Twenty Stories. One Norwich. The City of Stories.
Marking twenty years of championing the city, VisitNorwich presents an ambitious year-long cultural celebration: Twenty Stories. One City. The City of Stories. Written by local guest authors our stories range from medieval rebels and mystics to pioneering reformers, artists, entrepreneurs and unsung heroes, these are the people who shaped Norwich – and whose legacy can still be discovered across the city today.
Pablo Fanque
Norwich-born Pablo Fanque was a talented British equestrian performer and the first recorded Black circus owner in England.
Step Into The Story- a city you don’t just read about, you experience
In Norwich, there are dedications to Pablo Fanque, including a blue plaque on the wall of John Lewis at All Saints Green and a poem by Ira Lightman on the wall of Pablo Fanque House (visible through the glass window from All Saints Green). Learn more about this circus proprietor with Paul Dickson’s ‘Norwich: A Black History’ tour, 2 hours celebrating the diverse contribution of black people to the history of Norwich and Norfolk.
And if you want to immerse yourself in the wonder of the circus, then Norfolk & Norwich Festival’s headliner Circa, brings their world renowned, daring contemporary circus to the city with Wolf from 13 – 24 May 2026. That’s followed by the return of Rock N Roll Circus to Earlham Park from 20 – 23 August 2026. Think international headliners and incredible live circus, as well as the chance to have a go yourself!
Did you know that Pablo Fanque was featured in the Beatles song “Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite!” on their 1967 album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band after John Lennon bought a Victorian circus poster in an antiques shop in Kent?
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