What's On in April
What’s On in April
by Katie Thompson
As we fully embrace the warmer weather and brighter days, there’s no letting up of fantastic things to do in Norwich. With abounding culture, heritage and independent spirit, the City of Stories is the perfect spring break this Easter weekend– not to mention a great destination for egg-citing family days out, too!
And whether you’re a foodie, literary lover or can’t wait to get out into nature, we’ve got exciting performance, captivating talks, mouthwatering menus, makers markets and even the chance to wiggle your hips and learn some salsa!
Here’s what’s on in Norwich this April!
Norwich
Imperfect Storms at Norwich Theatre Stage Two
Thursday 2 April, 7pm – 9pm, from £3.50
Expect bold stories and surprising twists from East Anglian writers
In a National Year of Reading in England’s first UNESCO City of Literature, there really is no better time to champion ‘New Work from East Anglian Writers’.
Brought together by the Writers’ Guild of Great Britain and Norwich Theatre Stage Two, you can expect a lively mix of voices, bold ideas and surprising stories. Some are works in progress, some newly completed, and there’s always the chance you’re seeing a future hit for the first time!
It’s an exciting evening of imagination, which has previously conjured up tales of the secret lives of grizzly bears, Napoleonic duels, and school bake sale wars. You really do need to expect the unexpected!
Social Salsa at The Lions’ Den City
Saturdays from 4 April, 6pm – 7pm, £12
In The Lions’ Den City venue, you can now try your hand at Social Salsa
This month, Social Salsa dances its way to The Lions’ Den City.
Building on the brilliant programme of workshops that take place in the calm of their Studio (including yoga, Pilates and sound baths), everyone is welcome to take part, no matter your level or experience. (Even if you have two left feet!)
It’s purposefully designed as an introduction to partner dance- you can come on your own or as a pair. So, why not have a go, learn a new skill and meet new people? (Plus, it’s the perfect excuse to enjoy The Lions’ Den’s Social Sauna Saturdays (£10, from 5pm)!)
An Evening with Helen Serafinowicz at Yalm
Sunday 12 April, 5pm – 9.30pm, £20
Enjoy the relatable tales and wit of Motherland creator Helen Serafinowicz at Yalm
In conversation with ITV Arts Editor (and her long-time best friend) Nina Nannar, writer of Motherland and Amandaland, Helen Serafinowicz is bringing a night for mums (and everyone else) to Yalm! (You can even order food and drink from your seat throughout the evening.)
After sharp stand-up from rising star Meryl O’Rourke, enjoy a heartfelt and hilarious conversation full of wit, warmth and insight. Designed to give you the night off, this candid conversation places motherhood at the forefront. It’s a celebration of modern motherhood, brilliantly funny and equally relatable- perfectly timed for the end of the Easter holidays!
Shakespeare in Translation with Daniel Hahn at the National Centre for Writing
Thursday 16 April, 6.30pm – 7.30pm, from £6
Discover the power of Shakespeare, words and translation with Daniel Hahn
Shakespeare holds an enduring appeal, whether you’re a lifelong literary lover or reading Macbeth for the first time.
At the National Centre for Writing, award-winning translator and Shakespeare enthusiast Daniel Hahn invites us to rethink not only the Bard, but language too! Inspired by his new book ‘If This Be Magic’, Hahn reveals the power of words through exciting translations, worldwide languages and Shakespeare’s timeless works.
And as part of the event, guest readers will perform live a series of Shakespeare’s poems and plays in different tongues and cultures!
Spring Wine Tasting Dinner at the Maids Head Hotel
Friday 17 April, 7pm – 10.30pm, £55
Savour a mouthwatering menu and expertly paired wines at the Maids Head’s Spring Tasting Experience
In celebration of the new season, the Maids Head Hotel (recent winners of The Best Hotel and Taste of England awards at the Suffolk & Norfolk Tourism Awards) are offering a special four-course tasting menu experience for one evening only!
Take a seat in their stylish 2AA Rosette WinePress restaurant and enjoy a wonderful selection of dishes. What’s more, each plate will be expertly paired with wine chosen by the Maids Head’s own wine merchants. WinePress is known for its mouthwatering seasonal and local produce, so this tasting dinner is sure to be a real treat!
Local Makers Market at The Forum
Saturday 25 April, 10am – 4pm, FREE
Local Makers Market returns to the Forum this April!
Norwich is a city bursting with incredible independent makers and creatives. And thanks to the next Local Makers Market at The Forum, you can peruse a treasure trove of Norwich- and Norfolk-based artisans.
From modern jewellery to eye-catching prints, quirky ceramics, stylish homewares, fragrant candles, handcrafted textiles and those all-important bakes, you’ll want to treat yourself and your loved ones to a local gift or two. Discover names like Band of Starlings, Danielle East and more and know you’re supporting local businesses.
Norfolk
Flower Arrangement Experience at The Norfolk Mead
10 – 12 April, various times, £80
Treat yourself to a special flower arranging experience and afternoon tea at The Norfolk Mead
Creativity and cake combine at The Norfolk Mead with their relaxing Flower Arrangement Experience.
At these fun workshops, you’ll learn the art of flower arranging with Rachel from The Florist Shop, using seasonal blooms to create a stunning display (all materials are provided). And yes, you can take it home!
There’s a glass of fizz to mark your arrival and one of The Norfolk Mead’s lovely traditional afternoon teas to follow- or a grazing board of cheeses, meats and antipasti during evening sessions. You can even add on 3 hours of spa access if you want to make a day of it and truly unwind!
Dawn Chorus at Fairhaven Woodland & Water Garden
11 & 25 April, 5am, adults £29.95
What could be more peaceful than an early morning guided dawn walk at Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden?
Fairhaven Woodland & Water Garden is a natural haven in the heart of the Broads National Park. It’s tranquil surroundings and abundance of flora and fauna make it ideal for birdwatching, stargazing and walking alike.
Experience the beauty of birdsong at their guided dawn walk. Admire the beauty of the rising sun, the glittering dew and soft spring breeze as you reconnect with nature. And after the walk? A heart full English buffet breakfast to make the early morning even more worthwhile and round off a special start to the day!
