5-Minute Catch-Up: What’s New in Norwich?

5-Minute Catch-Up: What’s New in Norwich? 

by Katie Thompson

There’s always something to look forward to in the City of Stories- sometimes it’s hard to keep up! From lineups for Norwich Summer Sessions and Heritage Open Days to the arrival of highly anticipated West End shows. Not to mention new art installations and family-friendly offers and attractions.

And in Norfolk, Pensthorpe’s looking to the future- think (ssh) Christmas and an ambitious wetland project!

So, whether you’re an avid theatregoer, art lover or looking for something new to keep the family entertained, keep reading for a quick catch-up on the latest news in our fine city!

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Norwich Summer Sessions Lineup Announced

Norwich Summer Sessions is returning every Sunday in August with a fantastic lineup of free entertainment!  

Now in its 13th year, immerse yourself in this festival of live music and street theatre- taking place on four stages across the city centre! From local hip-hop-meets-urban-jazz lyricist LFay and country musicians Lawrence Kingston Band to escapologist Rob Roy Collins, rockabilly swing with Big Black Cadillac and energetic Norwich Latin Dance, there’s something for everyone to see.  

Norwich Summer Sessions takes place on 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 August from 12.30pm – 4.30pm at stages on Hay Hill, Westlegate, St Gregory’s Green and Gentleman’s Walk.

Major West End Shows to Tour Norwich 

Long a stop for shows on tour (at a more affordable price than the West End), Norwich Theatre Royal has announced the arrival of two more incredible musicals. 

What’s the buzz? Following runs at the London Palladium and Theatre Royal Drury Lane, the highly anticipated revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s and Tim Rice’s iconic rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar arrives in Norwich. Singer Sam Ryder takes on the eponymous role, whilst the score boasts legendary songs like ‘I Don’t Know How to Love Him’, Gethsemane’ and, of course, ‘Superstar’.  

Then, it’s Tony and Grammy Award winning Hadestown, embarking on its first ever UK tour. Blending American songwriting traditions, from indie folk, to pop, blues, and New Orleans-inspired jazz, Hadestown will take you on an unforgettable journey ‘way down’ to the underworld with the mythical love stories of Orpheus and Eurydice, and Hades and Persephone. 

Norwich Theatre Royal welcomes Jesus Christ Superstar from 20 – 24 April 2027 and Hadestown from 11 – 15 May 2027. Tickets go on sale to the public from 26 June.

Norwich Cathedral Welcomes New Art Installation 

Running until autumn 2026, the Benedictine Art Project is shining a light on Norwich Cathedral’s Benedictine heritage. (You can also hear a series of benedictine lectures from June – September.) 

Complementing the Sainsbury Centre’s exhibition Living by the Rule, in which a number of objects were loaned from the Cathedral, you can discover this trio of works around Cathedral Close. From a large abstract recreation of the Church of St Ethelbert and installation The Light Comes from All Sides to doors transformed into a tabletop featuring recipes from around the world, each one was created in tandem with local community groups. 

You can see Norwich Cathedral’s Benedictine Art Project in Cathedral Close until autumn 2026.

Norwich Castle Announces Play Area for Under 5s 

Following on from the iconic landmark’s £27.5 million redevelopment, Norwich Castle has opened a dedicated early years space designed with young families in mind! 

Named Snap’s Den, after ceremonial Snap the Dragon, you can book one of five daily half an hour slots in this fun area- complete with hands-on activities and a multi-sensory gallery that explore Norman life- including a banquet table fit for a king and medieval-inspired kitchen! 

Norwich Castle’s under 5s play area Snap’s Den is now open. Book your 30-minute slot- included in admission.

Directory Live for Heritage Open Days 

Norfolk Heritage Open Days’ directory is now live! Every autumn, this unique cultural festival opens up a world of historic buildings and captivating stories for free.  

And this year, there’s so much going on across the country, from hidden gems and guided walks to family activities, exhibitions and talks. In Norwich, tour The Great Hospital and our flintknapped Guildhall, take part in medieval arts and crafts at The Garage and book free entry to Norwich Castle. Across Norfolk, celebrate 75 years of Holkham Studio Pottery and experience a backstage tour of Cromer Pier’s Pavilion Theatre. 

Heritage Open Days takes place from 11 – 20 September. Booking goes live from 26 August. View the full directory on their website.

Pho Launches New Family-Friendly Initiative 

This summer, Pho is launching a new family-friendly initiative at their Norwich restaurant- BYOB (that’s Bring Your Own Baby, by the way).  

As just one of four venues taking part in the country, parents are invited to dine at Pho with their little ones (ages 6 and under), where they can receive 20% off food when eating in! Available for up to 5 adults and 5 children per table, there’s no better excuse to slurp on a steaming bowl of pho or tuck into a fragrant curry. 

Pho’s BYOB offer is available Monday – Thursday, 12pm – 4pm, eat-in only. 

Free Entry to the Museum of Norwich this Summer 

In celebration of its centenary, the Museum of Norwich is not only presenting an exciting programme of exhibitions and events but also offering free entry on select dates across the summer! 

You can visit the Museum of Norwich for free during Freeman’s Fortnight (18 – 22 & 25 – 29 August), Norwich Lanes Summer Fayre (12 July) and Norwich History Festival (16 – 18 July). Plus, there’s an exhibition on founder Henry Holmes and 1920s Norwich, tours from local guide Paul Dickson and activities from local artists like Rose Feather.  

The Museum of Norwich is offering free entry on select dates between July and August.

UK’s First Glow-in-the-Dark Gel Blaster Battle Zone Pop-Up Arrives at Castle Quarter 

Searching for an exciting indoor activity this summer? Look no further than Castle Quarter’s brand-new Glow-in-the-Dark Gel Blaster Battle Zone!  

For just 14 weeks, you can experience this thrilling, high-octane experience. Inspired by laser tag, but using eco-friendly gel balls, this craze is catching on in the UK. Duck, dodge and battle it out on this inflatable zone. It’s perfect for children and adults, too- with special after-dark sessions making for a unique night out. 

Castle Quarter’s Glow-in-the-Dark Gel Blaster Battle Zone is open for 14 weeks from 13 June. For more information, visit their website!

Redwell Brewery Expands in NR3’s Urban Lounge 

Norwich’s very own microbrewery, Redwell Brewery, known for their local, small batch beer, is expanding further across the city into their NR3 sister venue, Urban Lounge.  

Now offering the brand’s most popular draft beers, including Norwich Pilsner and Passionfruit Pale from its core range, as well as a rotation of limited-edition brews, such as the Mango IPL, Urban Lounge will also be extending its opening hours on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays (and offering £5 pint for June and July!)- ideal for long summer evenings. 

Redwell Brewery is now available at Urban Lounge (open daily).

Pensthorpe Unveils Ambitious Wetland Ambassador Project 

With 700 acres of varied Norfolk countryside, nature reserve Pensthorpe has unveiled plans to transform its crane and flamingo areas into one of the UK’s most immersive, accessible and welfare-led wetland wildlife experiences. 

Think larger habitats, immersive boardwalks, new educational spaces, enhanced landscaping and a spectacular fully accessible 360-degree crane hide- all designed around conservation, accessibility, welfare and an emotional connection with nature. 

Pensthorpe is open daily from 10am. You can find out more on how to support the project and its progress via their website.

Penthorpe’s North Norfolk Pole Reimagined for Christmas 2026 

It’s never too early to start planning for (whisper it) Christmas! And one of Norfolk’s most exciting attractions- Pensthorpe’s North Norfolk Pole– is shaping up to be even more magical this December. 

For starters, families can enjoy one-on-one visits to Father Christmas, not to mention Build-a-Teddy workshop (for a long-lasting keepsake of your visit) and the Secret World of Christmas- a collection of festive spaces, activities and magical moments to experience at your own pace. 

Pensthorpe’s North Norfolk Pole is taking place from 5 – 23 December. Tickets go on sale to the public on 29 June.