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 restaurant refurbishments and exciting events to new shops in our city centre. Not to mention a fantastic line-up of cultural announcements, including upcoming exhibitions, festival headliners, and talks, a tour and programme launches!
So, whether you’re a foodie, avid reader, wellness lover or enjoy exploring Norwich’s attractions, keep reading for a quick catch-up on the latest news in our fine city!
Image: Luxmuralis
The Pantry Refurbished at Jarrolds
On Jarrolds’ third floor, discover the newly refurbished Pantry!
Following a major refurbishment, Jarrolds’ much-loved restaurant The Pantry has reopened! Reaffirming the department store’s commitment to Norfolk produce, local suppliers and love of hospitality, diners can expect a wider food choice and stylish, modern interior with the same warm welcome, quality ingredients and relaxed atmosphere. Think hot breakfasts, traditional lunches, sweet treats, a revitalised salad bar and new artisan sandwich experience. We suggest going hungry!
The Pantry in Jarrolds is open daily, Monday – Saturday, 9.30am – 3.30pm & Sunday, 10.30am – 2.30pm.
Immersive Lighting Spectacular to Take Place at Norwich Cathedral
Time by Luxmuralis will illuminate Norwich Cathedral this October half term! Credit: Luxmuralis
Arriving in time for October half term, Norwich Cathedral will be illuminated by immersive lighting spectacle Time by Luxmuralis! Exploring humanity’s relationship with the concept of time, by way of history, science and imagination, visitors will traverse wormholes, the intricate workings of clocks and a mesmerising voyage that takes you back to the beginning of time itself.
Time by Luxmuralis takes place every day at Norwich Cathedral from 27 – 31 October, 5.15pm – 8pm, adults £10, children £5, under 3s FREE, family £25. To book your tickets and find out more, visit Norwich Cathedral’s website.
Norwich Book Festival Headliners Announced
Jacqueline Wilson returns to headline this year’s Norwich Book Festival! Credit: The Forum
Bookish fun for everyone returns to Norwich this October with Norwich Book Festival! Presented by The Forum, this year’s headliners include TikTok poetry sensation David Larbi (24 October), Games of Thrones actress Hannah Murray (27 October) and iconic children’s writer and former Children’s Laureate Jacqueline Wilson (29 October).
Speaking of Dame Jacqueline Wilson, she’s also the judge for Redwings Horse Sanctuary’s unique animal-themed writing competition! Teaming up with UEA and The Pony Club, writers of all ages (from 6+ years) can submit a short story or poem on the theme ‘The Animal That Changed My Life’.
Norwich Book Festival takes place from 24 – 30 October. Find the full programme and tickets on their website.
To find out more about Redwings’ animal writing competition, including how to enter, visit their website.
National Centre for Writing to Hold Gothic Literature Festival
Darkest Chapter, a gothic horror festival by the National Centre for Writing, launches this autumn!
Taking inspiration from Norwich’s medieval atmosphere and haunted heritage, the National Centre for Writing’s new flagship literary festival, Darkest Chapter, is a celebration of the dark and uncanny, horror and gothic storytelling. Honouring one of the fastest-growing genres, this is a festival for readers and writers alike, featuring writing workshops, panel discussions, author events, publisher stalls, a Friday-night film screening at Cinema City and, of course, storytelling after dark!
The National Centre for Writing’s inaugural Darkest Chapter event will take place on Saturday 7 November. The full programme and tickets will go live in mid-August via their website.
Jarrolds Launches New Beauty Brand
Inspired by the department store’s long history and rooted in Norfolk, Jarrolds’ newest own-brand beauty and wellness collection has launched. Titled Signature, expect earthy fragrances inspired by the local landscape- think Bergamot & Norfolk Thyme and English Peppermint & Charcoal – in body wash and lotion, hand soaps engraved with the iconic Jarrolds lion, candles and diffusers.
You can shop Jarrolds’ Signature collection online and in-store now.
Norwich Cathedral Begin Upper Level Tours
See Norwich Cathedral from a different angle with their new Upper Level tour. Credit: Bill Smith
Norwich Cathedral is a Norman landmark with over 900 years of history. And with their new Upper Level Tour, you can experience another side of it, getting a perspective that not many have had the opportunity to admire. Take a peek at spaces and architecture not usually open to the public, looking out across the East End from the first-floor gallery, once used by Benedictine monks in daily worship.
Norwich Cathedral’s Upper Level Tour takes place on Wednesday & Saturday at 10.30am, £10, 16+ years. Book tickets via their website.
Sainsbury Centre Reveal Upcoming Exhibitions
The Last Human Kiss is just one of three exhibitions exploring How Do We Find Love? Credit: Sainsbury Centre
The next in the Sainsbury Centre’s highly anticipated exhibition seasons? ‘How Do We Find Love?‘. The forward-thinking art museum’s autumn programme will explore the profound complexities of human relationships, desire and intimacy, moving beyond cliches towards the emotional, symbolic and intellectual. Three exhibitions will embody this question: The Last Human Kiss, Ecstasy and the Aftermath (both 13 November – 11 April 2027) and Love Stories (18 December – 30 May 2027).
How Do We Find Love? will take place at the Sainsbury Centre from 13 November – 30 May 2027. Pay what you can to enter.
New Shop Set to Open in Royal Arcade
The Royal Arcade is welcoming a fine jewellery brand in this beautiful shopping location. Credit: VisitNorwich
As one of the most beautiful shopping spaces in the city, it’s no surprise that a fine jewellery shop would choose to open their Norwich store in the Royal Arcade. Diamonds Factory are known for their natural and lab-grown diamonds, offering rings, earrings, pendants and more in timeless designs.
Diamond Factory is set to open soon in the Royal Arcade.
The Lions’ Den Introduce New Live Talks Series
Listen to The Lions’ Den’s new weekly talks at their City location. Credit: The Lions’ Den
Starting in September, The Lions’ Den are inviting fresh ideas and meaningful conversations to their City venue with weekly DENx Talks. Each evening gives you the chance to hear new stories, explore different perspectives and ask your own questions of names like Bella Middleton (founder of Norfolk Natural Living), meteorologist and broadcaster Chris Page and Lions’ Den founder Lee Tayler.
The Lions’ Den DENx Talks launch on Thursday 3 September, 6.30pm – 8pm, £5 – £10. Book tickets via their website.
Dining Spaces Refurbished at Norwich City Football Club
For any football fan, what could be better than looking out onto the pristine pitch of Carrow Road? Credit: Norwich City Football Club
Looking out across the vivid green and yellow of Carrow Road’s pitch are Norwich City Football Club’s newly refurbished dining spaces: Aria and NR1 (formerly Top of the Terrace and the Gunn Club, respectively). They’re ideal for events and celebrations, whether you’re a lifelong Canary, sports lover or want to experience slice of Norwich’s heritage up close.
Aria and NR1 open at Norwich City Football Club from October.
