What's On in September

What’s On in September

by Katie Thompson

As sun kissed evenings glow gold and treetops turn yellow, we’re anticipating that back-to-school feeling here in Norwich. Whilst we’re still embracing the end of summer, we’ve also started planning for autumn. Especially as Norwich welcomes a whole host of exciting (and affordable) things to do!  

Throughout September, there’s something for locals and visitors alike, with the return of Heritage Open Days and Norwich Cocktail Week, plus immersive theatre and contemporary culture. It’s also the 10th anniversary of Run Norwich (if you’re running, check out The Lions’ Den’s recovery pass)! And in Norfolk, expect delicious food, entertaining evenings for both children and families, and a relaxing retreat you’ll wish you booked sooner! 

Here’s what’s on this September!

Image: Norwich Cocktail Week. Credit: Chloe Samways

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Norwich 

Postgrad Festival at Norwich University of the Arts
4 – 8 September, from 10am, FREE 

Each year, Norwich University of the Arts’ Grad Fest is a wonderful personification of our city’s creativity. And come September, it’s time for their Postgrad Festival, a six-day end-of-year show for the university’s Master’s graduates. 

As the city’s biggest exhibition of art, design, architecture, media, and performance, everyone is welcome to see the amazing and inspirational outcomes of these up-and-coming creatives. The St Georges building comes alive with eye-catching sculpture, moving fine art, ethereal films, detailed textiles and more.

Heritage Open Days
11- 20 September, citywide, various times, FREE 

Get underneath the surface of Norwich’s (and Norfolk’s) history with Heritage Open Days. All for free! Discover hidden gems, take guided tours and join exciting activities, exhibitions and events. From talks and tours at the Maids Head Hotel, National Centre for Writing and Norwich Cathedral, and by Paul Dickson, The Shoebox Experiences and more, to Cromer Pier’s Open Day and a workshop inspired by flappers and the 1920s at the Museum of Norwich. 

Whether you’re a family searching for free things to do or budding history buffs ready to uncover untold tales, there’s so much to see and do- and plenty where you don’t need to book in advance. If you do need to book, make sure to be ready at 10am on Wednesday 26th August- they sell out fast!

Driving Home at The Forum
13 – 19 September, various times, £5 

The next in Norwich Theatre’s Beyond productions, in which immersive experiences are brought to life outside of the traditional stage setting (‘all the world’s a stage’, after all), is pop-up installation Driving Home. 

Taking place outside The Forum, Driving Home is an exploration of migration and a changing nation through the perspectives of five UK taxi drivers. Hop into the passenger seat of a black cab to watch this intimate 20-minute documentary projected across the taxi’s windows. With just three audience members at a time, see how towns and cities are shapes by shift and divide through cinematic footage and interviews.

Re-Loved Runway at The Halls
Tuesday 22 September, 6.30pm – 9.30pm, £10 

This Slow Fashion Week, The Halls is playing host to Re-Loved Runway, an evening celebrating the power and style of pre-loved fashion. 

Norwich is a city with a passion for vintage, second-hand and sustainability, so it’s only right that this stunning venue welcomes a catwalk of ensembles from the very best local charity and vintage shops, eco-conscious designers and upcycled fashion. 

And it’s not just re-loved fashion’s environmental power, but the power of inclusivity, no matter your age, size, gender or ability.

Norwich Cocktail Week
25 September – 4 October 

Shake, sip and share- Norwich Cocktail Week is back! Showcasing the very best of the city’s vibrant cocktail scene, you can expect 10 days of 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 at brilliant prices. You can take advantage of special discounts and attend one-off events, too! Think trails to complete and cocktail making masterclasses- all you have to do is download the Norwich Food & Drink app.   

So, whether you’re after a classic craft cocktail or prefer innovative alcohol-free options, now’s the time to head to your favourite haunts and discover new ones along the way.

Norfolk 

North Norfolk Food and Drink Festival at Holkham
5 & 6 September, 10am – 4pm, FREE, parking £6.50 

We may be biased, but we believe Norfolk has some of the best local produce in the country! So, on the first weekend of September, head to Holkham for the North Norfolk Food and Drink Festival. 

Popping up in their beautiful Walled Garden, this is a showcase of the best artisan producers our county has to offer. Think fresh fruit and veg, meat and game, alongside delectable bakes, bread and sweet treats, chocolate, juices, beers and more! And, of course, there’s the opportunity to taste it thanks to an assortment of vendors, plus entertainment from live cookery theatre, children’s activities and face painting.

Evening of Play at BeWILDerwood
Saturday 12 September, 6pm – 8pm, £10 

What could be more magical than an evening in the world of BeWILDerwood?  

As dusk settles and the skies glow a magnificent orange, BeWILDerwood is inviting you into their fairytale woodland for one evening only. With a limited number of tickets available, this promises to be a memorable experience for the whole family. Get up and dance with your favourite characters, explore and play in the Sky Maze amongst the treetops, whizz down the Slippery Slopes and see if you can make it to the middle of the Muddled Maze as the sun sets!

Addams Family Murder Mystery at Barnham Broom
Saturday 12 September, 6pm – 10.30pm, £49.50 

They’re creepy and they’re kooky, mysterious and spooky… it’s the Addams Family Murder Mystery at Barnham Broom!  

Packed with twists and turns, it’s up to you to put on your detective hat in this entertaining interactive evening and discover why a headless corpse has been discovered in Gomez and Morticia’s conservatory on their wedding anniversary. Paired with a mouthwatering dinner and drinks, see whether you can solve this mysterious turn of events alongside Detective Broome Styx!

Lady Film Screening at Somerleyton Hall
Saturday 19 September, 6pm, £25 (includes garden entry), 15A 

Join Fritton Lake for a special outdoor cinema experience in the grounds of Somerleyton Hall with a screening of Lady. Starring Sian Clifford (known for her role in Fleabag), the film- shot in the very gardens where you’ll be watching it- follows a lonely aristocrat who dupes an opportunistic director into filming her every move. Until she starts becoming invisible, that is. 

Blending mockumentary and magical realism, the film is full of dark humour, made even more impressive by the location its set in being the backdrop to your evening. Bring your own chairs and blankets to make an evening of it- food and drink is available for that all-important mid-movie snack!

September Spa Retreat at The Norfolk Mead
26 & 27 September, 10am – 7pm, £225 

One of the most indulgent ways to treat yourself is The Norfolk Mead’s luxurious spa. And with their heavenly Spa Retreat taking place in September, you can fully relax with mindful workshops, movement sessions and self-care. (It’s up to you how much to indulge, with one-day and two-day tickets available.) 

Be greeted on arrival with smoothies and granola pots, followed by a calming morning yoga session, strength foundations and move and glow Zumba! Then treat yourself to delicious lunchtime bites before pottery painting, a 30-minute treatment and time in the spa. And breathe out…