Twenty Stories. One City. The City of Stories.
Pablo Fanque (1810 – 1871)
Norwich-born Pablo Fanque was a talented British equestrian performer and the first recorded Black circus owner in England- read the full story here.
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?
Step Into The Story
- See the blue plaque on the wall of John Lewis at All Saints Green.
- On an internal wall in Pablo Fanque House (visible through the glass window from All Saints Green) read a poem by Ira Lightman (read it in the tune of ‘Being for the Benefit of Mr Kite’!).
- Paul Dickson’s ‘Norwich: A Black History’ tour, 2 hours celebrating the diverse contribution of black people to the history of Norwich and Norfolk.
- Rock N Roll Circus at Earlham Park from 20 – 23 August 2026. is the festival for you if you love the thrill and the fun of it all. Offering free incredible live circus acts and have-a-go-workshops plus international headliners.
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. Turn The Page
New stories drop each month so make sure you never miss out by signing up to our monthly e-newsletters.
