. Not to mention new attractions and popular days out in Norfolk, too! There’s something for locals and visitors alike this month.
Keep reading for what’s on this September!
Image: Chloe Samways
Run Norwich returns for its 10th anniversary!
This September, Norwich’s ever popular 10k run celebrates its 10th anniversary (Sunday 7 September)! Organised by Norwich City Community Sports Foundation, the event itself is sold-out, but Norwich’s streets will be buzzing with energy. The main event kicks off at 9.40am, with the junior race starting at 9.15am.
Thousands of runners are set to take to the road, passing local landmarks like Norwich Castle, The Forum, Norwich Cathedral and, of course, Carrow Road. The atmosphere is infectious- whether you’re a runner or a spectator cheering everyone on!
The Exoplanets blends magical music, live performance and a planetarium experience
Norwich is known for its creativity. And that goes for its theatre too. In association with Norwich Theatre, Norwich-based curious directive and the City of London Sinfonia are bringing their co-production The Exoplanets to Norwich Theatre Royal (6 & 7 September, from £10). It’s an extraordinary blend of theatre, live orchestral performances and planetarium experience, exploring the strange and wild planets beyond our solar system.
And for other breathtaking performances, Matthew Bourne’s first-ever tour of acclaimed ballet The Midnight Bell (9 – 13 September, from £20) will immerse you into the passions of 1930s Soho, while Norwich Hamlets (Sunday 21 September, FREE) is a series of original community responses to Hamlet created by the people of Norwich across the city- from comedy to dance to intimate monologues.
Discover the ins and outs of Norwich City at this intimate Q&A and dinner
The football season is upon us! And for any Canaries or football fan, you won’t want to miss an intimate Q&A with Norwich City Head Coach Liam Manning and Assistant Head Coach Chris Hogg– especially when it follows a delicious three-course dinner (Thursday 11 September, 6.30pm – 11pm, £70).
At this special event, you’ll get to know Liam, Chris and their careers, hear industry insights, and ask them about all things Norwich City!
Next to real life giraffes, big cats and more, spot the GoGoSafari big 5!
After roaming the streets of Norwich (make sure you go see them before they leave!), Break’s GoGoSafari sculptures are heading to Banham Zoo (11 – 16 September, included in admission, adults £22, children £17)!
Each of the 56 sculptures will be dotted around the zoo as your encounter animals from across the globe. It’s fantastic fun for families and animal lovers alike. You can discover the GoGos up close and we’re sure you’ll take a few photos! And for one night only- you can see the Sculptures After Dark (Saturday 13 September, 3pm – 7pm, £15pp)– a guaranteed wild night out with live music and street food!
Immerse yourself in the beautiful sounds of traditional Indian ragas
As part of this year’s Kala Festival – a nationwide annual celebration of Indian classical music and dance- you can hear the magical sounds of Norwich Ragas: Piano & Slide Guitar Unbound at The Assembly House (Friday 19 September, 6.30pm – 9pm, from £25).
From the delicate piano of Deepak Shah to the hypnotic tabla (hand drums) of Saleel Tambe and the hauntingly beautiful slide guitar of Pundit Dubasis Chakroborty. This is a unique concert that will transport you into the rich local culture of Indian music.
Enjoy a September evening out with Sir Toby’s Beers’ Oktobyfest!
For beer lovers, September can only mean one thing- the return of Oktoberfest! And this year, Sir Toby’s Beers are back with their popular Oktobyfest event (Friday 26 September, 5.30pm – 10pm, free to attend). Celebrating authentic beers to the tunes of local DJ Hot Pickle, this promises to be a fantastic evening!
And across the city, Bier Draak is holding its own Oktoberfest in true Bavarian style (Saturday 20 September, 12.30pm – late, free to attend). Think steins of official Munich beers (which will be served throughout the month) and a special Paulaner party keg. Prost!
Full of flair and flavour, Norwich Cocktail Week returns this September
Shake, sip and share- Norwich Cocktail Week is back (26 September – 5 October). Showcasing the very best of the city’s vibrant cocktail scene, you can expect flavour and flair in venues across Norwich!
Head to independent bars, stylish restaurants and more as our brilliant businesses serve up a menu of enticing cocktails and mocktails. You can take advantage of special discounts and attend one-off events, too! Think trails to complete and cocktail making masterclasses.
Pensthorpe is the new home of The Alan Partridge Sound Bath (not pictured)
A-ha! The Alan Partridge Sound Bath Garden is arriving at Pensthorpe (from 6 September, included in general admission)! After its anticipated appearance at the RHS Hampton Court Flower Show, Pensthorpe will become the garden’s forever home.
Reconfigured especially for the nature reserve, its plants, trees and sculptural elements will be reimagined for the Norfolk landscape that inspired it. With regional plants like British maple, hoary mullein and wild fennel, listen to gentle tones of nature, see if you recognise the bird calls and relax in this sound bathing experience.
Enjoy a day for all the family at Fairhaven’s Dog Day & Dog Show
Calling all diehard dog fans- Fairhaven Woodland & Water Garden’s Dog Day is back (Sunday 14 September, from 10am, adults £2, children £1)! This family-friendly event really is a paw-some day out for every member of the family- and all in aid of Norfolk Greyhound Rescue.
For your furry friends, there’s the Fun Dog Show- 8 classes with rosettes and goodie-bags up for grabs and a Best in Show trophy (£1 entry). Meanwhile, for the humans, there are performances by K9 Capers, stalls and refreshments aplenty- paw-fect!
