| Home |
| Places to Stay |
| Places to Visit |
| Look at Norfolk |
| What’s On |
| Shopping |
| Eating & Drinking |
| Outdoor Norfolk |
| Going Out |
| Brochures |
| TICs |
| News |
| Special Offers |
| London 2012 |
| Travel to Norfolk |
| Keep Me Updated |
| Weather |
| FAQ’s |
| There is always something going on in Norfolk and in this section you can find out all the latest news. Keep up with the latest Norfolk tourism news - new attractions, events, awards, and information. You can also register to receive regular updates from VisitNorfolk via email. |
September sizzle in Norfolk’s “NGS Open Gardens” (2 September 2010)  Enjoy the September sizzle in Norfolk’s National Gardens Scheme "Open Gardens." The last of the new gardens to open this year is The Grange. It is set in the historic village of Heydon, with a three acre garden in a romantic setting. The local tea shop set in the picturesque village completes the perfect garden day out. It's location is only a few miles away from Holt, a pretty Georgian market town, nestled in the North Norfolk countryside. The garden features herbaceous borders surrounded by old walls with views to parkland, a pond with fountain and ancient yew topiary with a new walk of malus. September promotes the classic and contemporary style gardens, from the plantpersons garden at High House Gardens, Shipham to the three halls, Mannington, Lexham, Bradenham and Bolwick Hall, contemporary garden, East Ruston closes the “NGS Open Garden” season on the 2nd October. These are gardens for all seasons and entice visitors to return and enjoy the revolving changes more than once. For more garden day out ideas visit your local Tourist information, garden centre, nursery or open garden to pick up a Norfolk NGS Garden Guide or visit www.norfolkgardens.org. |
Jazz service reborn on the Poppy Line London’s rapid expansion in the ‘20s and ‘30s posed a new problem for the railways – how to handle the ever-growing tide of commuters.(31 August 2010) LNER chief engineer Sir Nigel Gresley came up with the answer – wooden-bodied trains using articulated technology to allow longer carriages that packed in bowler-hatted clerks by the hundreds. The trains were hauled by small but powerful N2 class tank engines. Marketed as the Jazz Service (jazz and flappers were the defining fashions of the ‘20s), the trains into Kings Cross and Liverpool Street were London’s first intensive commuter service. At the Poppy Line Steam Gala (Friday 3rd – Sunday 5th September), the only survivor of those trains will be reunited with one of its original engines – so visitors will have the chance to see just what things were like for commuters some ninety years ago. For more information visit www.nnr.co.uk |
Poppy Line steam gala and 1940s Weekend (23 August 2010)  This year’s late summer Steam Gala on the Poppy Line has attracted some very special visiting steam engines. The Gala is scheduled to run on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, September 3rd – 5th, with an intensive steam service on all three days.One of the big stars is an engine built for the Southern Railway 85 years ago. "Sir Lamiel", one of the famous King Arthur class named after the legends of Camelot, used to haul express trains from London to the South Coast resorts. Bigger still is one of the largest locos built for British Railways, a giant 9F machine with ten driving wheels. Other visitors include a powerful Great Western Railway engine that once hauled trainloads of coal from the Rhondda valleys in Wales, an engine named after railway engineer George Stephenson, and a "Jinty" tank loco built for the London Midland and Scottish Railway in the '20s. Following on from the Steam Gala is the special 1940s Weekend (18 /19 September), pictured. See jitterbug dancers, re-enactment groups, a collection of 1940s vehicles and veteran and vintage bicycles. Taste wartime rations, tea, together with spam sandwiches, from the NAAFI! For more information visit www.nnrailway.co.uk or call 01263 820800. |
Free fun for families in Norwich! There are FREE activities for kids between Tues 24 and Sun 29 August, courtesy of the Norwich City Council events team. (20 August 2010) Giant bubble blowing, hula hooping and face painting are just some of the fun activities available, as well as outdoor theatre and family favourites Punch and Judy in parks and open spaces across the city - and the even better news is that they won't cost you a penny! The week’s events kick off on Tuesday with East Anglian treasure Professor Jingles with fun for all the family in the form of Punch and Judy. On Wednesday, children can ‘get back to earth’ with KidZones, where they can create gardens and flowers, meet big bugs, have a go at cheerleading and play rounders with friends. Other activities on offer will include circus skills, puppet making and treasure hunts. The events are open to children aged up to 12. Professor Jingles is back on Thursday, visiting two more places with his delightful Punch and Judy show. And last but not least, you can catch Childplay on Friday and Sunday. With slapstick circus skills from Pass the bucket (suitable for ages 4 to 104) on the Friday, and Comic medieval tales for Kids from the Yarnsmith of Norwich on Sunday. For more information visit www.norwich.gov.uk |
It's Xmas in August at the Hippodrome, Great Yarmouth (18 August 2010)  It may only be the middle of summer but already the box office has opened for the Hippodrome’s Xmas Spectacular. – Seats went on sale yesterday as the historic Yarmouth venue continues itscurrent record breaking run with its all action Summer Spectacular and Water Show “FEARLESS” which ends on September 19th. This year the Hippodrome celebrates its 10th Anniversary of its Christmas Extravaganza that has become one of East Anglia’s most popular Xmas Shows with one of the largest casts in Europe, with over 60 performers making a spectacular traditional alternative to Pantomimes. The Christmas show opens Saturday 11th December till Monday 3rd January at 2.30pm. For more details on times and ticket prices, visit www.hippodromecircus.co.uk or call the Box Office 01493 844172. |
Green Buildings in Norfolk - Open Days 2010 (16 August 2010)  CPRE Norfolk’s popular Green Buildings Open Days will once again be taking place this year, offering guided, informative tours of 12 energy-efficient properties and projects between Thursday 23rd and Sunday 26th September.Among the properties featured for 2010 are a shed made from rammed-earth, a kit house from Bavaria, a converted pub in Corpusty and a house built into a North Norfolk hillside. Also offering guided tours are two community projects: a straw bale village hall in Neatishead and a community initiative throughout Reepham which aims to reduce the whole town’s carbon footprint, and encompasses new technologies, retro-fits and car clubs. Booking is essential for all the tours, and this year bookings can be made online, thanks to the support of the Energy Saving Trust. For a brochure and online bookings, visit www.cprenorfolk.org.uk/opendays If you are unable to book online call the Energy Saving Trust Advice Centre on 01376 531 547. |
 Chrissie Wellington MBE, one of Norfolk’s most successful sportswomen and three-times winner and reigning World Ironman Champion, is backing the benefits that the Tour of Britain is bringing to her home county.Chrissie Wellington said: “The Tour of Britain coming to Norfolk is great news for the county and as well as providing a first class sporting occasion for people to enjoy, the benefits go a lot further than the day itself. Getting people off the couch is something I feel very strongly about – and whether it be by drawing inspiration from professional cyclists, or any other sporting or cultural idol, I want to see nothing more than Norfolk’s young people really pushing themselves and achieving whatever they believe they can. It would be wonderful to see someone pick up a bike for the first time, as part of the work being done to support this event, and then go on to compete for their country as a professional cyclist or triathlete. The Tour of Britain is making sure that this is truly possible for the people of Norfolk.” |
The Closer You Get Diss Appears Waveney Springs Art Trail – September (11 August 2010)  Waveney Springs Art Collective artists living within 10 miles of Diss along the Waveney Valley, is staging an art trail in Diss collaborating with local businesses. Highlights are: Art in The Old Stables Gallery (all September), Art in Diss Shop Windows (all September – up to 30 shops) and Art in Artists’ Studios 11 and 12 & 18 and 19 September.Rick Wakeman, musician and local resident said: "I wholeheartedly support the Waveney Springs Art Trail and the local shops collaborating with local artists. It's a fact that as I get closer, Diss appears. Art - purely life. No art, no life!" |
Tour of Britain ‘Trial’ (11 August 2010)  Councillor Derrick Murphy, Deputy Leader and Cabinet member for Cultural Services Norfolk County Council tackled the whole of the Tour of Britain route on 30 and 31 July. He rode all 117 miles of Stage 6 of the Tour of Britain which will take place in the county on 16 September. Councillor Murphy was supported en route by other local councillors who rode part of the route. |
Hungate Medieval Art and the Stained Glass Trails day out Hungate Medieval Art are running another Stained Glass Trails Day Out on Friday 20th August, from 10am, to Cley Church, Binham Priory, Bale Church and Stody Church (which is Hungate trail Number 1 in the Hungate Stained Glass Trails Series.)(11 August 2010) At £28 per head the trip includes talks, morning coffee and lunch. Not only this but Nick Groves, author of The Medieval Churches of the City of Norwich, will be accompanying us on the trip. Places are limited and so pre booking is essential. Please pop into Hungate Medieval Art, St. Peter Hungate Church, Princes st Thurs- Sat 10-4 for enquiries and booking. Alternatively call the Centre Manager Alice Free on 01603 623254 (Thurs-Sat, 9-5) or 07570782236 at any other time. To understand more about Hungate Medieval Art and the Stained Glass Trails day out please visit www.hungate.org.uk. |
New Church Ambassadors (11 August 2010)  The Norfolk Churches Discovery Project has recruited 12 experienced volunteers from churches like Ranworth and Ludham in the Broads and Castle Acre. The volunteers will work with other churches in the diocese to advise them on running events and exhibitions and opening churches to visitors.Jennie Hawks Norwich Diocese Historic Places of Worship Support Officer is pictured at Ludham Church with the Church Ambassadors. |
Cycle celebration in Great Yarmouth (11 August 2010)  SeaChangeArts is bringing its own unique take on cycling to Great Yarmouth as Stage 6 of the Tour of Britain Cycle Race ends in Great Yarmouth on Thursday 16 September. The entertainment will be taking place from 11am, primarily on South Beach Parade. The Think Bikes Display Team will be performing breathtaking stunts and Rimski, a top-hatted, pedal-powered pianist will entertain by tinkling the ivories on the move. Local bands The Ferries and Love Hate Fate will also provide live music on board a cross between a bus and a bike – the Pedibus. Sculptor, Johnny White will be bringing his cycle art to town with a fleet of mechanical, bike-based sculptures while visitors will also be able add a little art to their own bikes at artist Kate Munro’s ‘Pimp Your Bike Trailer’, providing plenty of way-out ideas to decorate your own bike. Marseille based street arts company Generik Vapeur (pictured) will be bringing comedy chaos to the Market Place at 12.30pm with Les Champetres. |
Retro Arcade Fusion Digital Gallery, The Forum Norwich Retro Arcade (16 – 21 August, 10am to 5pm, free admission) aims to unite the generations with a fun look back at the history of computer games. Built around a multimedia show in Fusion, The Forum's giant digital gallery, Retro Arcade will contain videos, images and sounds from classic games throughout the ages.(11 August 2010) |
 Banham Zoo’s three snow leopards cubs are ready to be introduced to the zoo’s summer visitors and are certain to be the most popular animals in the zoo this year.Staff have now prepared the ‘nursery area’ in the outside enclosure so that the cubs are able to access part of the zoos recently constructed “Province of the snow cat”. Although slightly tentative at first the cubs are growing in confidence and have begun to explore their outside surroundings under the watchful gaze of mum Enif. Snow leopards are an endangered species and Banham Zoo have been involved in the European Breeding Programme for this species for over 25 years. The first pair arrived at the zoo from zoological collections in the USA and Finland. The cubs will remain at the zoo for at least 18 months after which they will be mature enough to be transferred to other zoos within the European breeding programme, helping to preserve this species future. For more information visit www.banhamzoo.co.uk. |
Norfolk Tourism and Broads Authority head for Birdwatchers ‘Glastonbury’ Norfolk Tourism and the Broads Authority are promoting the county’s credentials as the UK’s premier birdwatching destination at this year’s British Birdfair.(9 August 2010) More than 20,000 wildlife enthusiasts are expected to descend on the Birdfair at Rutland Water, from August 20 to 22. The event, now in its 22nd year is known as the birdwatcher’s ‘Glastonbury’. Norfolk Tourism will be exhibiting under the theme of Outdoor Norfolk www.visitnorfolk.co.uk/outdoors, which promotes the county’s world class countryside activities. This will be combined with the Broads’ ‘Britain’s Magical Waterland’ campaign. Visitors to the Norfolk Tourism stand will be invited to enter a draw to win weekend breaks at either The Virginia Court Hotel, Cromer or The Victoria Holkham / The Globe Wells- next-the-Sea (The Victoria & The Globe weekends courtesy of Adnams). |
The Grubbles are coming! (2 August 2010)  Tom Blofeld's new BeWILDerwood book arrives...The wandering Grubbles have come to BeWILDerwood and the Boggles are very excited. But why does everyone want to bring them their socks? Will Swampy and his gang have to eat some revolting pongiporridge? And why on earth has Mildred turned pink? To celebrate the arrival of the third tale, "A BeWILDermuddle", from the charming BeWILDerwood series written by Tom Blofeld, BeWILDerwood have organised a full week of activities from Monday 2nd to Sunday 8th August. Come along in your red socks, join our colourful "Silly sock search" trail, decorate a red sock with a message to the Grubbles, join in the ludicrously large red sock race and spot the first of the Grubbles' camp settlements on the edge of the Long lagoon. For more info visit www.bewilderwood.co.uk |
Norfolk walkers urged to take to the coast for WaterAid (30 July 2010)  WaterAid is calling on walkers in Norfolk to take to the area’s spectacular coastal paths and raise vital funds for some of the world’s poorest people by taking part in Coast Along for WaterAid 2010.The stunning North Norfolk coastal path features a rich and changing landscape, with some of the finest dunes, salt marshes and sands in Europe. With sections between 7 and 12 ½ miles, graded from easy to moderate, there’s a breathtaking coastal walk for everyone. The Coast Along sections of the North Norfolk coast path are: * Holme-next-to-the-Sea to Brancaster (7 miles, easy) * Brancaster to Burnham Overy Staithe (9 miles, easy) * Burnham Overy Staithe to Stiffkey (10 miles, moderate) * Weybourne to Cromer (9 miles, easy) * Stiffkey to Weybourne (12 ½ miles, moderate) Participants are welcome to do a part of any of these sections. Each team member is asked to raise a minimum of £50 in sponsorship for their walk, with family teams or children raising whatever they can. Money raised will help WaterAid to provide safe water, sanitation and hygiene education to those living in poverty in Africa, Asia and the Pacific region. The distance walked by most Coast Along participants will be similar to the daily routine collecting water for millions of women and children in Africa and Asia. For further information go to www.coastalongforwateraid.org or call 01225 526 149. |
East Anglia's green gathering - Harlequin Fayre A fun and colourful three day green camping event close to Norwich, Harlequin Fayre (13-15 Aug) relies on wind, solar and peddle power for the stages, stalls, workshops and other areas. (30 July 2010) There are fantastic bands, cabaret, walkabout, theatre, cinema, speakers, stand-up, campfires and performers. The Kids Area will be facilitating loads of activities and creative workshops, play, learning and mischief for a wide age range. There is a healing Area under the oak trees and a Sustainable Futures area hosting films and workshops. We have stalls travelling from near and far to bring you their wares including a bar of local award-winning beers. For more information and tickets see www.medleyproductions.co.uk. |
Normans in Norfolk (29 July 2010)  The Norman in Norfolk, a Norfolk Tourism/BBC Learning joint promotion to tie in with the BBC’s Norman season was launched at Castle Acre on Tuesday 27 July, with a live two-hour BBC Radio Norfolk broadcast of Karen Buchanan’s mid morning programme. The programme followed the route of BBC Norfolk’s Norman Walk at Castle Acre.Click here for our Normans in Norfolk page. Pictured left to right at the launch: Karen Buchanan BBC Radio Norfolk, Dr Lucy Marten, Director Centre for East Anglian Studies UEA and Lydia Smith Director Norfolk Tourism. |
Stormin’ Normans at Attleborough Library – Date Change The Stormin’ Normans event at Attleborough Library is on Saturday 7 August (not 3 August as previously publicised). The library is hosting a free Normans themed family fun day from 10am to 4pm, tel. 01953 452319 (29 July 2010) |
Norfolk’s Heritage Open Days events brochure launches (27 July 2010)  Members of the public will have the chance to delve into Norfolk’s fascinating and sometimes hidden heritage, with the launch of this year’s Heritage Open Days (HODs) programme featuring 215 free events celebrating Norfolk’s heritage between 9th and 12th September. HODs in Norwich is co-ordinated by Norwich Heritage Economic and Regeneration Trust (HEART). The brochure covers Heritage Open Days events in Norwich, Greater Yarmouth, South Norfolk and the Broads. The brochure – detailing all events and how to book – will be available from 2nd August in cultural venues, tourist information centres, libraries, post offices, cafes and shops across Norfolk. It can also be downloaded from www.heritagecity.org/hods from 2nd August and copies can be emailed and posted out free of charge – send requests to info@heritagecity.org or call 01603 305575. |
National Trust Chilli Fiesta (26 July 2010)  The National Trust www.nationaltrust.org.uk is staging the fourth annual Chilli Fiesta and Fête at Felbrigg Hall in North Norfolk on Wednesday 4 August, 11am to 5pm. More than 30 stalls feature locally-produced pickles, chutneys, cheese, chocolate, plants and seeds, home-made pies, pepper jelly and curries as well as special chilli ice cream produced by Criterion Ices will be on offer. The colourful sounds of Mariachi Mexteca will also bring a touch of Mexico to rural Norfolk. |
EDP Tourism in Norfolk Awards Get involved and nominate your business for a Tourism in Norfolk Award 2010. This year’s EDP Tourism in Norfolk Awards sponsored by Hoseasonsand in association with Norfolk Tourismhave been launched. Go to www.edp24.co.uk/tourismawards for more information. The deadline for entries is 3 September.(26 July 2010) |
Mustard Shop Celebrates Jeremiah Colman’s Birthday (26 July 2010)  Colman’s Mustard Shop & Museum www.mustardshopnorwich.co.uk celebrated the anniversary of the birthday of its founder, Jeremiah Colman on Friday, 16 July with a mustard flavoured chocolate cake produced by Ninham’s of Norfolk www.ninhams.co.uk another longstanding Norfolk business.Jeremiah Colman laid the foundations for what is today a global food brand, owned by Unilever. Colman’s still have a factory at Carrow, Norwich and Colman’s Mustard Shop & Museum – set up in 1973 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Colman’s – is now owned and run by Norwich Heritage Economic and Regeneration Trust (HEART) www.heritagecity.org. |
Discover Norfolk’s NGS Secret Garden Trail this Summer (26 July 2010)  Follow the Norfolk National Gardens Scheme Secret Garden trail this summer. Parents and children are invited to peep over the garden gates and explore the secret gardens within. A lot of the gardens have many features that interest children, woodland walks, nature conservation, exotic, tropical gardens, vegetable plots, unusual grasses and the special secret garden look. Admission for children is often free.Highlights include a chance to peek behind the garden gate of Bergh Apton Manor and a jungle discovery at Will Giles Exotic Garden (both 1 Aug), or visit an award winning orangery at Plovers Hill, Strumpshaw (8 Aug). See the Visit Norfolk What's On guide for a list of open gardens or for a full detailed list visit www.norfolkgardens.org. |
The Broads Britain’s Magical Waterland (22 July 2010)  Local tourism businesses are working together to promote all that is best about The Broads www.enjoythebroads.com in a new campaign which brands the area as ‘Britain’s Magical Waterland’.The Broads Tourism Forum www.broadstourismforum.co.uk has been working with the Broads Authority www.broads-authority.gov.uk to create a new image for the area, which is one of the Norfolk’s biggest tourism assets and one of the country’s most popular destinations for boating holidays. It is also a national angling hotspot and a haven for some of the UK’s rarest birds and wildlife. The campaign describes the Broads, which is a member of the National Park family, as “a magical place where land and water, people and nature meet.” Ian Russell, chairman of the Broads Tourism Forum, explains: “We need to create a new awareness and perception of the Broads, ensuring that it is understood by all as a unique destination. It is vital that we promote the Broads in a way that is consistent, contemporary and recognises the needs of tomorrow’s visitor, playing to our strengths and working towards the recognition of the Broads as a destination for all seasons.” A toolkit of marketing resources http://www.broads-authority.gov.uk/visiting/broads-branding-guidelines.html is available for use by all Broads businesses. |
Summer fun for everyone in Norwich! (20 July 2010)  Visitors in Norwich this summer will benefit from savings throughout the city, thanks to a new campaign 'Summer Fun for Everyone'.Launched by VisitNorwich and Norfolk County Council’s Park and Ride service, the campaign urges people to take the bus into the city, explore the many attractions and hit the shops, and save money too! To take advantage of these great money saving offers, people will need to look out for the ‘Summer Fun’ advertisements that will be placed in various newspapers around the county over the next six weeks. To receive their FREE booklet of fantastic summer offers, they will need to cut out the advertisement, fill it in and take it with their valid Park & Ride ticket to the enquiry office at one of Norwich’s Park & Ride sites or Norwich Bus Station. The 15 money saving vouchers have fantastic discounts on things to do, food & drink and shopping in Norwich, worth over £200! For ideas and inspiration of what to do this summer and details of all the money saving vouchers included in the free book, visit www.norwichsummerfun.co.uk |
Wash Week 2010 The Wash Estuary Strategy Group have announced a week of events around The Wash and North Norfolk Coast from the 7-15 August 2010. The programme of events aims to show the natural, cultural, historic, heritage and conservation value of the area. Some of the events are free and some need to be booked. To find out more and download flyer go to http://www.norfolkcoastaonb.org.uk/pages/pspage.php?PageID=67(15 July 2010) |
New exhibition at Hungate Medieval Art (13 July 2010)  From 21st July - 12 September 2010 Julia Cameron, winner of the Norwich Heritage Economic and Regeneration Trust (HEART)’s medieval churches photography competition, will be exhibiting her work entitled ‘Hungate Focus’ at Hungate Medieval Art. See the church from a new perspective with beautiful photographs showing the fine but obscure features of St Peter Hungate Church.In October 2009, Julia won the HEART competition with the associated exhibition being held in the Forum, with her image of St Stephen's Church entitled "Inside / outside reflections" (pictured), which took top spot in the Art and Architecture category. Judges commented: "Simply a beautiful photograph. The light spills onto the arches, highlighting the detail in the stonework which is framed by the reflection of the trees. The tone and warmth of the autumn leaves is seductive against the architecture of the church. The photographer has created a piece of art." Julia says of her new images "The photographs of St Peter Hungate are designed to focus visitors on some of the unnoticed or inaccessible details of the building. Elements of the church such as floor, stairs, walls, roof and windows are viewed as form, colour and texture.I hope that the simple beauty and craftsmanship employed over the church’s long existence is captured in the images." You can see the exhibition within the Centre’s normal opening times of Thursday – Saturday 10am-4pm. Plus, on Friday 6th August at 2pm there will be the opportunity to ‘Meet the Photographer.’ Normal entrance charge applies: £3 or £2.50 concessions for a 1 year pass. |
Out There festival celebrates international acts (9 July 2010)  The third Out There International Festival of Street Arts and Circus takes place in Great Yarmouth on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 September. Bringing together spectacular, intimate, amazing and beautiful acts from top international street artists and the best of the UK’s performers, the festival is now the largest of its kind in the region. This year, it will again be focussed around the town’s St George’s Park. Highlights include the company Generik Vapeur whose show, Bivouac, is a fire and drum street spectacular and has been performed in major cities across Europe for twenty years, but makes its debut in England at Out There. The French presence also includes a show combining a dynamic blend of dance and parkour called Fusion. It features two of the founders of the parkour phenomenon, Charles Perriere and Malik Diouf. Representation from down-under includes Sydney based Icarus Productions. World renowned for their stilt acts, they bring a taste of the outback to the east of England with a pair of eight foot high kangaroos. The giant bouncing marsupials are a blend of cheeky punk savvy and risqué humour and have even been voted second-best act at Glastonbury after Coldplay. Visitors will have plenty of opportunity to get ‘out there’ too in a programme of workshops and activities. There’ll be the chance to try your hand at spray art or circus skills. There’s an energetic workout with the Urban Playground parkour team and hands-on workshops around balloons, windmills and bicycles. The Out There festival is free and takes place on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 September. Further information is available at www.outtherefestival.com. |
Double boost for Hippodrome Circus (8 July 2010)  Yarmouth’s Hippodrome Circus has received a double boost before the new Summer Spectacular ‘Fearless’ has even opened! Yesterday, advance bookings for the Circus & Water Spectacular, which opens next Wednesday, were 100% up on this time last year. Owner and Producer Peter Jay said “I was amazed at the 100% increase, it looks like it’ll be a great summer – the English seaside holiday is back and the Hippodrome Summer Circus has been confirmed as “a must see” show for holiday makers and locals – it’s now Britain’s most visited and exciting summer show.” Peter also said that the poor value for money abroad, airport chaos for families were all boosting British tourism. He added, “The recent fantastic weather in Eastern England has also made people think – why go away when we have it all here. We have already extended the season by two weeks to the 19th September and some of the shows are already sold out!” He said “The Hippodrome Summer Spectacular is a world class West End quality show at end of the pier ticket prices, an incredible one off family experience and an incredible bargain all rolled into one.” 'Fearless' catches the atmosphere of this year’s new show, which features for the first time ever the Duo Vanegas Wheel of Death from Columbia, which includes a death defying somersault on the giant space wheel – only two other people in the world perform this hair raising stunt. The show also stars Polish circus stars Duo Vector in specially choreographed hand to hand balance in the centre of the water spectacular. Host Jack Jay and comedian Johnny Mac return after their successful debut last year in madcap comedy frolics in clown free hilarious new routines. Tickets can be booked online at www.hippodromecircus.co.uk or from the Box Office 01493 844172. The show runs from 14 Jul to 19 Sep. |
Deepdale Camping in Top 10 best posh UK camping holidays (2 July 2010)  Deepdale Backpackers & Camping, at Burnham Deepdale on the north Norfolk coast, has been lauded by The Daily Mail as one of the top 10 best posh camping holidays in the UK!The newspaper praises Deepdale as "a backpacking mecca, a busier, bigger and more professional outift than your average site - with pitches, hostel, shared dorms and trendy tipis" and highlights its eco-credentials including solar heating. Read the Top Ten Posh UK Camping Holidays article online, or visit www.deepdalefarm.co.uk for more information. |
250 classic cars set for Poppy Line transport festival The Poppy Line has received a record entry of over 250 classic cars for its annual Vintage Transport Festival this Sunday, July 4th. Centre of the Festival will be at Holt Station, just off the A 148 at High Kelling – but cars are expected to tour the surrounding roads and visit the other stations on the line.(2 July 2010) There’ll also be two historic double-deck buses providing free services: an AEC Regent new to Lowestoft Corporation in 1947 and a Bristol Lodekka new to Eastern Counties in the ‘50s. BBC Radio Norfolk’s “Nick Conrad’s Summer Season” show will be live at Sheringham Station from 12.00pm to 3.00pm on Sunday afternoon. Sunday also sees the start of “Quad-Arts” Week on the railway, when the 85-years-old wooden-bodied London suburban train will be in service every day. This train pioneered the articulated technology used today on Eurostar and other European high-speed trains. Normal fares apply for both Transport Festival and Quad-Arts week, and the £35 family ticket (2 adults + 2 children or 3 adults + 1 child) comes with a free £5 voucher to spend on refreshments or gifts. For more information visit www.nnrailway.co.uk |
Thetford Festival and Food & Drink Festival (2 July 2010)  The Thetford Food & Drink Festival will take place on the same day as the Thetford Charity Fun Day, which both form the finale of the Thetford Festival. The Thetford Festival is a week long series of cultural and entertaining events from August 27th - September 5th 2010.The Thetford Food & Drink Festival (Guildhall, 5th September 2010, 10am - 4pm)will showcase the fantastic array of local produce and cuisine available on our doorstep. Come and taste some of the finest food and drink that local producers have to offer, experience food from different cultures and learn how to cook some simple but delicious healthy recipes at food demonstrations. The Food & Drink Festival is being organised by Keystone Development Trust and is proudly sponsored by Thetford Healthy Town. We are pleased that it will form part of the Norfolk Food Festival and hope that it will become an annual event during the Thetford Festival week. Entry to the Food and Drink Festival is Free. Take part in our create a creature competition. Make a creature or animal out of fruit and vegetables, bring it along to the Food & Drink Festival and you will have the chance of winning a great prize!! As a fantastic finale to the Thetford Festival, the Thetford Charity Fun Day (Marketplace, 5th September 2010, 10am - 4pm) will include a host of entertaining activities and stalls, as well as a sponsored 3½ mile Family Walk and a 10 mile Cycle Ride. Enjoy some leisurely exercise, see some beautiful countryside and raise much needed funds for local charities: Crossroads Care in Norfolk, St Nicholas Hospice Care, Sustrans, Girlguiding UK, Feline Care Cat Rescue and Homing Centre and Keystone Development Trust. Registration for the sponsored events will take place in the School Lane Car Park on the 5th September at 10am for the walk and 1.30pm for the cycle ride. To request a sponsorship form email kavo@keystonetrust.org.uk or phone 01842 768 367. |
Norwich City of Culture 2013 video may help clinch the title A video made for part of Norwich's bid to become UK City of Culture 2013 has been released to the public.(2 July 2010) Shown to the panel of judges on June 16 as part of the Norwich bid, the film was made by local film-maker Martin Watters, and shows a montage of Norwich's cultural and heritage offer. The winning city will be announced in July. Other cities on the shortlist are Birmingham, Sheffield and Londonderry/Derry. Show your support for the Norwich City of Culture 2013 bid at www.norwichcityofculture.co.uk. |
Norwich, a NGS Garden trail (23 June 2010)  Norwich is known as a city of history, culture, shopping and a tourism destination. Now it is becoming known for its collection of gardens of quality and character and interest as another new garden opens in Norwich this year for the National Gardens Scheme. They are all accessible by public transport. Discover what is over the garden gate and hidden behind the city’s walls! A popular place for many years and still a favourite, attracting visitors annually, is the Bishop’s Garden open 1 -5 on the last Sunday in June, 27th admission £3, children free. It is a four acre walled garden dating back to the 12th century. The Bear Shop, Elm Hill, Norwich is opening for the first time for the National Gardens Scheme, the location featured in many famous films. It is open Sun 4th July, 11 - 4.30, Admission £3 or combined with Strangers Hall £4.50, children free. The garden is considered to be based on a design by Gertrude Jekyll, a small terraced garden behind a C15 house in the historic Cathedral Quarter of Norwich. Also open is Will Giles' Exotic Garden (1st August, 1- 5, admission £4.50), a subtropical also featuring the largest treehouse in Norfolk. For more details on the full Norwich NGS trail, pick up the Norfolk NGS Garden Guide or visit www.norfolkgardens.org. |
Great Yarmouth in Top Ten seaside resorts The east coast resort of Great Yarmouth has been voted one of the country's favourite seaside resorts.(21 June 2010) Great Yarmouth came tenth in an independent Which? Holiday survey of more than 4000 people, to find the UK's best seaside spots. Blackpool was the nation's favourite resort. |
Foreign Press Association visits the Broads (21 June 2010)  Journalists from Denmark, Finland, Germany, India, Romania and Spain, all members of the Foreign Press Association were in Norfolk on 18 June to explore the Norfolk Broads. They visited Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden, Ranworth Church, BeWILDerwood, Broadland Cycle Hire and Wroxham Barns. Photograph: The journalists are pictured at the top of Ranworth Church Tower. |
EDP Larking Gowen Tourism Business Survey (21 June 2010)  The results of the EDP Larking Gowen Tourism Business Survey are online at www.edp24.co.uk/tourismsurvey. As well as the statistics, there are case studies on marketing, green tourism, London 2012 and the internet. |
Norfolk Garden Chosen for Cover of NGS ‘Yellow Book’ 2010 (18 June 2010)  Manor House Farm, Wellingham near Fakenham, has been chosen to be the cover garden for this year’s National Gardens Scheme (NGS) handbook known as ‘The Yellow Book’. The image was taken by a famous garden photographer, Marianne Majerus, and graces the front cover of the famous garden lovers bible.The garden, owned by Libby and Robin Ellis, is open on June 20 from 2pm to 5.30pm, and is a charming four acre garden surrounding an attractive farmhouse. It possesses many interesting features: formal quadrants with obelisks, 'Hot Spot' with grasses and gravel, a small arboretum with specimen trees, a lime walk, vegetable parterre and rose tunnel. An unusual 'Taj' garden with old-fashioned roses, tree peonies, lilies and pond has been designed and planted in what was once the farmyard, using the surrounding old walls to produce a microclimate. More details at www.norfolkgardens.org. |
Places still available on Award Winning Norfolk Archaeological Project If you fancy spending part of this summer doing something different, and learning a new skill, why not try archaeology? Places are still available on week long and day courses offered by the Sedgeford Historical and Archaeological Research Project (SHARP), based at Sedgeford, West Norfolk.(17 June 2010) Founded in 1996, the Sedgeford Historical and Archaeological Research Project is one of the largest archaeological projects in Britain. We welcome everyone, regardless of previous experience of archaeology, on our on-site basic excavation and recording courses. This is the place to start if you have always wanted to have a go, and it is also particularly suitable for anyone who is thinking about studying archaeology in the future. For more information and applications please visit www.sharp.org.uk. |
Norwich 12 tours - explore Norwich's iconic buildings (16 June 2010)  From July HEART, in conjunction with Norwich Tourist Information Centre, will be running a series of four guided walking tours, each taking in three of the iconic buildings that make up Norwich 12 – Norwich Castle, Norwich Cathedral, The Great Hospital, The Halls – St Andrew’s and Blackfriars’, The Guildhall, Dragon Hall, the Assembly House, St James Mill, the Cathedral of St John the Baptist, Surrey House, City Hall and The Forum. It will be a great opportunity for people to experience 1,000 years of the city’s history in just a few hours. The tours will be led by an experienced guide and, wherever possible, will go inside the buildings. Tours will run for groups of up to 20 people on Thursdays and Fridays from July to September, and will last around three hours. The tours are part of HEART’s SHAPING 24 project, a new cultural tourism initiative that links the Norwich 12 heritage sites together with 12 heritage sites in Ghent. The project is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund from the European Union’s INTERREG IVA 2 Mers Seas Zeeën Cross-border Cooperation Programme 2007–2013. To receive a leaflet with details contact info@norwich12.co.uk or call Norwich Tourist Information Centre on 01603 213999. |
Shadows of Shakespeare at Blickling Hall (14 June 2010)  A new contemporary exhibition by artist Rosalind Lyons Hudson is to take centre stage in the Long Gallery at the National Trust’s Blickling Hall. Shadows of Shakespeare opens on 19 June and runs until 30 August. Rosalind’s work reflects the Tudor period, showing off the sumptuous costumes and fabrics, but with a modern stylised twist. Figures are the focal point of her paintings, many of which are actors, referred to as ‘shadows’ in the original Elizabethan theatre. Photograph Cesario and Olivia by Rosalind Lyons Hudson |
Titchwell Manor – new Eating Rooms (14 June 2010)  Titchwell Manor, near Brancaster on the North Norfolk Coast, has opened the new designer Eating Rooms, a stunning informal dining area and bar, which leads out to a sea view terrace – the perfect place for a sundowner. At the same time the hotel has introduced a new Tasting Menu, which is served in its fine dining Conservatory Restaurant. Created by avant-garde designer Shaun Clarkson, the Eating Rooms striking decor is eclectic and bold with features reflecting the undulating sea and wide, golden sandy beaches. The hotel has spectacular, uninterrupted views across open marshes to the sea.Photograph: The bar in the new Eating Rooms |
Dad’s Army’s Captain Mainwaring Statue in Thetford The new statue of Captain Mainwaring in Thetford will be unveiled by Dad’s Army writers David Croft and Jimmy Perry at 12noon on Saturday 19 June, part of a packed programme of events organised by the Dad’s Army Museum in the town. For nine years from 1968, Thetford was Dad’s Army’s Walmington-on-Sea. The Dad’ Army Museum celebrates the town’s links with this ever-popular BBC TV show.(14 June 2010) |
Fearless at The Hippodrome (14 June 2010)  Great Yarmouth’s Hippodrome’s summer spectacular – Fearless – opens on 14 July and runs until 19 September. The show features the Duo Vanegas Wheel of Death from Columbia – on their first visit to the UK which includes a death defying somersault on the giant space wheel – only two other people in the world perform this hair raising stunt. There’s also Duo Vector from Poland, hosts Jack Jay and comedian Johnny Mac, Robert Foxhall, the man who can fly, Vladimir Georgievsky with his comedy trampoline act, together with many, the Estelle Clifton Dancers and the Jan Baines Show Swimmers. Photograph Johnny Mac and Jack Jay |
See The Chalk Giants at Norwich Puppet Theatre (10 June 2010)  Norwich Puppet Theatre has been awarded a £60,000 Arts Council England Grant through the National Lottery for two new productions with leading puppetry company Indefinite Articles and highly-reputed puppeteer Peter O’Rourke. The Chalk Giants opens at Norwich Puppet Theatre on 24 July for a 2-week run before showing at the Edinburgh Festival in late August. The show then goes on tour to schools and other venues across the East of England. The Chalk Giants, which is ideal for families with children age 5 and over, is based on an old English folk-tale and creates a world of magic and mystery with chalk drawings, light and shadow puppetry. The story, which was researched and developed with local people and schools, references features of the landscape, both real and legendary, through improvised storytelling about the Icknield Way in Suffolk (known as the ‘chalk belt’) and its local myths. The second production with Peter O’Rourke, a fresh take on the classic tale Little Red Riding Hood, will begin to be developed in 2011. For more information visit www.norwichpuppettheatre.co.uk. |
Broadland Food Directory highlights the best of local (9 June 2010)  The updated Broadland Food Directory has just been launched and provides local residents, visitors and businesses alike with information on where to source quality local produce.Whether you're looking for a quality pub or restaurant, or want to sample some of the district's beers and ales, the directory can help. Each of the businesses listed also displays the Local Food is our Business window sticker in their shops so look out for the stickers when you are shopping. To view or download the Directory visit Broadland District Council's website. |
Henry Moore Textiles exhibition (9 June 2010)  Henry Moore Textiles, a major exhibition of Moore’s fabric designs from the 1940s and 1950s, opens at the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts on Tuesday 22 June and runs until Sunday 29 August. Henry Moore’s passion for colour and form is revealed in this exhibition which brings together dress and upholstery fabrics with large-scale wall panels, drawings, lithographs and sculpture. Moore was first approached for fabric designs by Czech textile manufacturer Zika Ascher in late 1942 or early 1943. By the late 1940s Moore had moved on from repeat textile designs and was experimenting with limited editions of textile panels comprising single figure motifs, that could be hung as objects of art in themselves. Henry Moore Textiles runs from Tuesday 22 June to Sunday 29 August 2010, open Tuesday to Sunday (closed Monday), 10am to 5pm. For more details and prices visit www.scva.ac.uk or call 01603 593199. Pictured: Various colourways of Barbed Wire, c.1946, photo: Matt Pia. Reproduced by permission of The Henry Moore Foundation |
On the Trail of Norfolk’s Stained Glass By popular demand, Hungate Medieval Art has organised a guided visit on one of the tours included on their Stained Glass Trails. The Trails together feature over 35 different churches and highlight some of Norfolk’s most interesting stained glass. (9 June 2010) On Wednesday 14th July we invite you to join us on Trail 10, which covers the churches of Stratton Strawless, Cawston, and Salle. An extra bonus on this day out is the inclusion of Booton church. Included in the price of £28 is transport and a set sandwich lunch at the Ratcatchers pub in Eastgate. It may be unknown to many but medieval glass remains in over 200 of Norfolk’s parish churches. By providing this unique day out Hungate Medieval Art aims to draw attention to some of these medieval treasures and allow people to explore a few of the beautiful churches where these windows are to be found. To ensure you don’t miss out please book in advance - Dale Copley 01603 623254 / Dale.Copley@hungate.org.uk. |
British Minigolf Championships Wroxham Barns Results (7 June 2010)  Tim Davies from Hastings won the 2010 British Minigolf Championships on Sunday, June 6 at Wroxham Barns, coming top of a field of 27 golfers, with a total of 231 shots over seven rounds.Mr Davies won the championships by one shot from Nick Chitty. It is Mr Davies’ third British Championships win and his 8th major in 10 years on the circuit, a record for a British minigolfer. Tim Davies also took home the Seniors title. Nicky Chitty won last year’s English Open, staged at Wroxham Barns. He equalled his course record of 29 today, set during the English Open. Peter Parr also equalled the course record. Adam Kelly from Cambridge won the Wroxham Barns trophy for best East Anglian golfer and Helen Heald from Nottingham was best novice. Tim Davies said: “It is the first time that I have played the Wroxham Barns course. It is very challenging, but most of the holes can be aced (holes in one) by top golfers. I am really pleased to have won the title here in what was a very close competition.” Photograph: Tim Davies takes his final putt on the 18th |
Jolly Sailors Stages First Norfolk Ale Festival (7 June 2010)  The Jolly Sailors is staging its first Norfolk Ale Festival from Friday, June 11 to Sunday, June 13. Eleven Norfolk beers will be on sale including the Jolly sailors own Brancaster best and Malthouse Bitter. As well as the real ale - all brewed in Norfolk - there will be a host of entertainment on tap throughout the weekend, including live country / celtic / folk music from ‘Rum Brothers’ (Friday), fun and traditional games in the garden (Sat afternoon), live music from ‘Feral & the Tom Cats’ (Sat eve)and local arts and crafts in the garden (Sun afternoon). There is also a big screen TV to view the World Cup action. For more information visit www.jollysailorsbrancaster.co.uk. |
First Ever Peated English Whisky Goes On Sale in Norfolk (1 June 2010)  The first batch of what is believed to be the first ever peated English malt whisky goes on sale on Monday 7 June at St George’s Distillery, Roudham, Norfolk, home of the English Whisky Company (EWC). Some 2,500 bottles of Chapter 9, the EWC’s peated malt whisky will be available at £39.99 a bottle. Jim Murray, international whisky critic and author of the Whisky Bible speaking to Reuters earlier this year said: "The EWC's peated whisky is way up there and is of an exceptionally high quality. A number of Scottish distilleries just don't achieve that. Partly, that is because EWC is a small company and they ensure what they are producing is of high quality and every cask counts. They are on the path to gold." St George’s Distillery is open daily 10am to 5.30pm. Distillery tours run on the hour from 10am to 4pm. St. George's Distillery, Harling Road, Roudham, Norfolk, NR16 2QW, tel. 01953 717939, www.englishwhisky.co.uk. |
New EEDA Chairman Visits Norfolk (1 June 2010)  Will Pope, the new Chairman of the East of England Development Agency visited Norfolk on 25 May and met tourism industry representatives at Wroxham Barns. Pictured front left to right: Lydia Smith, Director Norfolk Tourism (Visit Norfolk), Will Pope and Ian Russell, Director Wroxham Barns and Chairman Broads Tourism Forum. Back: Chris Starkie (left) Chief Executive Shaping Norfolk’s Future and Michael Timewell, Director Blue Sky Leisure and Chairman Norfolk Tourism. |
New Rhododendron View at Sheringham Park (1 June 2010)  The National Trust has opened a new viewing platform overlooking the canopy of massed rhododendrons at Sheringham Park on the North Norfolk coast.More than 80 species of rhododendron are in flower during early June. For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-sheringhampark or call 01263 820550. |
 This year is the 350th anniversary of the restoration of the monarchy. So, was Norwich Royalist or Puritan? This new tour, organised by the Norwich Blue Badge guides for the city council run Tourist Information Centre, covers the bloody effect of the civil war on the city, and explores the social and religious upheaval, and other changes of the 16th and 17th centuries. Starting at The Forum, the tour takes in sites of important happenings at the time, like explosive riots, and the effect of plague. The tour comes to an end at the statue of Thomas Browne near to Hay Hill, whose literary works include a book on common errors, for example, that elephants have no joints in their bodies, and badgers had legs shorter one side than the other. The tour starts on Saturday 29 May 2010 at 11am, it will also run on Fridays throughout June and September at 2pm, and costs £4 Adults, £1.50 children, £1.50 Go 4less. Take advantage of the Special offer and book two different tours for £5 for adults. For more info, visit the Tourist Information Centre at The Forum, call them on 01603 213999 or email tourism@norwich.gov.uk. |
Wherry Lines & Bittern Lines guided walks (26 May 2010)  A new series of guided walks from the Bittern and Wherry Lines starts in August 2010. The walks, organised by the Wherry & Bittern Lines CommunityRail Partnerships, start at Norwich rail station and are an ideal way to explore the Norfolk countryside using public transport. Walks include a 'Dungeons and Dragons' tour of historic Norwich, Cromer Ridge and West Runton, a winter walk along the River Yare to Reedham, and a ramble across the marshes from Berney Arms. To find out more visit www.bitternline.com and www.wherrylines.org.uk, or download the Guided Walks leaflet PDF. |
Carleton Rode School Prepares for Art Alive (25 May 2010)  All the students at Carleton Rode Primary School are busy preparing for art alive in churches at Carleton Rode Church 29 to 31 May (open 10.30am to 6.30pm).The students, split into year groups, are creating artwork to bring alive the church’s wall paintings of consecration crosses and the rood screen, which depicts paintings of the saints. Years 5 and 6 (ages 10 and 11) are producing 12 statues of the Saints with a modern twist. Years 3 and 4 (ages 8 and 9) are creating stained glass effect mobiles with colourful designs based on the consecration crosses and Years 1 and 2 (ages 4 to 7) age group have made a large colourful mosaic based on a consecration cross. The mosaic design will also be used as the basis of a new school badge. Photograph: Work in progress, making a statue of Saint. |
International Pianist at Paston College Bruce Vogt, one of the biggest names among Canadian pianists, will be playing along to the hilarious silent movie classic 'The General' as part of The Griffon Festival.(24 May 2010) Bruce Vogt, the phenomenal Canadian pianist of international standing, has enthralled packed audiences at Trunch Church and The King of Hearts in recent years. At Paston College Theatre on Friday 25th June, he will recreate the excitement of the early days of cinema with his own virtuosic live piano playing to the hilarious silent movie classic 'The General' of Buster Keaton as part of the Griffon Festival. Fans of Charlie Chaplin will also get a chance to hear Bruce accompany two short films of this other great comic genius of the 1920s cinema. The event has been made possible through a partnership of the organisers of the concerts at Trunch Church, The Griffon Area Partnership, Paston College, and funding from Norfolk County Council through their Arts Fund. Tickets are available from the Griffon Area Partnership on 01692 407509 at a price of £10 per ticket (concessions £5). |
Stay a Little Longer in Loddon and Wroxham (24 May 2010)  East of England Tourism (EET) has produced the first batch of a series of 50 ‘Stay a little longer’ guides to rural areas as part of their Sustainable Tourism East project, supported under the Rural Development Programme for England by the East of England Development Agency, Defra and the EU.The first three leaflets covering Wroxham, Loddon and Somerleyton, were launched at Wroxham Barns on the 20 May. Keith Brown, Chief Executive EET (left) is pictured with Ian Russell, Director Wroxham Barns. The guides are designed to encourage visitors to stay a little longer to explore some of the region’s most charming and unspoilt rural areas. They will highlight local distinctiveness with an emphasis on culture and heritage, traditions and outdoor activities - and give ideas for a car-free day out. The guides will showcase businesses, which are participating in other aspects of the Sustainable Tourism East project and will help to support the local economy. Download copies of the guides at www.visiteastofengland.com. |
| The most high profile Norfolk marketing campaign, World Class Norfolk, now offers visitors a flavour of Norfolk’s heritage, festivals and culture in the World Class Tourism film: Find out more about the film  |
Wroxham Barns Hosts British Minigolf Championships (18 May 2010)  Wroxham Barns’ 18-hole minigolf course has been selected to host its first Major, the British Minigolf Association’s (BMGA) British Championships on Saturday, June 5 and Sunday, June 6. Play starts at 3pm on June 5, with the tournament comprising five rounds of minigolf. The top British minigolfers will be visiting Wroxham Barns to compete to be British Champion along with the British Junior, Women and Seniors titles. Local golfers are also very welcome to take part. A special Wroxham Barns trophy, created by resident sculptor Sue Windley, will be presented to the top East Anglian golfer. The entry fee is £25 adults and £10 juniors (minimum age 14). Entry forms can be downloaded from the BMGA’s website, www.minigolf.org.uk or call 07910 243841. |
Bank Holiday Vintage Bus Shuttle Connects Wroxham Attractions (18 May 2010)  Sidelines Coaches is running a shuttle service on Bank Holiday Monday, May 31, with its 1959 vintage Bedford bus, connecting Bure Valley Railway, Broads Tours and Wroxham Barns. The bus will meet most Bure Valley Railway arrivals from Aylsham, and will leave the Wroxham station at 1055, 1225, 1335, 1430,1520 and 1625. Return journeys will arrive at Bure Valley Railway at 1155, 1325,1425,1515, 1615 and 1715. Single fairs only available, Broads Tours 50p and Wroxham Barns £1 (same charge for return journeys). Children under five travel free, no dogs except for guide dogs. Visitors arriving at Wroxham Barns with a Sidelines ticket will be given discounted admission to Junior Farm. For full timetable details see the Wroxham Barns website. |
Fairhaven Garden – Time to See UK’s Largest Candelabra Primula Collection (18 May 2010)  Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden’s celebrated candelabra primulas are approaching their best. Some 25,000 colourful candelabras, the largest naturalised collection in the UK, will be on show until early June. The candelabra primulas, displaying all the colours of the rainbow, can be viewed beside the footpaths and water filled dykes that criss-cross the South Walsham garden. Several species of rhododendron and azaleas add to the spectacle in May. |
Enjoy England Awards for Excellence 2010 The hunt is on for the Region’s top tourism businesses, the East of England Enjoy England Awards for Excellence highlight the best of the tourism industry and help to raise the profile of the participants.(18 May 2010) The criteria for all categories include commitment to excellent accommodation or facilities, high standards of customer service, care for the environment, innovative business ideas to attract new and repeat business and accessibility for disabled guests. EET’s Chairman Derek Langslow, who is chairing this year’s judging panel, said ‘The regional Enjoy England Awards offer a wonderful opportunity to show off the great qualities of the East of England. We have a great array of tempting attractions, cosy accommodation and scrumptious food to attract discerning visitors. The winners have the chance to go on and win a prestigious national award.’ The closing date for entries is Wednesday 30 June. See www.eet.org.uk for more information. |
Diss Museum Wins Museums Ocscar (17 May 2010)  Diss Museum has won a Museums and Heritage Award For Excellence for last year’s Tom Paine Festival. Basil Abbott, Museum Manager received his museums ‘oscar’ at the awards ceremony, Church House, Westminster on 12 May in the category Best Project on a Limited Budget. |
National Trust: The Album (17 May 2010)  Jarvis Cocker, best known as the former front man for the band Pulp, has been working with the National Trust to produce an album of natural sounds, recorded at some of our most loved sites. The 33-minute recording titled National Trust: The Album takes the listener on an audio journey around Britain, features Norfolk’s Blickling Hall with sounds from the clock tower and clocks in the house. The album, which is available until the end of June free from the National Trust website, has taken three months to produce and is designed to showcase the peace and tranquillity people enjoy when visiting the special places cared for by the trust. Image by Mischief PR |
Visit a Norfolk NGS garden or two! (13 May 2010)  With many magnificent gardens open this year, the National Gardens Scheme in Norfolk is enticing visitors to plan a garden day out to view open gardens within easy reach of each other. Lexham Hall and Narborough Hall, both set in parkland, open on Sunday 16th May. Both have a splendid show of spring colour, extensive walks along the River Nar, woodland, topiary and walled gardens, and are only 10 miles apart. One of the first new gardens to open is 5 Batterby Green, Hempton, a cottage garden packed with plants opening the same day as Derwen, Whissonsett Road, Colkirk on Sunday 23rd May. With six NGS gardens open this weekend, there is a challenge for the keen visitor to see how many they can enjoy. Chelsea Award winning garden designer Clare Agnew opens the garden at Oulton Hall (pictured) on Sunday 30th May. Take a short journey to the north coast to view Warborough House, a 7-acre garden on a steep chalk slope with views across the Stiffkey valley and to the coast. For more garden day out ideas visit your local Tourist information, garden centre, nursery or open garden to pick up a Norfolk NGS Garden Guide or visit www.norfolkgardens.org. |
Blue Flag beaches in Norfolk (13 May 2010)  Blue Flag 2010 Award winners in Norfolk are Sheringham, Cromer, Sea Palling and Hunstanton. The Blue Flag designation acts as a guarantee to tourists that the beach is one of the best in the world, and has excellent cleanliness, water quality, environmental education and safety. Hunstanton also won the Quality Coast Award, a symbol only awarded to those beaches that have achieved the very highest standards. |
Enjoyed your break in Norfolk? Share your experiences and win! (12 May 2010)  EnjoyEngland's 'Enjoy Every Minute, Enjoy England' campaign promotes all of the things you can do in England, whether you have a day, a weekend or just 60 minutes to spare. It could be anything from a perfect picnic, fun at the beach, walking through the countryside or sharing a drink with friends in the sunshine. Show us how you make the most of one minute in England for a chance to win a 10,000 minute holiday in England for up to four people! To take part simply submit your video, one minute in length, showing us your ‘favourite minute in England.’ Go to www.visitorreview.com/enjoyeveryminute to enter. You can also enter your favourite English holiday memory at www.telegraph.co.uk/enjoyengland for a chance to win a 7 night stay at a luxury spa hotel! If you've enjoyed your time in Norfolk, please share your views with others and be in with a chance of winning! |
Norwich bid for City of Culture 2013! (10 May 2010)  Norwich has been shortlisted to be the first UK City of Culture in 2013. This vibrant city is host to many arts organisations which not only nuture local talent but bring the best international arts to the fine city. From high profile organisations such as the Norfolk & Norwich Festival, Norwich Theatre Royal, Norwich Arts Centre, Norwich Playhouse and Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts, through to innovative DIY culture and galleries, Norwich is bursting with creativity. The bid for UK City of Culture is supported Stephen Fry, Amit Chaudhri, and Marco Pierre White, as well as local arts organisations and media. Find out more about the bid, show your support and sign up to the newsletter at www.norwichcityofculture.co.uk or show your support by joining the Facebook group.
|
Cromer and Sheringham Crab & Lobster Festival (10 May 2010)  The inaugural Cromer and Sheringham Crab & Lobster Festival (May 21 – 23) is a weekend of celebration, with art, dancing, music, film, comedy and children's events. The festival begins with an exclusive event: rival town singing groups the Cromer Smugglers and Sheringham Shantymen will perform together on the same stage for the first time in Cromer Pier’s Pavilion Theatre. The Festival ends with another exclusive, the First World Pier Crabbing Championship, also at Cromer. |
 For over 50 years, Ivor the Engine has been delighting children with his adventures on TV and in books. Now he’s making his first-ever personal appearance on the Poppy Line on Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th June, bringing to life the magic of the Merioneth and Llantisilly Rail Traction Company and the line to Grumbly Town.Created by Oliver Postgate and Peter Firmin, the adventures of the railway engine that wants to sing in the choir capture children’s imagination, as Ivor helps to keep the dragon red hot and find the elephant lost in the gasworks. We can’t promise dragons, elephants or gasworks on the Poppy Line – but Ivor will be there, large as life. And watch out for Jones the Steam! When Ivor the Engine visits the Poppy Line on June 12th and 13th, all day Rover tickets will be required for travel on the Ivor train, and will also be valid on all other trains on the day of issue. These are at the Poppy Line’s normal prices: £10.50 adult, £9.50 senior citizen, £7 child 5 – 15, and £35 family (the family ticket comes with a £5 voucher to spend on refreshments or gifts). Children under 5 go free. To book in advance, visit www.nnrailway.co.uk or call 01263 820 800. |
Norwich Dragon Festival back by popular demand (6 May 2010)  Organisers behind the first ever Norwich Dragon Festival are delighted to announce that the Festival will be held again in February 2011.Norwich Heritage Economic and Regeneration Trust (HEART), which coordinated the first Festival in February 2009, has made the decision to run the Festival once again following the enormous success and positive feedback of the first Festival, which attracted 22,000 people. The 2009 Festival celebrated the enduring importance of dragons in the culture and history of Norwich through 40 fun, exciting and informative events including storytelling; puppet shows; film; art and craft activities; exhibitions; talks; sculpture; a trail; and competitions at venues around the city, many held in Norwich’s most beautiful and historic buildings. The Festival also won the Best Marketing Initiative at the EDP Tourism in Norfolk Awards 2009. The 2011 Norwich Dragon Festival will be held from 12 to 27 February. If you would like to hold an event or find out more email info@heritagecity.org, call 01603 305575, visit www.heritagecity.org/dragonfestival. |
Steam and Heritage Diesel Gala on the Poppy Line (6 May 2010)  A Leyland Railbus originally trialled on East Anglian lines some 30 years ago is set to be the star of a mixed steam and diesel gala on the Poppy Line on the 5th and 6th June. Based on the Leyland National single-deck bus which was once a familiar sight in Norfolk, the LEV1 Railbus was intended as the forerunner of a fleet to serve lightly-used rail lines – but it hit the buffers, so to speak, and the Poppy Line vehicle remains unique.The steam line-up is led by a powerful engine built in the ‘30s for the London, Midland and Scottish Railway. Known to enthusiasts as a “Black 5”, this locomotive went on to serve British Railways after World War II. Normal fares apply for this unusual Gala. For more information visit www.nnrailway.co.uk or 01263 820800. |
‘Wild About the Wensum’ Event at Pensthorpe (5 May 2010)  Pensthorpe Nature Reserve, host of BBC Springwatch and famous for nature and conservation in Norfolk, is hosting the fourth action-packed ‘Wild About the Wensum’ day on Saturday May 22nd from 10am to 5pm. The event coincides with the 2010 International Day of Biodiversity which sees events around the world highlighting the importance of our habitat and wildlife.Visitors will find local craft demonstrations, mobile making, face painting, a bird radio tracking game, bird identification sessions with local experts and many more games and adventures. Music will be provided by Rig a Jig Jig. There will also be a hog roast and barbecue. Admission to Pensthorpe and the event is free on the day, with a nominal £4 car parking charge per vehicle to help make it financially sustainable and to encourage car sharing. For more information call 01328 851465 or visit www.pensthorpe.com or www.wildaboutthewensum.blogspot.com. |
Burst into Bloom at the Norfolk Garden Show (4 May 2010)  A host of big names will be dispensing expert advice at this year’s Norfolk Summer Garden Show at Norfolk Showground on May 7th/8th/9th. This event will be celebrating the great outdoors and helping you to make the most of your garden this Summer.Gardening fans will find plenty at the show to keep their outdoor spaces looking gorgeous, including talks from RHS and local horticultural experts. Visitors, who will be inspired by garden designs and floral displays, can shop their way through a variety of plants and garden supplies. For more information and to book tickets call 01702 549622 or visit www.aztecevents.co.uk. |
Norwich Fringe Festival 7-22 May (4 May 2010)  Norwich Fringe Festival is an independent artist led festival featuring music, comedy, poetry, book readings and art exhibitions. See the full programme at http://www.norwichfringefestival.com. |
New historic trail booklet helps you discover the Norwich Lanes on foot (29 April 2010)  The fourth in a series of historic walking trail booklets for the city has been launched by Norwich Heritage Economic and Regeneration Trust (HEART), helping local people and visitors discover the area’s fascinating past.The Norwich Lanes booklet is a beautifully illustrated pocketable guide taking in the historic highlights of this vibrant area, including both well-known and more unfamiliar sights. The booklet also covers stories of some of the people and events which have shaped the area including details of all the people commemorated by pavement markers on St Gregory’s Green. The first three trails cover the Cathedral Quarter and Elm Hill; Timberhill; and the Wensum River Parkway. The Norwich Lanes walk covers around a mile and is likely to take 45 minutes to an hour, depending on walking pace and pauses for reading and photographing. Trail booklets are priced at £1.95 and are available from Jarrold, Norwich Tourist Information Centre and Colman‘s Mustard Shop & Museum and some local shops around Norwich. For more information visit www.heritagecity.org/norwichtrails. |
Visit Norfolk finalist at the 2010 Group Travel Awards (28 April 2010)  www.visitnorfolk.co.uk has been voted by the readers of Group Travel Organiser magazine as a finalist in the category of Best On-Line Information Service for the 2010 Group Travel Awards. Other finalists in the category include VisitBritain, Yorkshire, North East England and The National Trust. The winner will be announced at the 14th Group Travel Awards on Friday 11th June 2010 at the London Hilton on Park Lane Hotel.Other Norfolk nominees for the Group Travel Awards are Norwich for Best Shopping Venue for Groups - Town or Shopping Centre; Thursford Christmas Spectacular for Best Event for Groups, and Caister Holiday Park (Haven), Potters Leisure Resort and Seacroft Holiday Village (Richardson's) - all nominated for Best All-Inclusive Group Holiday Venue. |
 As part of this year’s Museums at Night celebrations, Norwich Heritage Economic and Regeneration Trust (HEART) is giving children the chance to experience Norwich’s medieval Guildhall after the lights go out! On Saturday 15 May children aged 9-14 will be able to explore the building after dark, take part in acting out both a Victorian and a modern day mock trial in the old court room; listen to some eerie ghost stories and tales of local legends in the undercroft told by popular storyteller Marion Leeper; and indulge in a midnight feast, before spending the night in the magnificent Sword Room or Council Chamber. The event is part of the national Museums at Night celebrations taking place on 14 to 16 May, a weekend of nocturnal adventures as museums unlock their doors for the annual after-hours event. For more details or to book, please call Laura Crossley on 01603 599577, email lauracrossley@heritagecity.org or visit HEART’s website at www.heritagecity.org. The Guildhall event is one of eight exciting and diverse Museums at Night events taking place in the city this year including: the Assembly House; the Cathedral of St John the Baptist; Colman’s Mustard Shop & Museum; Dragon Hall; The Forum; Norwich Cathedral; and the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts, making it the biggest Museums at Night programme Norwich has ever seen! For full details on the first seven events visit www.heritagecity.org and for the Sainsbury Centre visit www.scva.ac.uk. |
Norfolk & Norwich Festival – World Class Entertainment (23 April 2010)  From 7 to 22 May Norwich will be transformed into one enormous artistic playground for the 238th year of the Norfolk & Norwich Festival, one of the top five UK city festivals, with world premières, a feast of international stars, local talent and outdoor spectaculars. Highlights include co-founder of the Velvet Underground, John Cale, the UK première of a performance charting the history of Jerusalem by Jordi Savall with some 38 musicians from Jewish, Muslim and Christian heritages, and the world première of a composition written to be performed by ice-cream vans. Free events feature a launch double bill with thunderous percussion from groove machine, Dhol Foundation and a riotous show called Happy Urban Chaos in which the audience joins a parade of streamers, ribbons and confetti through the centre of Norwich. Families are also invited to join the fun for free at the two-day Garden Party on 15 and 16 May or at the massive free fireworks event 'Bird and Fire' (pictured) in Earlham Park on Saturday 8 May. For sixteen days Chapelfield Gardens in Norwich will be transformed into Festival Gardens with festoons of lights, a labyrinth, a totally unique carousel and the hit of 2009: the Spiegeltent. This year the Spiegeltent will house circus, music and dancing plus a daytime programme of swing and tea dances and a Milonga for tango-fans. To book tickets visit www.nnf10.org.uk or ring the Box Office on 01603 766400. |
Advice for visitors currently in the UK If you're currently in Britain from overseas, and are worried about the impact of the volcanic ash cloud and flight cancellations, VisitBritain have issued some advice:(21 April 2010) You can keep up-to-date with the latest air travel restrictions by visiting http://www.nats.co.uk/. Members of the public who had flights booked are advised to contact their airlines in the first instance to check future bookings and cancellation policies. UK ferry, train and coach companies have been working round the clock to assist and transport passengers; there is available capacity on ferries and coaches to and from mainland Europe. Information on ferries can be found at http://www.discoverferries.co.uk/. Eurostar are regularly adding extra trains to help stranded passengers - please check http://www.eurostar.com/ for availability. National Express coaches have a dedicated helpline 08717 818181 (from UK) 0044 8717 81818 (from overseas). Information on European coaches is available from Eurolines at http://www.eurolines.co.uk/. Overseas visitors who are currently in the UK and are unable to travel in the near future might be interested in a range of offers made by the UK tourism industry. For example, the National Trust is making all of their properties free of charge to stranded visitors (on production of an airline ticket) http://www.nationaltrust.org/. |
Get a Spring in your Step with a Break at Kelling Heath Holiday Park (21 April 2010)  Kelling Heath Holiday Park, in North Norfolk, the perfect place to take the children for the Spring Half Term! There’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy, with loads of activities such as scavenger hunts, art workshops, wildlife walks and ‘Xtreme’ cycling, with these events running throughout the spring and the summer season. The self guided scavenger hunts, on 29th May and 5th June, are perfect for the whole family. Find a list of items around Kelling Heath to win a lucky dip prize. If you’re over 12 and an intrepid cyclist, sign up for ‘Xtreme’ bike riding on 4th June and practice your skills on the parks many cycle paths. There are also a whole range of activities in the Acorn Events programme that link arts and crafts to the surrounding natural environment. Why not take a walk around the beautiful heathland with resident wildlife expert Peter Walton for a Nightjar, heathland or spring wildlife walk, where you can see, hear and find out all about the diverse range of creatures that make their home at Kelling Heath? There are also sessions on moth trapping and identification, as well as bee, bat walks and pond dipping. Find out more at www.kellingheath.co.uk. |
Norfolk's route for the Tour of Britain cycle race (20 April 2010)  One hundred and seventeen miles of Norfolk's roads will be the route for the county's largest ever live sporting spectacle, as the Tour of Britain cycle race heads across Norfolk on Thursday September 16.The Tour of Britain is the UK's biggest professional bicycle race and a centrepiece of the British sporting calendar - with live television coverage in the UK, live Internet coverage, and further television broadcast in more than 100 countries. The Tour is also the biggest free to spectate sporting event in the UK - attracting around a million spectators to the roadside. The race will begin from Tuesday Market Place in King's Lynn on Thursday morning, taking in Hunstanton, Burnham Market, Holkham Hall, Wells-next-the-Sea, Sheringham, Holt, Aylsham, Norwich and Wroxham, before ending mid-afternoon on South Beach Parade in Great Yarmouth. Find out the Tour of Britain Norfolk route |
 If your little ones like to run WILD during bank holidays, the Soopa-Doopa Spring Spree at BeWILDerwood, Norfolk’s curious treehouse adventure park, will have them exploring the woodland to learn more about the leafy surroundings and the little critters who live there!From Saturday 1st to Monday 3rd May, little explorers are invited to go in search of the hedgehogs, deer, owls, ladybirds, rabbits and foxes that play in the BeWILDerwood undergrowth or treetops. With hands on workshops and an exciting trail weaving through woods, it’s the perfect opportunity to discover the park while learning more about the WILD world around them. Inspired by the animals they see and the magical surroundings, children can get creative at the Environmental Art Workshops by making something artistic from a mixture of woodland artefacts and recycled materials. Workshops run daily at set times throughout the day - it’s a great opportunity to craft a wonderful woodland keepsake from the visit! For more information about BeWILDerwood and all the events in 2010 visit www.bewilderwood.co.uk or call 01603 783900. |
Professor Eamon Duffy for Hungate Medieval Art’s next celebrity lecture (14 April 2010)  Leading academic Prof. Eamon Duffy is coming to Norwich to deliver a public lecture at Norwich Cathedral on Thursday 6th May. The lecture, titled ‘Praying with Images in the Middle Ages’, will draw on Duffy’s extensive research into late medieval religious belief and Christian art and material culture.Duffy is Professor of the History of Christianity and a Fellow and Director of Studies of Magdalene College, Cambridge. People may also be aware of Duffy from his work on television and radio. He has regularly broadcast on behalf of the BBC and in 2007 presented the BBC Radio 4 series 10 Popes Who Shook the World. This lecture will be the second in a series of celebrity lectures programmed by Hungate Medieval Art. The series began last Christmas 2009 with Chairman of the Churches Conservation Trust and TV presenter Loyd Grosman. Prof. Eamon Duffy, ‘Praying with images in the Middle Ages’ takes place at Norwich Cathedral Hostry, Thursday 6th May, 6pm (doors 5.30pm). Tickets are £10 adults, £5 concessions. A special ‘golden ticket’ is available which includes a drink reception after the lecture at St Peter Hungate Church. Tickets are available from the Norwich Cathedral Shop, as well as Hungate Medieval Art, St Peter Hungate Church, Princes St, Norwich, NR31AE (open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays 10am – 4pm or by calling T. 01603 623254). |
 A definitive new guidebook on Norwich’s outstanding collection of medieval churches will be published on April 19, celebrating what is the largest collection of urban medieval churches in northern Europe.The Medieval Churches of the City of Norwich published by Norwich Heritage Economic and Regeneration Trust (HEART) reveals the city’s compelling ecclesiastical set, celebrating the churches as medieval works of art and valuable social documents, as well as ancient places of prayer. Author Nicholas Groves, an acknowledged authority on the subject, describes the 31 surviving medieval churches in Norwich city centre, as well as many that have been lost since the Reformation. The 160-page colour book costs £12.95 (paperback) and £19.95 (limited edition hardback) and is available from stockists including: Jarrold, Norwich Tourist Information Centre, Colman‘s Mustard Shop & Museum, Norwich Cathedral and the Norwich Christian Resource Centre. It can also be purchased by calling HEART on 01603 305575. |
 Norfolk County Council has published a new walks booklet featuring 12 circular walks on the 61-mile Weaver’s Way long distance footpath from Cromer to Great Yarmouth. As well as maps and route directions, the guide includes information about the type of surface and obstacles to expect, refreshment facilities and points of interest. For a free copy of the booklet tel. 0344 800 8020 or email environment@norfolk.gov.uk. |
Discover Outdoor Norfolk (7 April 2010)  Outdoor Norfolk is Norfolk Tourism’s new campaign to promote the area’s world class outdoor activities – boating, birdwatching, canoeing, cycling, fishing, horseriding and walking. A new Outdoor Norfolk activity map and guide was launched at Pensthorpe Nature Reserve which is the home of BBC Springwatch for the third year running. Norfolk with its endless skies is the place to enjoy the great outdoors. Norfolk Tourism has developed the ‘Outdoor Norfolk’ activity map and guide, which can be downloaded free from www.visitnorfolk.co.uk/outdoors, featuring more than 100 sites in the county. Photographed left to right at Pensthorpe are, Deb Jordan Director, Pensthorpe, Virginia Edwards Tourism Team Manager, Norfolk Tourism and Lydia Smith Director, Norfolk Tourism. |
World War II Dakota set to wow the crowds at the East Anglian Dragon Boat Festival! (30 March 2010)  Visitors to the fifth East Anglian Dragon Boat Festival taking place at Nicholas Everitt Park, Oulton Broad, Lowestoft on Sunday 9th May will be scanning the skies for a spectacular flypast by a World War II Royal Air Force Dakota of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain and what better way to commemorate it than to have one of its Memorial Flight planes grace the skies above Nicholas Everitt Park on a day that already promises to be jam-packed with the thrills and spills of Chinese dragon boat racing. As well as the boat racing and flypast, entertainment includes fairground rides, fun inflatables and Chinese lion dancing. For more information please contact Gable Events on 01780 470718 or visit www.dragonboatfestivals.co.uk/eastanglia |
Shakespeare at Norwich Cathedral (30 March 2010)  The Bard returns to the fine city with the Norwich Cathedral Shakespeare Festival 2010 in July, and Macbeth in the Cathedral in May.MOPA Theatre Company bring Shakespeare's classic tragedy Macbeth to a stunning new setting on 27th May, in a performance which is guaranteed to entertain, provoke thought and inspire new understanding of Shakespeare's text. And the popular Norwich Cathedral Shakespeare Festival returns in July with two performances each of two of William Shakespeare's best loved romantic comedies - The Merry Wives of Windsor (Thursday 15th & Saturday 17th) and As You Like It (Friday 16th & Sunday 18th). Performed by GB Theatre Ltd, the shows take place in the magnificent setting of the Cloister of Norwich Cathedral. For more information visit the Norwich Cathedral website or to book tickets go to www.cathedral.org.uk/shop or call 01603 218323. |
Easter Sunday Lunch in Delia's Restaurant and Bar with free Stadium Tours (29 March 2010)  Delia’s Restaurant and Bar is offering a special Easter Sunday lunch with an added bonus of a Stadium Tour!Enjoy a relaxing, three-course lunch and let Delia's take care of everything. You will enjoy a three-course lunch made up of Delia’s recipes followed by coffee and something sweet. Then take the tour, where you can see the press room, sit in Delia’s seat in the Director’s Box, walk around the home and away dressing rooms, view the trophy cabinet and check out our 59ers Lounge with the Norwich City memorabilia. Delia’s Canary Catering, Norwich City Football Club’s restaurants, conference and banqueting, special events and matchday hospitality business, have also just announced their new sponsorship deal with Waitrose. The deal will run for at least one year and follows a prestigious national advertising link-up between Delia and Waitrose. Delia Smith said: “I’m delighted a top-quality brand like Waitrose is sponsoring Delia’s Canary Catering. “I believe it’s the perfect partnership which will help to take our operations to a new level and be of immense benefit to the Football Club - and I’m looking forward to the many ways we can work together.” For more information about Delia's Canary Catering and their Easter special, 01603 218704, email canary.catering@ncfc-canaries.co.uk or visit www.deliascanarycatering.co.uk. |
New venue offers a unique taste of the Broads (26 March 2010)  Families will have the opportunity to experience a real taste of the Broads – in many senses – with the opening of a major new tourist attraction this month, The Waterside at Rollesby.Combining boating, fishing and wildlife with a fabulous dining experience, The Waterside offers a great day & night attraction for all ages. Nestled among the stunning surroundings of Rollesby Broad - a triple rated site of special scientific interest - visitors can enjoy an informative tour on a beautiful Victorian launch or explore the broad in a range of hire boats, including rowing dinghies and electric family Yaks. Binoculars are available for hire to help with spotting the incredible range of wildlife, either from the river or from a specially designed hide, and there’s free wildlife educational games for children. Visit www.thewatersiderollesby.co.uk or call 01493 740531 for more information on opening times and directions. |
Outdoor Norfolk Heads for The Outdoors Show (26 March 2010)  Norfolk Tourism (www.visitnorfolk.co.uk) and The Broads Authority together with Broadland District Council, Clippesby Hall Holiday Park and the Coasthopper Bus are combining to launch Outdoor Norfolk www.visitnorfolk.co.uk/outdoors, the county’s new campaign to promote the area’s world class outdoor activities – boating, birdwatching, canoeing, cycling, fishing, horseriding and walking – at The Outdoors Show, NEC Birmingham, March 26-28. Norfolk with its endless skies is the place to enjoy the great outdoors. Norfolk Tourism has developed the ‘Outdoor Norfolk’ activity map and guide, which can also be downloaded from www.visitnorfolk.co.uk/outdoors, featuring more than 100 sites in the county. Try boating, canoeing or cycling in the county’s wetland paradise – the Norfolk Broads, walk the Norfolk Coast Path with the help of the Coasthopper bus and enjoy some of the UK’s finest birdwatching, or visit Pensthorpe Nature Reserve, home of BBC Springwatch for the last two years. Visit the 'Outdoor Norfolk & The Broads' team at stand OU 755. |
Hilarious Hippodrome Easter (25 March 2010)  The Hippodrome, Great Yarmouth 2010 Easter Special Circus is on from Good Friday 2nd April to Wednesday 7th April, shows every day at 2.30pm and 6.30pm, with Circus Hilarious. Featuring the 2007 Best Comedy Award Winners, legendary father and son Clive Webb and Danny Adams together with Cousin Timoni and the Mick Potts "Clownforce" band create side-splitting humour with all the fun, magic and excitement of the circus, guaranteed to make the whole family roar with laughter, not just kids, but Mum and Dad too, making it the most hilarious family occasion you could imagine. Tickets can be booked by calling 01493 844172 or can also be booked online at www.hippodromecircus.co.uk. |
Norfolk’s heritage inspires new concert (24 March 2010)  Early music specialists, Minstrels Gallery, have been inspired by Norfolk’s amazing survival of medieval stained glass to create a new concert."Music in the Glass" looks at the depiction of musical instruments in stained glass windows across the county; recreating, animating and bringing to life music that has been sealed in glass for over 500 years. Developed in collaboration with Hungate Medieval Art, the concert is illustrated by beautiful photographic images of Norfolk stained glass. Glass from over 20 parish churches – including Shelton, East Barsham, Ketteringham and Stradsett- is featured. The concert premiers at Hungate Medieval Art on Thursday April 8th 2010 at 1pm. For more information call 01603 623254 or visit www.hungate.org.uk. |
Birth of Cheetah cubs at Africa Alive! (24 March 2010)  Africa Alive! is proud to announce the birth of 5 cheetah cubs. The strong, healthy (and very cute) cubs were born on the 10th of December last year and are being closely watched over by their mother ‘Etna’. ‘Etna’ has once again proved to be an excellent mother and has reared the cubs herself. Hopefully, they will not only prove to be an important addition to the park but also, in the longer term, to the European Endangered species breeding Programme (EEP) as a whole. For more information visit www.africa-alive.co.uk. |
BBC Springwatch Returns to Pensthorpe Nature Reserve (23 March 2010)  The BBC has announced that Springwatch will return to Pensthorpe Nature Reserve near Fakenham for the third year. The programme will be broadcast on BBC2 for three weeks from Pensthorpe, beginning on Monday, May 31.Lydia Smith, Director Norfolk Tourism said: "It is wonderful news that BBC Springwatch has decided to return to Norfolk. Pensthorpe’s range of habitats showcase the county’s wildlife at its best. The reserve’s role as the Springwatch hub has really helped raise awareness of Norfolk as one the UK’s top birdwatching and wildlife destinations." |
Full steam ahead on the Poppy Line this Easter (23 March 2010)  The Poppy Line is running a steam train every 45 minutes every day during the four-day Easter break. After the steam trains have finished for the day, there are two vintage diesel trains.The intensive service is scheduled to feature a visiting Great Western Railway steam engine, originally built to cope with heavy coal trains in the South Wales valleys. With the fascinating William Marriott railway history museum at Holt station, refreshments at all stations, and a well-stocked giftshop at Sheringham station, a visit to the Poppy Line makes a great family day out. The Sunday Times last year named it as Britain’s best full-size heritage railway trip. Visit www.nnrailway.co.uk or call 01263 820 800 for more information. |
Dining out in NGS style (19 March 2010)  The Norfolk National Gardens Scheme Garden Party is one Summer party not to be missed. The Old Cottage, Colby Corner invites visitors to a enchanting musical evening on the 10th July 2010, 6pm until dusk. Supper, drinks and music will ensure the evening will flow. This is the first time that a Norfolk NGS garden has provided such a event. The host, garden owner Stuart Clarke is offering the scenic garden dining to raise funds for the worthwhile charities of the National Gardens Scheme. Entertainment includes Colby Hand Bells, Rod Davidson – The Celtic Harp, Trix and Stix - a percussion group, and Hoofbeat street band. For those who enjoy the concerts, picnics in the park and dressing to dine (or not if chosen) book this NGS garden party now!. Tickets cost £22 per adult. To book contact Stuart Clarke 01263 734574 or visit www.norfolkgardens.org. Early booking is essential. |
 Twenty-one staff from Wroxham Barns, Pensthorpe Nature Reserve, Broads Tours and RAF Radar Museum Neatishead, all members of Norfolk Tourist Attractions Association (NTAA), completed a one-day 'Welcome Host' training course at Wroxham Barns on Tuesday, March 16, during British Tourism Week. The course, promoted by NTAA and delivered by East of England Tourism (EET) is part of the national 'Welcome to Excellence' initiative to train staff in tourism businesses in customer service skills and give them a greater understanding of the value of tourism to the local economy. Caroline Featherstone EET Trainer who led the course said: “Welcome Host is an activity based course. Delegates work in groups and review their own customer service and look at ways to improve it. We cover subjects like body language, first impressions and customer needs including those with specific needs. The course also considers the importance of tourism to the local economy, so that delegates can understand their contribution to the industry.” |
 Enjoy the picturesque bright yellow heads appearing among the woodland walks at Gayton Hall on the 28th March. This is one of the first Norfolk National Gardens Scheme Easter gardens. Nearly six hundred visitors from in and around the county enjoyed a bright spring day last year. With the launch of the garden lovers bible “The Yellow Book” and the local Norfolk NGS Guide you will find garden enthusiasts follow open gardens, old and new ones, with keen interest. For the families that enjoy the experience admission for children is often free. This Easter the Norfolk NGS garden trail will not only let you peep over the private garden gates, but will help entice you to explore the beautiful county of Norfolk to discover them! NGS County Organiser Anthea Foster said "This year Norfolk has seventy five open gardens with fourteen new ones. The traditional formal gardens are still very popular with the garden visitors. However now allotments, garden design and small and quirky urban gardens are also the trend. The pastime of the British cream tea and collecting a few plants and handy garden tips is what the National Gardens Scheme represents, along with raising funds for the worthwhile charities." Visit your local Tourist information or garden centre, nursery or open garden to pick up a Norfolk NGS Garden Guide or visit www.norfolkgardens.org. Pictured - Gayton Hall |
Flagship tourism project for Norwich & Norfolk to be launched during British Tourism Week (12 March 2010)  To coincide with British Tourism Week, Norwich will be making its debut at the Best of Britain and Ireland Exhibition (BOBI) next week to launch its flagship tourism project – the brand new Norwich Visitor & Shopping Map. This will further promote Norwich as a leading UK city destination and a strong contender for the UK City of Culture 2013. Local tourism agency VisitNorwich has teamed up with its city and county partners - Norwich 12, Norwich Attractions and Norfolk Tourism – to promote the best of Norwich and Norfolk. Exhibition goers will be encouraged to visit stand D108 in the East of England pavilion to find out more about Norwich’s outstanding heritage, fantastic culture and award-winning attractions within the county of Norfolk. During this four-day exhibition to be held at London Olympia from 17th – 20th March, tourism representatives will be on hand to give visitors to the show lots of great ideas and inspiration for holidays in Norfolk. Visitors will also be able to sample Colman’s Mustard Chocolate, enjoy homemade Norfolk cupcakes and enter a free prize draw to win a fantastic city break to Norwich. |
 The 25th tree, a Ginkgo biloba, in a new woodland trail at Kelling Heath, celebrating 25 years of the Timewell family owning the North Norfolk Holiday Park, was planted today to launch British Tourism Week (15 to 21 March) in the county.The tree was planted by Paul Timewell, Chairman of Blue Sky Leisure, owners of Kelling Heath and long-term employees Iain Stratton, Maintenance Supervisor and Stephen Hubbard, Groundsman. Paul Timewell said: “During our time at Kelling we have invested a significant amount of time and resources to not only ensure our visitors enjoy their holiday in Norfolk, but also to ensure that we preserve and protect this unique natural environment for future generations. Our new trail, which launches in April, features 25 individual tree species, one for each year of our ownership of the park, selected on structural, aesthetic and wildlife grounds to create a walking arboretum. The trail will be both visually exciting and informative, as visitors learn about the trees ranging from native Beech and Scots Pine to the more exotic Cedar of Lebanon and Persian Ironwood.” Michael Timewell, Chairman Norfolk Tourism and a Director of Blue Sky Leisure said: “Tourism is Norfolk’s biggest industry worth £2.5 billion to the county’s economy and providing 37,500 full-time jobs. During British Tourism Week we should celebrate the sheer hard work of those involved in the industry. They add real value to the local economy and showcase our wonderful county to the millions of people who choose it as a holiday destination. At Kelling Heath we have steadily invested in the facilities for the last 25 years and are particularly proud of the recognition that we have had for our work with the natural environment.” Image: Left to right - Stephen Hubbard, Paul Timewell and Ian Stratton. |
 Sheringham level crossing is set to re-open on March 11th after 46 years. At 2.15pm that day, Britannia steam loco no.70013 Oliver Cromwell will bring the first passenger train over the crossing for 46 years. The opening ceremony will be performed by Pete Waterman, OBE, emphasising the importance of the event to the preservation movement as a whole.To celebrate the historic occasion, the Poppy Line is holding a 3-day Steam Gala from Friday March 12th to Sunday March 14th. Visiting engines include an N2-type engine, which will be re-united with the 86-years-old Quad Art teak carriages (pictured) to form a typical London suburban train of the ‘20s. Crammed to bursting with bowler-hatted commuters, the so-called Jazz services ran to North London suburbs from Kings Cross and Liverpool Street. Another special visitor is a powerful Great Western engine that used to haul coal trains on the steeply-graded lines of the South Wales valleys. There’ll be an intensive steam service on all three days, with refreshments available at all stations and plenty to see along the line; and the William Marriott Museum at Holt Station will be open. For more information about the opening and the Steam Gala, please visit www.nnr.co.uk. |
Northern Norfolk... simply outstanding A one day trade show - North Norfolk - Simply Outstanding - will be held at the Searles Leisure Resort, Hunstanton on the 18th March 2010, organised by the North Norfolk Business Forum and the Tourism Round Table with the full support of North Norfolk District Council and the Borough Council of King's Lynn and West Norfolk. (26 February 2010) The show open from 10am - 6.00pm will feature all that is best in Norfolk and is your chance to talk with other members of the tourism industry and meet the people who make Norfolk tourism work. After the success of last years event this year's show will have a section dedicated to the county's top growers and suppliers of local produce. The area's tourist attractions, hotel groups and restaurants will have all the information you require for the forthcoming season. The district's top theatres will be on hand to give you details about forthcoming shows and the latest news on prices for 2010, and the county's museums will be there to give you information on all that is new in the way of exhibits and special events. For further information and a registration form please contact Bruce Stratton at CTIS Telephone 01263 515900, Email bruce@ctis-ltd.co.uk. |
Mum’s The Word at BeWILDerwood (26 February 2010)  Celebrate your mum’s special day by taking her to BeWILDerwood, the curious treehouse adventure park in Norfolk, where there is a special BeWILDerMum’s Day event, which won’t even raid the piggy bank! On Mothering Sunday, (Sunday 14th March), BeWILDerwood is allowing all mums to get into the magical park for FREE and there are loads of fun activities to help make this a memorable day for all the family to enjoy. Children can make their mums a flowery treat to take home, or decorate a card with flowers, glitter and sparkly bits which they can display for everyone to see. For more information about BeWILDerwood and all the events in 2010 visit www.bewilderwood.co.uk or call 01603 783900. |
Norwich on City of Culture Shortlist (25 February 2010)  Norwich has made it on to the shortlist of four cities to become the first ever UK City of Culture in 2013. It will compete with Birmingham, Derry/Londonderry and Sheffield for the title and the winning city will be announced in the summer.Pictured: Norfolk & Norwich Festival (May 7-22). Credit Raphael Helle / Norfolk and Norwich Festival |
 BeWILDerwood (pictured), the family attraction near Hoveton in the Norfolk Broads is one of four finalists in the national Enjoy England Awards 2010 large visitor attraction category, and is up against Blists Hill Victorian Town in Telford, IWM North in Manchester and RHS Garden Wisley. Organised by VisitEngland, the annual tourism ‘Oscars’ are sponsored by The Caravan Club and recognise the crème de la crème of domestic tourism. The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony in the Corn Exchange at the Brighton Dome on Friday 23 April.VisitEngland Chairman, Lady Penelope Cobham said: “Our tourism awards really showcase the wealth of high quality and affordable holiday experiences on offer in England today. The judges were impressed with the huge, continued investment made by tourism businesses in spite of the recession – the finalists demonstrate how successful that commitment to quality has been.” |
Broads Tourism Campaign to be launched at Boat & Caravan Show The Broads Authority has joined forces with The Broads Tourism Forum to launch the Enjoy the Broads 2010 campaign at the Boat & Caravan Show, NEC Birmingham 23 to 28 February. (22 February 2010) The campaign includes a new 24-page guide providing essential visitor information, ideas on what to see and do and a map of the area. Thirty-six Broads Tourism Forum businesses are supporting the campaign, 10 of which are attending the Boat & Caravan Show. The new guide will be available at TICs, hotels, attractions, train and bus stations and park and rides in the area as well as Norwich International Airport. Bruce Hanson, the Broads Authority’s Head of Tourism, said: ”This is the biggest tourism promotion the Broads has ever seen. The Enjoy the Broads campaign is a genuine collaborative effort between the Broads Authority and the Broads Tourism Forum, and it is great to see so many businesses co-operating to market the Broads so effectively.” |
Art, music and a cuppa at Hungate Medieval Art (19 February 2010)  The city’s newest arts and heritage venue, Hungate Medieval Art, has launched its first full programme of special events and workshops for Spring/Summer 2010. Amongst the highlights of the programme is a specially commissioned concert by Minstrels Gallery, a group specialising in medieval music. ‘Music in the Glass’ explores the medieval musical instruments depicted in Norfolk’s stained glass. The centre is also beginning to carve a niche for itself, providing specialist art workshops. The programme also sees the return of the popular lunchtime talk series, Tea and Talking Points which runs on the first Wednesday of every month and features a guest speaker on a topic of general historic interest followed by an all important cup of tea! Hungate Medieval Art is an interpretation centre for Norfolk’s medieval heritage based in the redundant church of St Peter Hungate, Norwich. A full programme of events and details on how to book are available from www.hungate.org.uk. |
Medieval churches photography exhibition at the Forum, Norwich (19 February 2010)  Last year Norwich Heritage Economic and Regeneration Trust (HEART) ran a photography competition to celebrate Norwich’s outstanding collection of medieval churches.They were inundated with stunning images showcasing Norwich's historic buildings, and now you can see the full exhibition at The Forum, Monday 22nd February to Friday 5th March. There will also be a series of free accompanying talks at the Forum at lunchtimes (12.30-1.30pm): Monday, 1st March - Norwich: A City of Churches Tuesday, 2nd March - Hungate Medieval Art and St Peter Hungate Church Wednesday, 3rd March - Glimpses of Heaven: Church Art and Architecture in Trust Thursday, 4th March - Anchorholds and the City Churches in Late Medieval Norwich Friday, 5th March - The Earliest Churches in Norwich Image: Winner of the HEART competition - Julia Cameron's 'Inside/Outside Reflections' of St. Stephen's Church |
Nowich in Ninety Campaign A campaign and petition calling for faster, more reliable rail services to be built into the new Greater Anglia rail franchise has been launched.(19 February 2010) The 'Norwich in Ninety' campaign is backed by business and council leaders, who are calling for as many individuals and organisations as possible to join them in pressing for across the board improvements, but with special focus on the flagship Inter-City service between Norwich and London Liverpool Street. An on-line petition on can be signed securely on the GoPetition website at http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/norwich-in-ninety.html. Currently, the 115 mile journey from London to Norwich takes around 1hr 50mins. Birmingham is similar in distance (118 miles) but can be reached from London in only 1hr 23 mins, while trains can cover the 180 miles to York in only nine minutes longer (1hr 59 mins) than it takes to get to Norwich. |
Cammy Hitches Luxurious Ride to Boat & Caravan Show (17 February 2010)  Cammy, Wroxham Barns' resident elephant, is hitching a luxurious ride to the Boat & Caravan Show, NEC Birmingham, courtesy of Norfolk Broads Direct on their brand new 46ft cruiser Fair President. Both Cammy and Fair President are part of The Broads Tourism Forum’s presence at the show, which runs from February 23 to 28.Cammy, who began life as Camouflagephant on Norwich’s Go Elephants! trail, has been a firm favourite at Wroxham Barns since September 2008 and will be representing Junior Farm at the NEC show. Fair President is the newest member of Norfolk Broads Direct’s fleet. The 46ft luxury cruiser cost £150,000 to build and fit out. Fair President’s accommodation can sleep up to six people in two cabins and the spacious central living area. There is a separate bathroom with whirlpool bath, an ensuite shower unit, plus a Freesat TV system, DVD player and X-Box, which will be perfect for combining a holiday on the Norfolk Broads and watching The World Cup. Norfolk Broads Direct has invested £1 million in new additions to its fleet over the last five years. Photograph: Barbara Greasley, Norfolk Broads Direct, Ian Russell, Wroxham Barns with Cammy on Fair President. |
Circus of Horrors returns to Great Yarmouth Hippodrome (17 February 2010)  Following on from the huge success of last years show The Asylum, the Circus of Horrors has had a major revamp and is back Rocking and Shocking with a brand new show ‘The Day of the Dead’, which returns to the historic Hippodrome Circus on Friday 5th and Saturday 6th March at 7.30pm for two shows only.Set in Mexico during the early 1900’s, the cast of chaos mongers transport the body of their doyen Dr Haze to a remote area of Mexico. Unbeknown to them they settled in a former burial ground of Aztec Warriors. There they join the local inhabitants ‘Day of the Dead’ rituals to try and revive their esteemed leader. All of course with disastrous consequences! Set against the backdrop of an old ruined Aztec Temple, Witch-doctors, Voodoo Acrobats, Pickled People, Bendy Bodies, Demon Dwarfs, and flying chained Vampires erupting from tanks of blood to perform their amazing Blood Curdling stunts. This is set to be a Day That The Dead Will Remember! Please note the show is not suitable for children, and contains nudity and bad language. To book or for more information call 01493 844172 or visit www.hippodromecircus.co.uk. |
New Norwich heritage signage unveiled in Elm Hill and Timberhill areas (17 February 2010)  Norwich Heritage Economic and Regeneration Trust (HEART) this week unveiled new heritage signage in the form of commemorative blue plaques and street plates in the Elm Hill and Timberhill areas.HEART appealed to local people for their suggestions of people, events and buildings to be commemorated on the plaques. One story to emerge was that of Norwich-born Pablo Fanque, the first black British circus proprietor. Beatles fans will recognise the name from the lyrics of the song Being for the Benefit of Mr Kite – John Lennon based the lyrics on a 19th century poster bought in an antiques shop advertising Pablo Fanque’s circus. Pablo Fanque’s family lived in Ber Street and his blue plaque can be found on the wall of John Lewis opposite the entrance to Timberhill. Another plaque, situated at the bottom of Timberhill on the corner of Red Lion Street, celebrates the nearby former Orford Cellar, which hosted performances in the 1960s from rock legends Jimi Hendrix, Ginger Baker, Rod Stewart, David Bowie, Eric Clapton, Elton John and Geno Washington. The venue also featured popular local acts including Lucas and the Emperors and The Continentals. For more information visit www.heritagecity.org. |
Norwich Guildhall’s Hidden Mosaic Floor Revealed Work to restore and uncover a beautiful, historic mosaic floor in Norwich Guildhall has been completed. The floor had been hidden under carpet tiles since the 1980s but is now on display for visitors to enjoy. The mosaic depicts the City Arms – the castle and lion – on a red circle with a laurel wreath around it, set on a white background with a coloured striped border.(16 February 2010) The restoration was funded by Norwich Heritage Economic and Regeneration Trust (HEART), Caleys Cocoa Café (both housed in the Guildhall) and the Norwich Society, with the support of Norwich City Council which owns the building. |
Open Churches 2010 brochure now out (11 February 2010)  Norfolk has over 600 historic church buildings, more per acre and per person than anywhere in the world. Many of these churches are open to visitors throughout the year, but Open Churches Week (31 July - 8 August 2010) is the ideally opportunity to explore them at your leisure.Open Churches Week starts with a Classic Car Rally from The Cathedral via a number of magnificent churches. On the Sunday 1 August is the Annual Service at St Benet's Abbey with the Bishop of Norwich. The Church of England recognises the importance of these wonderful buildings to Norfolk’s tourism and is pursuing a number of initiatives to make them more accessible to tourists, pilgrims and local people. Look out for copies of the Open Churches 2010 brochure at Tourist Information Centres soon, or download a copy of the brochure. For more information, visit www.norwich.anglican.org/visiting/openchurches. |
Norfolk’s Woad Launches Top Attractions 2010 Brochure Campaign (8 February 2010)  Norfolk Tourist Attractions’ Association (NTAA) Chairman, Peter Williamson celebrated the publication of NTAA’s 2010 brochure at the association’s newest member, The Woad Centre, near Dereham, with owners Ian and Bernadette Howard. The Howards are the only woad producers in the UK and have revived a traditional industry that died out in the 1930s. Woad’s indigo pigment has a historical East Anglian link with Boudicca and the Iceni tribe who used it as war paint. But today the Howard’s pigment is at the heart of environmentally friendly woad-dyed yarn and textiles. They are also involved in a project investigating the medicinal benefits of woad and are working with William Kroll, a young London-based entrepreneur, who is launching a woad-inspired clothing label called ‘Tender’, which has had good reviews in the USA. Some 500,000 NTAA brochures promoting the county’s top attractions will be distributed to more than 3,500 outlets throughout the East of England. Founded in 1991, the association currently represents 106 attractions in Norfolk and North Suffolk. Download a copy of the 2010 brochure. Pictured left to right: Lydia Smith, Norfolk Tourism Director, Peter Williamson Chairman NTAA and Ian and Bernadette Howard. |
Norwich Backpackers Hostel Norwich is soon to have its first backpackers hostel. Alister and Jason Borthwick, the team behind the award winning Deepdale Farm on the north Norfolk coast, are in the process of developing a hostel in the centre of Norwich, at The Ferry Boat Inn, King Street.(8 February 2010) "Our primary use for the site will be backpackers accommodation, mainly private ensuite rooms and family rooms, with a few dorms, which will all be accommodated in a new eco-friendly building on the site" said Jason Borthwick. "We plan to lease out the hostel, much as we have done at Deepdale, and the canoe hire, cycle hire and café may go to the same tenant or to separate tenants depending on who approaches us. Now that we have bought the site, plans will develop." The hostel could also have a small real ale pub. Norwich Backpackers Hostel plans to open in 2011. |
 Enjoy nature’s playground this February half-term with the National Trust’s ‘Fresh Air Festival’. Bring the family and escape to the great outdoors, where you’ll get a breath of fresh air and be closer to nature. Celebrating the physical and emotional benefits of nature and the outdoors, the Fresh Air Festival has everything from welly walks and forest survival skill days to animal tracking and nest box building activities. Plus, the National Trust has some great open spaces and events for the whole family to enjoy together, and you don’t have to go far to discover them. So, make the National Trust the start of your family adventure this February half term. Go tracking & trailing at Sheringham Park, make a bird box at Blickling or get close to owls at Oxburgh - find out more at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/eastofengland.
Image: Copyright NTPL John Miller |
The King William, Sedgeford, wins national hotel excellence award (8 February 2010)  The King William IV, Country Inn & Restaurant, Sedgeford, Norfolk is proud to announce its recognition at the HRS.Com Hotel Annual Excellence Awards. The 2010 Awards, held in association with the British Hospitality Association (BHA) and the Best Practice Forum, were presented by Simon Calder, Travel Editor of The Independent and TV and Radio presenter, at a lunch ceremony in London on Wednesday 27 January, 2010.The Hotel Excellence Awards showcase best practice in the UK hotel industry and recognise outstanding achievement by both large and small hotels. Following a five month extension programme, carried out during the heights of recession in the UK, The King William IV, Country Inn & Restaurant were nominated, short-listed and finally crowned winner in the Excellence in Business Management category – Small Hotels (less than 50 bedrooms). Image: From left to right - Philippe Rossiter, CEO The Institute of Hospitality; Nick Skerritt, The King William IV; Simon Calder, Travel Editor The Independent. |
Weather Presenter Forecasts Great Norfolk Gardens in 2010 (3 February 2010)  Despite the snow, BBC weather presenter Julie Reinger forecast a great “Open Gardens” season for the National Gardens Scheme in Norfolk in 2010 when she was at How Hill Farm, Ludham to launch the 2010 Norfolk NGS Guide. It signals the start of the gardening season with seventy five gardens, including fourteen new wow factor gardens opening for the charity this year. Now with 32 pages, 60,000 copies are guaranteed to attract not just enthusiasts from the county but from further afield too. The NGS showcase every gardening style – from wild and blowsy to oriental chic, with all shapes and sizes, from traditional to formal, from rural to city, including allotments. For many people who visit every year, there is nothing more satisfying than getting the opportunity to see real life “show” gardens as well as raising money for good causes. Visit your local Tourist information or garden centre, nursery or open garden to pick up a Norfolk NGS Garden Guide or visit www.norfolkgardens.org. |
Spring Lambs in Norfolk (3 February 2010)  The first spring lambs are making their appearance in Norfolk ready for half term. Bottle-feeding of lambs is due to start at Park Farm Snettisham and Wroxham Barns on Saturday 13 February. Photograph - Eileen Calverley, Junior Farm Wroxham Barns with two new arrivals |
EDP Larking Gowen Tourism Survey 2010 (3 February 2010)  Norfolk’s tourism businesses are being invited to help shape the future of the county’s tourism industry by taking part in the EDP Larking Gowen Tourism Survey 2010.Visit www.edp24.co.uk/tourismsurvey to complete the survey – deadline 26 February. The results will be revealed in the Eastern Daily Press in May. |
Broad House Hotel wins national customer service award (1 February 2010)  Broad House Hotel, Wroxham, has been nationally recognised for its world class customer service at the HRS.com Hotel Excellence Awards.Director Philip Search, who runs the nine-bedroom boutique hotel beside Wroxham Broad with wife Caroline, said: "We’re overjoyed. For us to be recognised nationally as the best small hotel for customer service is absolutely amazing and all the team at Broad House Hotel have been blown away and feel really proud. We have fantastic, caring members of staff who always go the extra mile for our guests, and this award is a fine tribute to their hard work and dedication." "Last year we were named Small Hotel of the Year 2009 for the eastern region in the Enjoy England Awards for Excellence , so this latest win is another boost for our hotel, the Norfolk Broads, the county’s tourism industry and the World Class Norfolk campaign." |
Make waves at the East Anglian Dragon Boat Festival in 2010! (29 January 2010)  On Sunday 9th May the East Anglian Dragon Boat Festival returns to Nicholas Everitt Park, Oulton Broad in Lowestoft for what promises to be the best year yet! The Festival is a not-to-be-missed opportunity for companies, organizations, clubs and groups of friends to test themselves in a totally different way, whilst raising money for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) or the charity of their choice. Teams of up to 11 people are invited to take part in the spectacular racing, all the dragon boats and racing equipment are provided and no previous experience is required - just plenty of team spirit and enthusiasm! There will also be plenty of activities on the bankside to entertain teams and spectators between races including Chinese lion dancing, funfair, street entertainers, children's activities, bar and catering. For further information and to make sure you are on the starting line on 9th May please call Gable Events today to request an entry form on 01780 470718 or visit www.dragonboatfestivals.co.uk/eastanglia |
Stories, legends and memories wanted about underground Norwich Stories, legends and memories about subterranean Norwich are being sought by Norwich Heritage Economic and Regeneration Trust (HEART) for a new research project into the city’s underground assets.(27 January 2010) Norwich has the largest collection of medieval, vaulted undercrofts in the UK, representing an important place in the city’s history. Michael Loveday, Chief Executive of Norwich HEART, said: “We really want to encourage people to come forward with information, however ordinary or obscure they think it is. We hope to uncover some interesting and quirky memories and stories as well as myths and rumours which have become part of local folklore.” A famous example is in 1988 when the No 26 bus plunged into a large hole in Earlham Road, which had been created when old chalk mines underneath collapsed. There is also a tale of a workman discovering an underground passageway linking Elm Hill to St Andrew’s and Blackfriars’ Halls in the 1970s. Please contact Barbara Koesler at HEART with any relevant information by 12th February: 01603 305575, barbarakoelser@heritagecity.org or write to Barbara Koesler, Norwich HEART, The Guildhall, PO Box 3130, Norwich NR2 1XR. |
 An exciting project is underway at Holkham to restore the 6½ acres of walled gardens which were originally laid out by Samuel Wyatt during the late 1700s. The gardens have been closed to the public since 2005 and the project is estimated to take four to five years to complete. For the first time this year visitors will be able to see how it is developing. Step back into Victorian times in one of the 'rooms' used to grow vegetables, known as ‘rooms’, with walls acting as windbreaks and reflecting the sun to create a gentle microclimate. The second section of the gardens hosts a spectacular stand of large Victorian greenhouses which have been renovated back to their original splendour with the help of English Heritage. As the project progresses visitors will be able to meander along the paths bordered by the marvellous displays of foliage colours, flowers and fruit. The walled gardens will be open to visitors every day from April 1 to October 31, 12noon to 4pm. Find out more at www.holkham.co.uk. |
Combat Bootcamp new in Thetford Forest Combat Bootcamp, located in Thorpe Woods just outside Thetford, is a new residential activity centre offering weekend and weeklong fitness courses. A typical week includes individual and team activities e.g. log runs, hiking, running, boxing, weight training, canoeing, climbing and cycling. There will also be one to ones on nutrition and fitness plans, plus time to relax and reflect on progress. (25 January 2010) |
Great Yarmouth Mardi Gras (22 January 2010)  International rhythms, dance and food will be at the heart of Great Yarmouth’s King Street Mardi Gras on Tuesday, February 16, 3.30pm to 8.30pm. Organised by SeaChange Arts, the event will be a free celebration of food, traditions and culture associated with this global celebration.The traditional English pancake race will get a new twist in ‘Total Crepe’. Competitors from local groups will compete, with assistance from professional performers, in a carnival-style race, to produce pancakes for hungry volunteers. Street entertainment will feature music from The Vagaband and Swervyworld, some crazy bouncing chefs (pictured), dance groups and street games. French TV chef, Franck Pontais will produce Mardi Gras inspired cooking demonstrations. Outdoor activity will culminate in a fire show and a recreation of traditional Lithuanian celebrations. From around 6.30pm, the activity will move indoors for cabaret and musical performances in Kings Wine Bar. |
Norwich, Norfolk Broads & Countryside 2010 (22 January 2010)  Norwich is a beautiful medieval city with a modern, cosmopolitan vibrancy. It is a truly exciting regional capital, with a wealth of attractions for every visitor including an outstanding cultural scene and UK top 10 shopping.The beautiful Norfolk Broads is one of the most popular inland waterways in Europe and the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing break. The gentle countryside around Norwich makes it ideal for families and those that love being outdoors. Request your 2010 guide now from our partners Visit Norwich. |
Breckland Film Festival The count down has begun to the inaugural Breckland International Film Festival - a collaboration between Breckland Council and Creative Arts East's Village Screen community cinema scheme. (21 January 2010) The itinerary includes such visionary delights as The Kite Runner, The King and I and Coco Before Chanel amongst other treats but kicks off in style on 5th February with a screening of Slumdog Millionaire at Hockham Village Hall (IP26 1NT). Creative Arts East are delighted to announce that their Patron, celebrated author Louis de Bernieres will officially open the film festival. For the full festival programme see Village Screen below, for screening times and booking details please visit www.creativeartseast.co.uk/villagescreen or www.breckland.gov.uk/filmfestival |
Lexham Hall Snowdrops launch Norfolk NGS Season (18 January 2010)  Snowdrops at Lexham Hall, nr Litcham, PE32 2QJ, launches National Gardens Scheme Norfolk open garden season on Sunday February 7. The garden will be open from 11am to 4pm, admission £4. When the first snowdrops start to appear it is a sign winter is finally coming to an end. So what better way to celebrate the change in seasons than by garden visiting. Not only do the snowdrops provide a ray of hope that spring is on its way but, each year money is raised through the National Gardens Scheme for many worthwhile charities. |
Great Days Out in Norfolk (15 January 2010)  500,000 copies of the NTAA 2010 Great Days Out Booklet have now been printed and are starting to be distributed to accommodation outlets, tourist information centres and local visitor attractions in the East of England. With over 50 advertisers and £150 worth of discount vouchers - there is something for everyone to enjoy. Copies can be viewed/downloaded from www.norfolktouristattractions.co.uk. |
 Doves will be performing at Thetford Forest on Saturday, June 12, part of the Forestry Commission Live Music season. Tickets costing £28 (subject to booking fee) go on sale at 9am Friday, January 15 from the Forestry Commission Box Office tel. 01842 814612, online at www.forestry.gov.uk/music or at High Lodge Thetford Forest. |
 The EDP Bidwells Norfolk Food Festival 2010 will take place from Saturday, September 18 to Sunday, October 3 reflecting the best of Norfolk produce from the land and the sea.Highlights include The EDP Norfolk Food Awards; Norwich’s Moveable Feast on September 28, when more than 600 diners will enjoy a three-course dinner at three different restaurants; and the Annual Battle of the Bangers when the public vote for the best sausage in the county. There will also be a large food fayre featuring chef’s kitchen demonstrations and tastings, and more than 300 events organised by individuals, schools, companies and community groups. Produced in Norfolk is leading the way with Taste the View, featuring small food and drink producers who will be putting on special tastings throughout the festival. Last year this ranged from venison sausages to autumn berry ice cream. |
Enter the 5th East Anglian Dragon Boat Festival On Sunday 9th May the 2010 East Anglian Dragon Boat Festival takes place in Nicholas Everitt Park, Oulton Broad for what promises to be the fifth and best year yet! The East Anglian Dragon Boat Festival has to date raised more than £75,000 for EACH and you can help increase that amount.(13 January 2010) In this spectacular dragon boat race crews of up to 11 people will battle it out in a series of fast and furious heats and finals over a 200m course in 30’ dragon boats to raise funds for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices. All potential teams need to worry about is entering and raising as much sponsorship as they can, as all the dragon boats and racing equipment is provided and no previous experience is necessary- just be sure to bring buckets of team spirit and enthusiasm! 2010 is the Chinese year of the tiger, so don’t miss out on this opportunity to show you share the same traits of courage and fierceness! Teams should encourage their families and friends to come along and support them too, as not only can they offer moral support to the teams they can also take advantage of the bankside activities. These will include Chinese lion dancing, funfair, street entertainers, children’s activities, bar and catering- so there really is something to keep everyone amused for the duration of the Festival. The Festival is supported by Waveney District Council, BBC Suffolk and The Lowestoft Journal. For further information and an entry form call Gable Events today on 01780 470718 or visit www.dragonboatfestivals.co.uk/eastanglia |
Pete Waterman to Open Sheringham Rail Crossing Pop guru and railway enthusiast, Pete Waterman OBE, will officially open the new rail crossing linking North Norfolk Railway to The Bittern Line and the national rail network, on Thursday 11 March at approximately 2pm. He will be assisted by steam loco Oliver Cromwell, one of the last steam engines built for British Railways more than 50 years ago. The engine will be hauling a special train from London Liverpool Street, the first to cross Station Road in Sheringham for 46 years.(12 January 2010) |
Norfolk – Veenus Travel Destination of the Month Veenus Travel has selected Norfolk as its destination of the month for January. The company specialises in group travel.(11 January 2010) |
Excursions – Norfolk Tourism on the Road (6 January 2010)  Norfolk Tourism, with partners Bure Valley Railway, Norfolk Lavender, Premier Inns Norwich and the Borough Council of King's Lynn & West Norfolk are heading to Excursions at Alexandra Palace, London on Saturday, January 16. Excursions is the largest group travel show in the south of England. Visit the Norfolk Tourism team at stand EE05. Norfolk Tourism will be promoting the county armed with the Norfolk Travel Trade Manual 2010, the essential guide for coach operators and group operators, packed with information on places to visit and stay, meal stops, guided tours and special events. The team will also will also be highlighting Scene on Screen, the interactive movie map, developed by Screen East that promotes accessible film and TV locations in Norfolk and the East of England. |
 Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden, South Walsham has achieved the Gold standard in the Green Tourism Business Scheme, the national sustainable tourism scheme for the UK. Fairhaven is the first visitor attraction in Norfolk to receive a Gold award, which follows the garden’s Sustainable Tourism accolade in November’s EDP Tourism in Norfolk Awards.Louise Rout, Fairhaven Garden Manager said: "We are all thrilled to have achieved Gold in the Green Tourism Business scheme. Everyone who works at the garden is totally committed to promoting environmental sustainability. We will continue to work hard to improve standards and increase the involvement of our visitors and the local community in understanding our green way of life." |
Fakenham Countryside & Forces Raceday Fakenham Racecourse stages its 11th annual amateur riders charity race at its meeting on Friday, February 19, in aid of Help for Heroes and The Countryside Alliance. The charity race goes off at 12 noon. All 12 entries will be ridden by retired East Anglian point to point riders. The National Hunt racing programme starts at 1.25pm.(2 January 2010) |
Great Yarmouth Launch 2010 Holiday and Short Break Guide (22 December 2009)  The 2010 Greater Yarmouth holiday and short break guide was launched on Tuesday 8 December at Potters Zest Rooms with more than 200 GYTA members and accommodation guide advertisers present. 2009 was reviewed in a very positive light, highlighting the range of events that took place from the Festival of Bowls to Beach Volleyball and the Maritime Festival and the success of the Greater Yarmouth TV advertising campaign which saw seafront car parks up 30% on the previous year. A number of attraction owners and hoteliers reflected on the successes of the 2009 season and looked forward to 2010. The 2010 guide has been updated with fresh new photography and new editorial for an up to date modern look at one of the UK's most popular seaside resorts. To download the guide, go to the Visit Norfolk brochure page or www.great-yarmouth.co.uk. |
Christmas Cheer at Sheringham Park (18 December 2009)  Visitors to The National Trust’s Sheringham Park are getting a special seasonal bonus. Christmas Cheer, one of the park’s 60 species of rhododendron, normally at its best in March, is flowering early due to the mild autumn. Sheringham Park is open all year from dawn to dusk.Photograph: Head Gardener Graham Brennan pictured with Christmas Cheer (photograph The National Trust). |
New themed weekend breaks at Kelling Heath Kelling Heath Holiday Park is launching a range of exciting themed breaks for 2010 with interesting things to do for couples, children and families, including, ‘Back to Nature,’ ‘Health, and Fitness’ and a ‘Retro Weekend’, to name just a few!(11 December 2009) Commencing on 26th February until 1st March will be Kelling Heath Holiday Park’s Food & Wine Weekend. Included in this break will be an evening meal and Sunday lunch at Kelling Heath’s Woods Restaurant, which was launched last year. Woods has an enviable reputation for imaginative menus, and uses the highest quality ingredients locally sourced from Norfolk. The restaurant also boasts an extensive wine list, superb service and a relaxed, welcoming environment. On Saturday afternoon you can participate in a food and wine matching workshop which will help refine your taste and ensure you select food and wines that perfectly complement each other. For more information, call Kelling Heath Holiday Park 01263 588181 or visit www.kellingheath.co.uk. |
Hippodrome Christmas Spectacular kicks off (10 December 2009)  The Hippodrome Christmas Spectacular kicks off for its 9th season on Saturday 12th December, and with over 60 performers, is one of the biggest in Europe! The show features the amazing Brazilian daredevil springboard family the Romeiro Troupe who were the hit of the summer show – Ryan Sharp with new specially built amazing magic illusions from South Africa – British heart-throb Robert Foxhall – the man who can fly – the return of favourite Mexican clown Alonso – a stunning Mongolian trapeze artiste Hishige, the children from Dance Estelle and the Chermond Circus School in Norwich, over 60 performers in a dazzling show compered by Jack Jay, recent winner of a coveted Royal Television Society Award for his new documentary ‘Flashmobs.’ The show culminates in the 100,000 gallon water spectacle with synchronised swimmers (pictured), giant fountains, and fireworks, one of the most spectacular theatrical events this side of Las Vegas, in the 106 year old atmospheric building dubbed East Anglia’s mini Albert Hall, which always looks fantastic at Christmas with Victorian style decorations and lights. For more information visit www.hippodromecircus.co.uk or call 01493 844172. |
Globe gets silver (8 December 2009)  A north Norfolk inn has been given four stars and a silver award following an inspector’s secret visit as part of a nationally respected accreditation programme.The Globe in Wells-next-the-Sea had a single booking for a room and dinner which they thought was quite a normal reservation until it came to checkout time the next morning and the guest revealed they were an inspector from Enjoy England. Johanna Lissack, Front-of-House Manager, at The Globe explains: “It was a little like the Ruth Watson hotel programme on television when they reveal their true identity as they come to do their checkout. You know at that stage they have been through their room and every part of their visit with a fine toothcomb. “We were naturally a little nervous but as soon as they confirmed we had been given four stars and a silver award as well we were all delighted and it reflects the hard work everyone in the team puts into The Globe,” she added. The Globe is run by the Holkham Estate and is located in the beautiful Georgian square of The Buttlands in the town; it offers a number of special breaks including bird watching and classical concerts. |
Poppy Line Double Winner in Heritage Awards North Norfolk Railway, The Poppy Line, won two awards at Tuesday’s National Railway Heritage Awards (NRHA) for the volunteer-led Holt signalling project, completed and commissioned earlier this year. Nerve centre of the project is an ex-Midland Railway signal box re-erected in the Station Yard at Holt Station. The NRHA Signalling Award was made for the project as a whole, and the Volunteers Award recognised the dedicated band of enthusiasts have brought the complex project to life who over the past five years.(8 December 2009) This is the second time that developments at Holt Station have been recognised in the National Railway Heritage Awards. The station building, originally the M&GN’s Stalham Station, won second place in the Volunteers Award in 2005. |
 Two new walks booklets combining walking and train travel have been launched by Norfolk County Council's Countryside Access Team and the Passenger Transport Group. The booklets describe walks from the Bittern Line which runs between Norwich and Sheringham and the Wherry Lines which run between Norwich, Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft. Each walk starts and ends at a railway station and they vary in length from a leisurely 2.5 miles to a more serious 9 miles. All the walks are described including details such as distances, path surfaces and facilities available and are accompanied by a map showing the route.These walks have something for everyone, offering the opportunity for walkers to experience the wonderful sights and sounds from the north Norfolk coast to the Norfolk Broads. So leave the car at home, hop on the train and enjoy the beautiful Norfolk countryside whilst helping the environment too! The booklets are available free of charge while stocks last from local railway stations with staffed ticket offices, Tourist Information Centres or by contacting Norfolk County Council on environment@norfolk.gov.uk or 0344 800 8003. |
Swaffham B&B Owners Hang up Frying Pan after 25,000 Breakfasts (30 November 2009)  Martin and Linda Hickey, owners of Corfield House, Sporle near Swaffham, have hung up their frying pan after some 25,000 breakfast and 23 years in the business. Martin Hickey also estimates that he has walked around 2,500 miles cutting the immaculate lawns at their B&B. Chairman of Swaffham & District Tourism Association since 1990 and responsible for voluntarily running the local Tourist Information Centre for 12 years, Mr Hickey was also a founder member of Norfolk Tourism. A member of Norfolk Tourism’s Executive for eight years, he is the Training & Development Portfolio holder and has additional responsibility for overseeing the county’s official tourism website www.visitnorfolk.co.uk. He has also worked for East of England Tourism as a tourism business adviser running seminars and helping B&B’s and holiday cottage owners on a one-to-one basis to improve the quality of their businesses. "After cooking some 25,000 breakfasts, Linda and I have decided to take a break from the day to day business of running a B&B, but I plan to remain involved in the tourism industry working as a business adviser," said Martin Hickey. "We are delighted to welcome John and Pauline Shead who have taken over Corfield House and wish them well for the future." Mr Hickey will be stepping down in May as Chairman of Swaffham Tourism Association and from the Norfolk Tourism Executive in April. "It has been very exciting being involved in Swaffham tourism during the Kingdom era. The TV series has really put the area on the map, as has the wonderful publicity for Strattons Hotel, thanks to our vice-chairman Vanessa Scott and her husband Les. I’m sure visitors will continue to come to this lovely part of the county" concluded Martin Hickey. Michael Timewell, Chairman Norfolk Tourism said: "Martin and Linda Hickey have been tireless advocates for our industry. Martin will be a big loss from Norfolk Tourism’s Executive when he steps down in April, but I am sure that he will continue to be a very active supporter behind the scenes." |
 Cranmer Country Cottages’ new eco cottage "Garden House" was awarded the Best Self Catering Award in Norfolk at the EDP Tourism in Norfolk Awards held at the Holiday Inn (Airport) Norwich on Friday 20th November, 2009.Husband and wife team, John & Lynne Johnson, attribute their success to constant evaluation and investment in their business, their green ethos and the ongoing rapport they have developed with regular guests. "This caps off a tremendous year and our best ever" Lynne said. "The achievement of this major self-catering tourism award, in addition to hearing this week that we have gained a Gold award in the prestigious Green Tourism Business Scheme, recognises all of the hard work and significant investment we have put in over the past year". Garden House is a state of the art, low energy, steel and glass building, and uses a unique combination of renewable energy technologies: solar, ground heat source and a 20kw wind turbine. |
St George’s Distillery – English Whisky in Norfolk (26 November 2009)  St George’s Distillery, www.englishwhisky.co.uk, Roudham, Norfolk is the first single malt whisky distillery in England for more than 100 years. Whisky must be matured in oak casks for three years before the word ‘whisky’ can be used. The end of November 2009 concludes this period of waiting for the English Whisky Company.St George’s makes two very different whiskies. The first release, a non-peated whisky, will be available from the distillery mid December. The spirit has been well received by whisky critics. The half-matured spirit has already sold well in more than 10 countries across the world. From January onwards St George’s whisky will be available from Gordon & Macphail, who distributes all of The English Whisky Company’s products in the UK. Peated whisky will be launched in summer 2010; pre-orders are being taken for the first cases. St George’s also uses whisky to make Norfolk liqueurs and creams. |
Does your recipe cut the mustard? (25 November 2009)  Budding chefs are being asked to come up with a tasty recipe featuring a Colman's mustard product in a new competition launched to help celebrate the 10 year anniversary of Colman's Mustard Shop & Museum being based in Norwich's Royal Arcade.Colman’s Mustard Shop & Museum stocks a wide range of mustard products, which are ideal for many recipes. From Dijon Mustard to Wholegrain Mustard with Beer, and Delicious Savoury Biscuits to the more unusual Mustard Chocolate Bar, there are plenty of recipe ingredients to choose from. As part of the prize, the winning recipe will be featured on the menu at The Assembly House Restaurant, and the winner will receive a meal for two at The Assembly House Restaurant. For more info and how to enter, see the HEART website. Entries must be in by 28th November. |
 The winners of the fifth annual EDP Tourism in Norfolk Awards, in association with The Target Group and Norfolk Tourism, were announced at a celebration dinner held at Holiday Inn Norwich North on Friday, November 20. Gary Attfield, Advertisement Director, Eastern Daily Press said: “This is the fifth year of the EDP Tourism in Norfolk Awards. The tourism businesses make a significant contribution to the county's economy and for all of us involved in the organising and judging through the year it is a real privilege to see at first hand the initiatives, energy and enthusiasm. Our thanks go to all the finalists for entering and to our judges who always have a difficult choice to make in selecting just three finalists for each category. I am also very grateful to all our sponsors and partners for their help in making these awards such a special occasion for Norfolk.” The Winners * Outstanding Contribution to Tourism Award, Michael Timewell, Chairman Norfolk Tourism and Director Blue Sky Leisure * People's Award, Anthea Foster, Norfolk National Gardens Scheme * Best B&B and Guest House, Dairy Barns, Hickling * Best Hotel (under 50 bedrooms), St Giles House Hotel, Norwich * Best Hotel (over 35 bedrooms), Potters Leisure Resort, Hopton-on-Sea * Best Caravan or Holiday Park, Deer's Glade Caravan & Camping Park, Hanworth * Best Self-catering Establishment, The Garden House, Cranmer Country Cottages, Fakenham * Best Visitor Information Centre, Wymondham * Sustainable Tourism Award, Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden, South Walsham * Best Norfolk Broads Experience, Norfolk Broads Direct, Wroxham * Customer Care Award, Great Yarmouth Sea Life Centre * Business Tourism Award, Delia’s Canary Catering * Best Marketing Initiative, Norwich Dragon Festival * Berry Savory Best Norfolk Attraction (under 60,000 visitors), Bircham Windmill * Berry Savory Best Norfolk Attraction (more than 60,000 visitors), Pensthorpe Nature Reserve |
Norfolk & Norwich Festival Highlights – May 7-22, 2010 (20 November 2009)  Norfolk & Norwich Festival organisers have announced highlights for NNF10. First off the block is the return of NoFit State Circus, whose Tabù show had its world première in Norwich in 2008. NoFit State has taken the tent off its circus and invites you to join Parklife, a joyful exploration and celebration of the secret life of public parks culminating in a spectacular outdoor circus event at the heart of the NNF10 programme. From Monday, November 23, tickets are on sale for UK premières of a new work by Jordi Savall and a new piece by leading dance collective, les ballets C de la B, as well as a rare UK performance by electric guitar legend, John McLaughlin. To book tickets tel. 01603 766400 or online at www.nnfestival.org.uk. |
Follow in the footsteps of the stars! Due to the popularity of the East of England as a filming location, the region has launched an exciting new website www.sceneonscreen.co.uk - an interactive movie map promoting accessible locations that have appeared in popular film and television programmes. (20 November 2009) Find out what Norfolk hotspots have graced the silver and small screens, and follow in the footsteps of the stars! |
Glorious 39 Showcases Norfolk (19 November 2009)  Stephen Poliakoff’s British Thriller, Glorious 39, released on 20 November and filmed on location in Norfolk features Castle Acre Priory, Cley Marshes, Holkham Hall, Houghton Hall, and Walsingham (pictured - Walsingham Abbey). The story is centred around the formidable Keyes family who are determined to preserve their very traditional, English way of life on the brink of World War II. The cast includes Romola Garai, Bill Nighy, Julie Christie, Eddie Redmayne, Juno Temple, David Tennant, Charlie Cox and Christopher Lee. For more information visit the new Scene on Screen film location website. |
Norfolk in November – Daily Mail Read Liz Neale’s Daily Mail review of a weekend break arriving in Norfolk by train, ‘Norfolk in November? It's as easy as, well, catching a Cromer crab.’(17 November 2009) |
Beer Writers’ Guild Visits Norfolk (10 November 2009)  Twelve members of The Guild of Beer Writers were in Norfolk on 3 and 4 November to sample some of the county’s fine local beers.The programme featured visits to Woodforde’s and The Fat Cat and Chalk Hill Breweries Norwich, plus a trip to Wroxham Barns for a beer themed lunch and a look round Uncle Stuart’s Brewery. Tim Hampson, Chairman of The Guild of Beer Writers and author of The Beer Book said: "We are committed to raising awareness of beer around the country and the importance of beer and brewing to the local economy. It is really encouraging to see small rural breweries like Uncle Stuart’s thriving at a time when there is so much gloom and doom about the UK economy." The beer writers are pictured outside Uncle Stuart’s Brewery with Tim Hampson (far left front) and Stuart Evans, Uncle Stuart’s Brewery (far right front). |
Full steam ahead for the Wells and Walsingham Light Railway Congratulations to the Wells and Walsingham Light Railway on being the first project to receive funding under the Norfolk Coast and Broads Rural Development Programme.(6 November 2009) The Garratt Boiler project has secured a grant of £38,300 to support the building of a new steam locomotive for the light railway. The new capacity created by this funding means more visitors will be able to enjoy the attraction of a steam train trip between Wells and Walsingham in future years and this will encourage higher levels of tourism-related expenditure in the area. The Wells and Walsingham Light Railway line is the longest 10.25” narrow gauge steam railway in the world. It first opened in April 1982 and runs the unique Garratt locomotive “Norfolk Hero”, which was specially built for this line. The line runs from the harbour town of Wells to the picturesque town and pilgrim shrine of Walsingham, and takes passengers on a scenic tour including five bridges and views across lovely countryside. For more details about the railway and running times see www.wellswalsinghamrailway.co.uk. |
Norfolk Travel Trade Manual 2010 Launched at Potters Leisure Resort (6 November 2009)  Norfolk Tourism’s Travel Trade Manual 2010, the 11th edition of the essential guide to group travel in the county, was launched on November 4 at Potters Leisure Resort, the UK’s first five star Holiday Village.Pictured at Potters new Zest conference centre are (left to right) Lydia Smith, Team Manager Norfolk Tourism, Michael Timewell, Chairman Norfolk Tourism and Marc Jones, Marketing Manager Potters Leisure Resort. Image courtesy of Bob Hobbs Photography. The travel trade manual, which is packed with information on places to visit and stay, meal stops, guided tours and special events, is mailed to 8,000 contacts. Group buyers can also pick up a copy and meet the Norfolk Tourism team at Excursions, Alexandra Palace, London on Saturday, January 16. Alternatively, go to www.visitnorfolk.co.uk/groups to plan itineraries or order a copy of the manual. |
Produced In Norfolk 'Share the View' festival (6 November 2009)  Produced In Norfolk Share the View is an opportunity to meet local artisan producers, learn something about their skills and why they do what they do in the heart of beautiful Norfolk - and its all FREE.Share the View takes place right across the County from Saturday 14th to Sunday 29th November 2009. Whether you want to know about setting up an alpaca farm or learn about making furniture from local wood this is a celebration of our local Norfolk skills. For more information visit www.producedinnorfolk.com, or see Share the View events in the Visit Norfolk What's On guide. |
Norfolk Triumphs at East of England Tourism Awards (30 October 2009)  Norfolk businesses won seven out of 15 categories at East of England Tourism’s Enjoy England Awards for Excellence staged at Ickworth House on 29 October. Incleborough House, East Runton triumphed with two awards, B&B plus self-catering for Stable Cottage. BeWILDerwood was crowned best large visitor attraction and Broad House Hotel, Wroxham picked up best small hotel. Deepdale Leisure, Burnham Deepdale won the sustainable tourism category and Park House Hotel, Sandringham won the access for all category for the second year running. Deers Glade Camping and Caravan Park, Hanworth was awarded Caravan Park and Holiday Village of the Year. |
Norfolk Finalists – East of England Awards for Excellence Eleven Norfolk businesses are finalists in this year’s East of England, Enjoy England Awards for Excellence. The winners are announced at the awards dinner at Ickworth on the evening of Thursday 29 October.(29 October 2009) The finalists and categories are: B&B/Guesthouse: Carrick’s Castle Farm, Swanton Morley and Incleborough House, East Runton. Self-catering: Nutmeg & Plum Tree Cottages, Wroxham and Stable Cottage, East Runton. Small Hotel: Broad House Hotel, Wroxham. Small Visitor Attraction: RAF Air Defence Radar Museum, Neatishead. Taste of England: Denver Mill, Denver. Sustainable Tourism: Deepdale Leisure, Burnham Deepdale and Fairhaven Woodland & Water Garden, South Walsham. Access for All: Park House Hotel, Sandringham. Large Visitor Attraction: BeWILDerwood, Hoveton. Celebrating the best of regional tourism, these awards are known throughout the industry as the 'Oscars' of tourism – promoting healthy industry competition and high standards. They help to ensure England's place as a world-class destination. The winners go forward to the national England for Excellence awards staged next spring. |
Win a Stay in a Tipi! (22 October 2009)  Give Deepdale Backpackers and Camping a few minutes of your time and enter their competition to win a stay in one of the Deepdale Tipis on the north Norfolk coast:We would like to ask you a few questions, to learn more about when and how you use or would like to use Deepdale Backpackers & Camping on the beautiful north Norfolk coast. When you complete the questionnaire (link below), we will put your name in the competition hat and you have the chance to win a stay in a Tipi or a £20 voucher towards your stay. Thank you in advance for answering the questions and good luck in the competition. Take the survey and enter the competition! |
EDP Tourism in Norfolk Awards – Finalists (19 October 2009)  The finalists for this year’s EDP Tourism in Norfolk Awards have been announced. See EDP24.co.uk for a full list.The Tourism in Norfolk Awards dinner will be at Holiday Inn Norwich North on Friday 20 November. |
Norfolk Tourism Heads for Zest (19 October 2009)  Norfolk Tourism is heading for the new Zest Rooms conference venue at Potter’s Leisure Resort for the partnership’s Annual Review Meeting on Wednesday, November 4, beginning at 10am. The meeting will take the temperature of the county’s multi billion pound tourism industry, assessing the impact of the ‘staycation’ phenomenon, and will look at the highlights of 2009 and what is planned for 2010. Three practical sessions will focus on market research, the emerging social media scene and PR. Geoffrey Dixon, Managing Director of Vivid Interface, will talk about the value of research and will offer top tips for tourism businesses. Kate Morfoot, Director, Jungle Public Relations will lead a workshop on social media, posing the question: “Is this a fundamental online business tool to promote your business and manage your reputation, or just a fad?” Lyndsay Ross from Tribe, the Norwich PR agency responsible for the World Class Norfolk campaign, will run a workshop on mastering PR. Tourism businesses are very welcome to attend the meeting, but need to register in advance with Louisa Loader, tel. 01603 222846, email louisa.loader@visit.norfolk.gov.uk. A buffet lunch is available at £9.95 (pre-booked only). Michael Timewell, Chairman, Norfolk Tourism said: “I am very pleased that we are staging our Annual Review Meeting at Potter’s new Zest Rooms, giving Brian Potter and his team the chance showcase their new development to the county’s tourism industry. I am really looking forward to getting feedback on the last year from every sector of our industry. Delegates will also gather a wide range of practical information that will help them take their businesses forward with confidence.” |
Railway children wanted! (15 October 2009)  The Poppy Line has arranged a special half-term treat – the chance for children to help man the railway over the weekend of October 24th and 25th.They’ll be able to work with our volunteers to wave the guard’s flag, check the signals, carry the baggage, help the ticket clerks and keep the stations up to scratch. They’ll be able to make their own picnic. And the younger ones will love Morgan the Railway Cat. The Altogether Now! Weekend is just that – the opportunity for children to have fun together and experience the magic of the heritage railway. As a visitor to a previous Altogether Now! said: “The sights, sounds and smells of the day will be something my children will remember for a long time.” The good news is that normal fares apply throughout the weekend. The £35 family ticket for 2 adults and 2 children or 3 adults and one child even includes a free £5 voucher to spend on refreshments or in the Sheringham Station giftshop. Really good value! Step forward all you would-be Railway Children! Go to www.nnrailway.co.uk for more info. |
New HEART photography competition (15 October 2009)  HEART has launched a new photography competition to celebrate Norwich’s outstanding collection of medieval churches and showcase inspiring photography talent, following the success of last year's Norwich 12 competition.Norwich has more standing medieval churches within the city walls – 32 – than any city north of the Alps and they still play a central role in city life. The competition will explore the past and present uses of the churches and their place in today’s society. The categories are history and tradition; people and community; inspiration and learning; restoration and conservation; worship and contemplation; art and architecture; enjoyment and fun; innovation and change. Winning entries will go on display at a public exhibition in Norwich in spring 2010 and may be included in a forthcoming book on the city’s churches to be published by HEART next year. Prizes also include a £200 shopping voucher (kindly provided by Chapelfield), tickets to the exhibition’s launch event, heritage goodie bags and more. The competition is open to all ages and runs until 31 October 2009. Full entry details are available from www.heritagecity.org or call 01603 305575. |
Who dunnit? A last minute offer from Norwich City: Classic Cluedo Murder Mystery Dinner Party A murder is due to take place on Friday 16 October at Norwich City Football Club and it is up to your team to solve the mystery. You will enjoy a delicious three-course meal in the Top of the Terrace and Norfolk Lounges as clues are revealed and you meet and question the prime suspects. (13 October 2009) The winning team will celebrate with a bottle of Champagne and certificates! Tickets are £45 per person from the Events team on 01603 218704. *Special offer - book a table of ten and one person goes free!* |
Colman’s Mustard Shop celebrates 10 years in the Royal Arcade (13 October 2009)  Colman’s Mustard Shop – one of the city’s most cherished heritage attractions – is celebrating its 10 year anniversary of being based in the Royal Arcade on Friday, 16th October.The Shop will be celebrating with a promotion offering 20% off all products throughout the day, as well as offering a free gift worth over £5 for every 10th customer. The anniversary follows the transfer of the shop from previous owners Unilever UK & Ireland to Norwich Heritage Economic and Regeneration Trust (HEART) in August this year. Michael Loveday, Chief Executive of Norwich HEART said: “Colman’s Mustard Shop is an iconic symbol of our local heritage, appropriately housed in the beautiful Royal Arcade. It has long been one of the city’s most popular heritage attractions and this anniversary is an important milestone for the Shop and Museum as we look ahead to an exciting and thriving future.” The Colman’s Mustard Shop and Museum was opened in 1973 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Colman’s, with premises on Bridewell Alley. It moved to the historic art nouveau Royal Arcade in 1999, opening on 16th October, where it has been based ever since in a careful replica of Victorian trade premises. For more information please visit www.mustardshopnorwich.com and www.heritagecity.org. |
Vote for NGS Jungle Gardener in BBC Gardener of the Year finals (12 October 2009)  Vote for Jon Kelf (NGS Jungle Garden) for BBC Gardener of the Year!9th October - 14th October (Midnight) Tel: 09015 222203 (Please note calls cost 15p from a BT landline and calls from other networks may vary. Calls from mobiles will cost considerably more.) bbcgardenersworld BBC GARDENER OF THE YEAR FINALS (One of five finalists) Winner announced 23rd October BBC2 8.30 At six years old, Norwich born Jon Kelf was hardly tall enough to reach the handles but was pushing his father’s lawnmower. Over thirty years later in 2007, after travel to many exotic places, Jon opened his 26ft by 60ft Jungle Garden to raise money for the worthwhile charities of the Norfolk National Garden Scheme. Now not only has Jungle Garden been voted as “Best Garden in Britain” in a competition run by the Daily Mail but owner Jon Kelf is in the finals of BBC Gardeners World “Gardener of the Year” competition. The Jungle Garden is a small town garden with five levels of decking surrounded by dense, lush exotic planting. It has over two hundred different and unusual types of plants including palms, bamboos, bananas, gingers, cannas and more. For more details or info on how to vote for Jungle Garden visit www.norfolkgardens.org. Image: Jon Kelf, Norwich Jungle Garden - credit Anne Green Armytage |
Doing Britain Properly at The White Horse The White Horse at Brancaster Staithe is one of seven small hotels featured in Gordon’s Gin’s new promotional brochure Doing Britain Properly. The hotels were chosen by Alastair Sawday as perfect places to enjoy a Gordon’s cocktail and fresh local food. (9 October 2009) |
Green Light for Sheringham Rail Link (7 October 2009)  North Norfolk Railway has decided to press on with the reinstatement of Sheringham level crossing as a tramway-style crossing for occasional use. The level crossing will link the North Norfolk Railway with the Bittern Line. The plan is to open the crossing on March 11, 2010 when it is hoped that the National Railway Museum’s steam locomotive Oliver Cromwell will head the first train over the road.North Norfolk Railway still needs to raise £22,000 to complete the funding required for the project. Donations can be sent to The Crossing Appeal, North Norfolk Railway plc, Sheringham Station NR26 8RA, with cheques made payable to North Norfolk Railway. |
Norwich Beer Festival (2 October 2009)  The 32nd Norwich Beer Festival, organised by CAMRA's Norwich & Norfolk Branch, runs at St. Andrew's Hall from Monday, October 26 to Saturday, October 31. More than 200 cask-conditioned real ales from Britain's independent brewers will be on offer, along with draught and bottled beers from Continental Europe. The festival also incorporates the 11th Cider & Perry Exhibition. Find out more at www.norwichcamra.org.uk. |
Welney Winter Swan Feeds Wildfowl & Wetland Trust Welney's spectacular daily Winter Swan Feeds begin on Saturday, October 24 at 3.30pm. Enjoy watching the thousands of whooper and Bewick's swans, which choose to make the Ouse Washes their winter home, from the comfort of the large observation room overlooking the reserve. Swan feeds run until March 14.(2 October 2009) Find out more at www.wwt.org.uk/welney. |
Norwich pub wins Beer Pub of the Year from CAMRA The real ale pub, The Fat Cat, on West End Street, Norwich, has won yet another accolade to its already brimming awards shelf. Camra, the Campaign for Real Ale, has awarded the cherished pub title of Beer Pub of the Year - the fourth time in ten years that it's had the honour. The pub has also won the national Pub of the Year award.(2 October 2009) |
Norfolk Black History Month (1 October 2009)  This October sees the return of Black History Month (BHM) to Norfolk. After being voted National Black History Month Champions 2008 by Sugar Media, this year’s BHM is set to be bigger and better than ever before! Throughout October there are countless events across Norfolk, including exhibtions and markets, music and drama, films, activities and workshops, events for children and families, talks and radio shows. Highlights include Courtney Pine, the Norfolk Black Film Festival in partnership with Cinema City, Ruby Turner and African markets at Chapelfield and across the county. Find out more at www.norfolkblackhistorymonth.org.uk. |
Griffon Country Landmarks – Heritage Trip Explore Griffon Country Landmarks with local historian Neil Story.(30 September 2009) The Griffon Area Partnership are pleased to announce a coach trip across Griffon Country to explore and learn more about the landmarks in the area. Neil Storey will host the trip describing some of the stories associated with landmarks and villages of the area. There will be stops along the way and all in all it will be a great way to get to know your local area in more detail. The coach will leave the Pay and display car park in Vicarage Street at 1 pm and will return at approximately 5 pm. The trip is open to anyone interested but booking is essential. Book your place by ringing Jan on 01692 407509 or popping into the Griffon Office at 32 Vicarage Street, North Walsham. To reserve your seat you will need to give a £2 donation. |
Gate of India opens on the Poppy Line The Poppy Line is running its first-ever curry dining train on Saturday October 3rd. The fine Indian cuisine will be provided by Aylsham’s Gate of India restaurant, so diners will enjoy a true gourmet meal in the comfortable surroundings of the North Norfolkman saloons.(30 September 2009) Marketing director Colin Borg told us: “Although we won’t be allowing passengers, hens and baggage to ride on the outside of the carriages in old Indian railway style, inside you’ll imagine you’re en route for Bombay, not Holt!” The Gate of India train will leave Sheringham Station at 7.00pm, and the meal and travel is £29.50 per head, drinks extra. The curry dining train is one of the highlights of the Mixed Traction Weekend on October 3rd and 4th, where vintage diesel locos share the spotlight with historic steam engines. Heading the diesel line-up will be an early post-steam era machine resplendent in British Railways blue, whilst the world’s first 100mph steam engine City of Truro will lead the steam contingent. This is a great chance to recall the dying days of the steam age, when the two types of traction worked side by side. And probably the first chance to have a genuine Indian meal served at your train table. Advance booking is strongly recommended – visit www.nnrailway.co.uk or call 01263 820 800. |
New autumn season at Westacre Theatre With Westacre Summer Theatre providing large-scale, crowd-pleasing productions that make full use of the wonderfully flexible and dynamic tent, Westacre Studio Theatre is on the scene throughout the rest of the year! The studio space, seating 75, is an ideal setting for entertaining, powerful, intimate and affecting theatre and events – and the new Autumn season is packed full of just that. This season it is all about Girl Power! We are thrilled to be bringing audiences some of Westacre Theatre Company’s most accomplished actresses in not one but two of this season’s productions – My Mother Said I Never Should and Shakespeare’s Female Parts. Don’t miss these two equally entertaining and vastly different productions, as well as regular film nights showing classic, cult, continental and contemporary cinema. (30 September 2009) For more information please visit www.westacretheatre.com, or call the Box Office on 01760 755800. |
Green Travel Map for Norwich launched (30 September 2009)  For anyone living, working or visiting Norwich, a new Green Travel Map, produced by Norfolk County Council in partnership with Norwich City Council, makes it easier than ever to leave the car at home. Fifty thousand copies of the map are available free of charge from council offices and information centres, libraries and tourist information centres. The map shows city centre and wider Norwich networks, giving the best cycling and walking routes. It also contains useful tips on using the bus and places to find further information, such as the Traveline website for buses; or walkit.com/norwich for pedestrians. There are also tips on greener car use, including car share contacts and fuel-saving driving techniques. You can download the Green Travel Map PDF through our Brochure page. |
North Walsham Hippos Reunited at Wroxham Barns (30 September 2009)  Harriet the Hippo, who has lived at Wroxham Barns since May's North Walsham Hippo Trail, has been reunited with her boyfriend Hugo who will be at the Barns until the first week of November. North Walsham’s Voyager Community Group visited Wroxham Barns on 28 September to give Harriet a makeover and check that Hugo is settling in. The Voyager Community Group decorated Harriet for the original North Walsham Hippo Trail. The drop-in group meets at St Benet’s Hall North Walsham on Monday and Wednesdays. Harriet has a purple head and back, red toenails, a red necklace and is decorated with items relating to Voyager Group activities e.g. computer, bird (birdwatching), keep fit, cup of tea, jigsaw puzzle and scrabble. Harriet’s boyfriend Hugo normally lives at The Griffin Partnership office. Photograph: Hugo (left) and Harriet with left to right, Voyager Group members Joan Loud, Doreen Murton and Olive Gregory. |
Pink Pals Charity Calendar Promotes Norfolk (29 September 2009)  Pink Pals, a group of Attleborough-based NHS workers have produced a ‘Calendar Girls’ style calendar for 2010, in memory of a friend and colleague who lost her life to breast cancer. The calendar, photographed on location throughout Norfolk, is raising money for The Breast Cancer Resource Fund at the Norfolk & Norwich NHS University Hospital.The calendar features some of Norfolk’s most popular visitor destinations: Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse, Holkham Beach, North Norfolk Railway, Thursford (Santa’s Magical Journey) and Norfolk Lavender. Other locations include Peter Beales Roses, The English Whisky Company, Melsop Farm and Park, and the historic panelled bar at The Maid’s Head Hotel, Norwich. The calendar (price £5) is available from Ann Trett, tel. 01603 744633, email adtrett@yahoo.com. |
The Pastons and Elm Hill (28 September 2009)  The Lord Mayor of Norwich will meet one time resident of medieval Norwich John Paston at the launch of a new exhibition at Hungate Medieval Art on 1st October.John Paston, played by a medieval re-enactor from Black Knight Productions, will be in full medieval costume giving the civic regalia a run for its money. This exhibition, the first in a new series of temporary exhibitions at Hungate Medieval Art, will look at the relationship between the Paston family and the Elm Hill area of the city. The Pastons were a prominent Norfolk family in the 15th and 16th centuries and are nationally famous for the survival of a quantity of their personal correspondence now known as the Paston letters and held by the British Museum. Themes in the exhibition include; the Paston’s townhouse thought to be located on the site presently occupied by the Strangers Club, their patronage of St Peter Hungate Church and evidence of their interactions with other local residents. The exhibition contains transcripts of the Paston Letters, high resolution images courtesy of the British Library and the Paston society, illustrative costume from the Maddermarket theatre and an 18th century edition of the letters on loan from the Cathedral Library. The works will be displayed in the south transept of St Peter Hungate church which would have at one time been the Paston’s private chapel and where Walter Paston is buried. The exhibition runs from 1st October – 28th November 2009 and is open to the public on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10.00 – 16.00. For more information please visit www.hungate.org.uk. |
The East Anglians - major new exhibition at SCVA (25 September 2009)  A major new exhibition of photographs by Justin Partyka, which explore an agrarian way of life in Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire, opens at the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts, University of East Anglia (UEA), Norwich, on Tuesday 29 September and runs until Sunday 13 December.Images of Norfolk feature prominently and include sugar beet farming near Knapton, carrot and Brussels sprout harvesting in the Fens, drilling wheat for thatching near Bungay and more. Find out more at www.scva.ac.uk or call 01603 593199. The exhibition is open Tues to Sun (closed Mon), 10am to 5pm and until 8pm on Weds. |
Gimme a Break – Norfolk on BBC 2 (24 September 2009)  Norfolk appears in two episodes of the current children’s TV Gimme a Break series, screened on Saturday mornings at 8am on BBC2. The Norfolk Broads is featured on 26 September and West Norfolk coast on 24 October. |
Hunstanton success in Britain in Bloom Hunstanton’s celebrating after receiving a Silver Gilt* award at the RHS Britain in Bloom Awards, the largest horticultural competition in Europe. The awards ceremony, attended by over 450 community and gardening champions, was held last night at the Riviera International Conference Centre, Torbay and hosted by BBC Gardeners’ World presenter, Toby Buckland.(24 September 2009) It seems that Hunstanton, which last week scooped a Gold Award in the Anglia in Bloom competition, is establishing a winning habit, much to the delight of the hard working team of Borough Council staff, community groups, local businesses and town council representatives. Over the past 12 months the seaside town has been digging into planting, pruning, and clean-up activities to make the most of its beautiful seafront location, celebrate its heritage, bring wildlife into the area and improve the appearance of some less attractive spots. For more information about In Bloom projects taking place across West Norfolk visit www.westnorfolkinbloom.com. |
EDP Norfolk Food Awards – The Winners (24 September 2009)  Wroxham Barns won two awards, Best of Norfolk and Best Farmers’ Market, for the monthly Produced in Norfolk market, at the EDP Norfolk Food Awards (part of the Norfolk Food Festival), staged at Holiday Inn, Norwich North on Monday, September 21. Elm Hill Brasserie, Norwich picked up Best Norfolk Menu and Back to the Garden, Letheringsett won Best Farm Shop. Catherine Temple of Mrs Temple’s Cheeses won the Outstanding Achievement category and Happy Hogs, Aylsham received Plough to Plate Champion. For a full list of winners see www.edp24.co.uk. |
Norfolk's pubs and breweries praised in ale drinkers bible (10 September 2009)  The Campaign For Real Ale (CAMRA) has recently released the 2010 edition of the ale bible 'The Good Beer Guide' and Norfolk comes out a winner! With 31 breweries within the county, Norfolk is second only to West Yorkshire for production, and Norwich itself has been singled out for praise thanks to its real ale pubs. In an interview with the Evening News, the Good Beer Guide editor Roger Protz states that "Norfolk in particular has the most astonishing number of breweries and Norwich is one of the best places in the entire country for drinking good beer. It has wonderful pubs."For more information visit www.camra.org.uk, or check out the Evening News' Love Your Local campaign. |
World Class is ‘Normal for Norfolk’ claims County (8 September 2009)  A new campaign has been launched which champions Norfolk as not only a fantastic place to come for a holiday, but also as a world class place to work and live.The "World Class. Normal for Norfolk" campaign is also a rallying call to the people of Norfolk to stand up for everything that is world class about their county. Daniel Cox, Leader of Norfolk County Council (NCC), said it was high time the county stood up for itself to show what really is normal for Norfolk now. “Many people will have only just returned from their holidays in Norfolk this year, and know everything there is to know about how lovely it is to visit, but our campaign aims to make sure that people see working in Norfolk or with Norfolk companies offers them a real competitive advantage. “World class businesses and a great work/life balance are normal for Norfolk – and, of course, they go hand in hand with our world class sense of humour!" You can get involved in the following ways: * Submit your favourite photographs of Norfolk for the World Class: Normal for Norfolk gallery at www.worldclassnorfolk.com * Shoot a video that busts a myth or misconception about Norfolk. There’s a Fujifilm Finepix F20 0EXR camera worth £250 to be won each month. * Be loud and proud on-line by putting right those who have got it wrong – all with a sense of humour of course! |
FourSight – Norwich Twenty Group (8 September 2009)  Norwich Twenty Group’s (N20G) autumn exhibition, 'FourSight', Fourth exhibition of work from four European Cities, showcasing more than 230 works, runs at the old Bally Shoe Factory, Hall Road, Norwich, courtesy of Targetfollow Group until Saturday, September 19 – open daily, 10am to 6pm, with free admission and free parking. The exhibition features work from many of Norfolk’s top artists, with contributions from N20G’s sister art groups in Norwich’s twin cities of Rouen, Novi Sad and Koblenz. The art on show is wide ranging and features traditional, figurative and abstract painting, sculpture and imaginative site installations responding to the space of the old factory. Photograph: Danse 1 – Philippe Day (Rouen) |
Blickling Hall Sculpture Trail (8 September 2009)  Eight sculptors from NOVA (North Norfolk organisation for Visual Artists) are exhibiting more than 30 sculptures in the garden at The National Trust’s Blickling Hall, near Aylsham. The sculptures, which vary in size, material and theme, will be on display until the end of September – open Wednesday to Sunday, 10.15am to 5.15pm. Photograph: sculpture by Joy Whiddett |
Free fun for the over 60s The first talk in Hungate Medieval Art’s Tea and Talking Points series for the over 60s was delivered by guest speaker Mary Fawcett and focussed on Norwich Craftsmen. It was a very successful start to the series with an audience of fourteen. One visitor commented, “Mary’s talk was so interesting and she found all this evidence from the city centre which I would never have considered before. I shall definitely be coming again.” (5 September 2009) The next talk takes place on Wednesday October 7th 2009 at 2.30pm and focuses on the Rise of the English Parish Church. The talks are planned to continue on the first Wednesday of every month at the Hungate Medieval Art Centre based in the redundant church of St Peter Hungate, Elm Hill. The talks are free to all over 60. Refreshments are available. For further information please visit www.hungate.org.uk. |
King’s Lynn Poetry Festival 25 – 27 September 2009 (4 September 2009)  With such an international flavour at this year's Festival, (held at Thoresby College, King’s Lynn) you are assured that the diverse experience, styles and genres of these poets will present an interesting mix of readings. Each session lasts around 90 minutes, in two halves. During the interval, you can enjoy some refreshments while you browse the bookstall of works by the Festival's poets - all of whom are happy to chat and sign their books. More information about the featured poets can be found at http://www.lynnlitfests.com/nextfestival.asp |
Join in the Norwich Twestival 2009! (4 September 2009)  Twitter fever hits Norwich as the global Twestival event turns local. The new OPEN venue, housed in the ex-Barclays Bank building in the centre of Norwich will play home to the event on September 11th and will feature a number of local bands, including Niamh Cavlan.The event is raising money for the East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA). Ticket sales and donations made will help the EAAA continue to provide crucial support to the region. On average the EAAA are called to four incidents a day, life threatening situations such as road traffic accidents, incidents involving people in inaccessible places, cardiac arrests. Because of the advanced skills, drugs and equipment found on board, and being able to access places impossible for a land ambulance, the EAAA can make the difference. For more information about the Norwich Twestival visit http://norwich.twestival.com/. You can also follow the fun on Twitter - and don't forget to follow @NorfolkUK too! You can buy tickets online via the UEA Box Office. |
Half term events at Kelling Heath Holiday Park Kelling Heath Holiday Park in north Norfolk is an ideal Half Term escape for families set in natural, surroundings. Just over one mile from the beautiful north Norfolk coastline, there's lots to do, including some fun-filled family events for October half term. (1 September 2009) Families can choose from the Fungi Foray, detect bats at dusk, join a Wildlife Walk, go pond dipping, go on a cycle ride or join in the early evening children's entertainment. For more information on Kelling Heath, call 01263 588181 or visit www.kellingheath.co.uk. |
Jungle Garden Norwich Wins Daily Mail Competition (28 August 2009)  Jon Kelf’s Jungle Garden in Norwich is the winner of the Daily Mail Best Garden in Britain 2009. Jon opens his garden in aid of National Gardens Scheme Norfolk.The Jungle Garden is a small town garden approximately twenty-six feet by sixty feet with five levels of decking surrounded by dense, lush exotic planting. It has over 200 unusual species of plants including palms, bamboos, bananas, gingers and cannas. Photograph: Jon Kelf with his Daily Mail plaque. |
New West Norfolk Access Guide launched (27 August 2009)  A new online guide will allow people to see, at the click of a mouse, the level of accessibility of shops, restaurants, professional services, entertainments and accommodation in West Norfolk.The West Norfolk Access Guide has been compiled after access consultants visited the 600 plus businesses and service providers in King’s Lynn, Hunstanton and Downham Market. The guide, found at www.westnorfolkaccessguide.co.uk, contains information about wheelchair access, toilet and changing facilities, aisle widths, accessibility of shelving and much more, and is designed to help people with specific needs make informed choices. |
Twiggletastic Twiggle Tales and New Trail for August Bank Holiday (27 August 2009)  For a Twiggletastic family day out of fun visit BeWILDerwood, the curious treehouse adventure park near Wroxham in Norfolk this August Bank Holiday (Saturday 29th – Monday 31st). Join the Twiggles on a new woodland trail to explore the depths of the enchanted forest further than you’ve ever dared before.BeWILDerwood is opening a new ‘Twiggle Trail’ specifically for the August Bank Holiday and the new ‘Twiggle Trail and Twiggle Tales’ event will give you the chance to pioneer the unknown and the mysterious depths of BeWILDerwood’s flora and fauna and help make marshmallows from real marsh. "Take the trail challenge, collect stamps for your trail sheet, follow clues, use your head and run WILD!” says Jo Artherton, Marketing Manager of BeWILDerwood. "Then gather round for BeWILDerwood’s popular interactive storytelling – you’re sure to be captivated by all the tricky tales of Boggles and Twiggles.” For more information about BeWILDerwood and all the events on offer, visit http://www.BeWILDerwood.co.uk or call 01603 783900. |
Hippodrome continues record-breaking run with 'Celebrate' - ends 6th Sept! (27 August 2009)  The Historic Hippodrome Great Yarmouth, is nearing the end of it’s record breaking run at East Anglia’s mini Albert Hall, with Celebrate, Peter Jay’s 30th anniversary all-new Summer Spectacular – East Anglia’s top family attraction for 2009, which continues only until 6th September.Celebrate stars one of the worlds greatest circus acts, direct from Brazil, the daredevil Springboard Artistes The Romeiro Family, the amazing South American Juggler Roberto Karlos, sensational Synchronised Swimmers, Vibrant Dancers, Ryan Sharp’s mind blowing Magic Illusions from South Africa. Tenderelle – the amazing contortionist from Mongolia. – The return of British Heart-throb Robert Foxhall, the man who can fly, and the breathtaking 100,000 gallon Water Spectacle – A unique family show in a unique setting, one of only three in the world! With hilarious comedy from new stars, comedian Johnny Mac and host Jack Jay. There’s a fully licensed bar, fresh popcorn and the unique atmosphere of the Big Top in a fabulous 1903 landmark theatre, Britain’s last surviving total circus building, as recently seen on BBC’s TV flag ship Question Time. A classic show for all the family, fun, thrills, excitement, hilarious side splitting laughs, and spectacle unseen this side of Las Vegas. For more information see www.hippodromecircus.co.uk or call 01493 844172. Image: Tenderelle, the amazing contortionist from Mongolia |
Norfolk's birding hotspots showcased at British Birdfair Rutland Water (27 August 2009)  Norfolk Tourism and The Broads Authority have been promoting the EDP Holiday Here! campaign at the British Birdfair, the birdwatchers ‘Glastonbury’, at Rutland Water, August 21 to 23. Ginny Edwards, Norfolk Tourism said: “The British Birdfair was extremely busy. We have been rushed off our feet with lots of interest in the county as a birdwatching destination. Over the 3 days we spoke to hundreds of visitors who were familiar with the sections of the county but equally unfamiliar with others. We were able to introduce them to areas they never considered for birdwatching such as the Broads and reinforce their enthusiasm for their favourite spots as well.” Literature snapped up by visitors to the stand included The Broads Authority’s ‘Mini Guide,’ ‘Wild Days Out in The Broads’, ‘Enjoy The Broads 09’, Norfolk Tourism’s birdwatching leaflet and Broadland District Council’s cycling and walking leaflet. New at the show was ‘Birdwatching in West Norfolk’, which highlights all the key locations in the district, including RSPB Snettisham and Wildfowl & Wetland’s Trust Welney, lists key species by season and encourages visitors to explore coastal reserves using the Norfolk Coast Path and the Coasthopper Bus. Photograph attached left to right with the EDP Holiday Here! Posters are Ginny Edwards and Lydia Smith of Norfolk Tourism and Bruce Hanson from the Broads Authority. |
Norfolk's food shines in national awards As well as the stunning landscapes, coastline and heritage, Norfolk can boast fantastic dining and wonderfully delicious local produce. Norfolk has a rich heritage of succulent and tasty food and drink, and so it's a given that our local producers are also award winners too!(24 August 2009) Winners of the 2009 Great Taste Awards include Norfolk companies such as: * Bray's Cottage Pork Pies - for their Rare Breed Pork Pie with Onion Marmalade * Elveden Fine Foods - Raspberry Jam with Single Malt Whisky * Booja-Booja Company - triple winners for their Hunky Punky Chocolate Ice Cream in double strawberry, Cointreau and mandarin, and butterscotch! * Lakenham Creamery - for their Norfolk County ice cream in Rich Butterscotch and Cointreau Mandarin More info at www.greattasteawards.co.uk. |
Norfolk NGS Garden’s International Fame (17 August 2009)  Devils End, Haddiscoe, has captured the interest of German and Japanese garden magazines. The garden first opened for the National Gardens Scheme in 2007. Since then it has been featured in The English Garden and Country Life magazines. Now photographer Jerry Harpur has captured the essence of the garden for features in the Japanese Bises and German Hauser magazines. Devils End, Church Lane, Haddiscoe, NR14 6PB, is open on the Sunday 30 August from 1pm to 6pm. Park in Haddiscoe Church car park, accessed from B1136. Short walk to the garden. Photograph Jeremy Harpur. |
World’s First 100mph Steam Engine Heads for Norfolk City of Truro, the steam engine that broke the 100mph barrier on the Great Western Railway’s 105 years ago is the star attraction at North Norfolk Railway’s Grand Steam Gala from Friday 4 September to Sunday 6 September.(17 August 2009) |
Great Yarmouth Maritime Festival (17 August 2009)  The 10th annual Great Yarmouth Maritime Festival sails into town on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 September. Traditional tall ships, including The Grand Turk, star of the Hornblower series, expedition vessels, steam drifters and lifeboats will be moored on South Quay. The packed programme features live music, children’s activities and maritime related art, crafts and history. Photograph The Grand Turk. |
Hunstanton's new lupine resident celebrates St. Edmund (14 August 2009)  An imposing protector has taken up residence on Hunstanton cliff top as a living representation of the myth of St. Edmund and the wolf.The 4.5 ft 3D wolf sculpture, made from wood and wire and covered in sedum, head thrown back in a baying pose, cuts a striking silhouette against the dramatic backdrop of The Wash and is the end point of new heritage trail that has been launched by the Borough Council in Hunstanton. Situated at the site of the ruined St. Edmund’s chapel, the wolf has been produced as part of the town’s Britain in Bloom campaign and re-creates a scene from local folklore. St. Edmund arrived in Hunstanton around 865 AD to become King of the East Angles and later became the first patron saint of England. According to myth he was captured by the Danes who demanded that Edmund denounce his faith and his kingdom. The young king refused and was tied to a tree, shot with arrows and beheaded. St. Edmund’s loyal followers found his body and searched for his head so that they could bury him. After days of searching, the people were drawn to the woods by a braying wolf, found clutching the head between its paws. Free postcards and a trail leaflet can be collected from Hunstanton Tourist Information centre, The Princess Theatre and Oasis Sports and Leisure Centre. For more information about Hunstanton in Bloom visit: www.westnorfolkinbloom.com. |
King's Lynn Hanse Festival a huge success! (7 August 2009)  The Hanse festival extravaganza celebrated the town’s historic links with the Hanseatic League, a medieval trading guild. The festival drew thousands of visitors into King's Lynn, accommodation in the town was full and many businesses thrived. The festival began with the arrival of the magnificent Lisa von Lübeck (pictured coming from her home port in Germany. Events held throughout the town and an array of quayside entertainment created a splendid carnival atmosphere throughout the weekend.King’s Lynn Tourist Information Centre figures went through the roof with over 6000 through the doors over four day days of the festival. West Norfolk Council leader Cllr Nick Daubney said: The whole event has done the town a power of good and has helped to create the buzz of a vibrant and exciting festival town”. To find out more about King’s Lynn and the Hanseatic League you can follow the Borough Council’s new Hanseatic trail, pick up a copy from King’s Lynn Tourist Information Centre in the Custom House or call 01553 763044, or visit the Borough Council's website. |
Help re-unite the Poppy Line with the UK! (7 August 2009)  The dream of re-uniting the Poppy Line with the main rail network by reinstating the Sheringham level crossing is a step nearer reality. Many local business people believe the crossing will bring considerable benefit, citing the extra visitors attracted by the railway’s giant steam gala at the end of last February and by special events like the upcoming ‘40s Weekend (this year on September 19th and 20th). The North Norfolk Railway’s project director, Julian Birley, confirmed that EDP Energy has been commissioned to move vital electrical cables to allow the crossing to be installed. “If we can complete the crossing this winter, we plan to have a charter train headed by crack steam loco Oliver Cromwell to open the link and be the centrepiece of a steam gala in late February or early March next year,” said Mr Birley. Find out how you can help re-unite the Poppy Line with the rest of the rail network, on www.nnr.co.uk. |
Green Buildings in Norfolk - Open Days 2009 (6 August 2009)  CPRE Norfolk’s popular Green Buildings Open Days will once again be taking place in September. Guided tours at eco-homes, earth buildings and low carbon developments in Norfolk have once again been arranged by CPRE Norfolk as part of the nationwide Heritage Open Days scheme. Tours will take place at 12 energy-efficient properties between Thursday 10th September and Sunday 13th September. From barns to water mills; cottages to smallholdings; studios to sheds - each of the 12 buildings has something remarkable to offer. Download the Green Buildings Open Days PDF. |
Vote for NGS Jungle Garden, Norwich, for Best Garden in Britain! (24 July 2009)  The Norfolk NGS Jungle Garden, Norwich has been selected as one of the top five “Best Gardens in Britain”, with over 2000 entries in the “Daily Mail” national competition.The winner will be determined by public vote from the 25th July –7th August. The Best Garden in Britain will be announced on the 22nd August. Details of all five gardens will be featured in the Daily Mail on the 25th July 2009 and online throughout voting. Vote from 25th July online. Every year, thousands of gardens throughout England and Wales get ready to welcome visitors through the National Gardens Scheme. Here in Norfolk, gardens range from the small and quirky to the large and grand. Very often you will have a chance to meet the owners, enjoy home-made refreshments, and purchase some exciting plants. Find out more at www.norfolkgardens.org. |
Great Yarmouth Spirit of Enterprise Awards 2009 (20 July 2009)  Just how GREAT is your tourism business? Enter Great Yarmouth’s Spirit of Enterprise Awards and find out. The Awards, sponsored by enterpriseGY, are now in their third year and will take place on Friday 16th October. The categories are now open for entry, including the Great Leisure & Tourism Business Award, and details of how to enter, entry forms and rules of entry are available at www.enterprisegy.co.uk/awards. Alternatively, entry forms can be collected from enterpriseGY, Novus Centre, The Conge, Great Yarmouth NR30 1NA. Telephone 0800 458 0146. Deadline for entries is 17th August. |
Sunny Hunny beach is No. 1! (10 July 2009)  Hunstanton is top of the charts in The Independent's Top 50 Best Beaches guide (pull-out supplement 4th July, and online) thanks to its striped cliffs, glorious sunsets and seaside charm. Also highly praised is Cromer beach, coming in at number 41, with its 'fantastic pier and beautiful beach'. |
British Hospitality Association Awards (9 July 2009)  Congratulations to Park House Hotel, Sandringham - winners of the Accessible Tourism for All category, British Hospitality Awards 2009, for providing an exceptional level of service to the elderly and those lacking mobility.Image: Park House Hotel Manager Tess Gilder (right) presented with the award by Boris Johnson, Mayor of London and Jennifer Litman MBE, Chief Executive Officer of Tourism for All |
Celebrate at The Hippodrome (9 July 2009)  Great Yarmouth’s historic Hippodrome Circus is presenting Celebrate, Peter Jay’s 30th anniversary Summer Spectacular, from July 15 to September 6. Celebrate stars daredevil springboard artistes, The Romeiro Family, juggler Roberto Karlos, Ryan Sharp’s magic illusions and Tenderelle, the amazing contortionist from Mongolia, plus Robert Foxhall, ‘the man who can fly’, along with the famous Water Spectacle and comedy from Johnny Mac and host Jack Jay. Photograph: Johnny Mac and Jack Jay |
Stained glass trails illuminate Norfolk’s hidden treasures (2 July 2009)  Hungate Medieval Art, based at St Peter Hungate Church in Norwich, launches a series of stained glass trails this week. The trails which feature over 35 different churches highlight some of Norfolk’s most interesting stained glass. The booklets are beautifully designed and contain a clearly drawn map showing the best route to take between the churches on the trail. Commentary on the glass in each church is provided by stained glass expert David King (University of East Anglia). Chairman of Hungate Medieval Art, Canon Jeremy Haselock, says “each trail represents a really enjoyable day out visiting beautiful churches, encountering stained glass of high quality and learning a little bit about both”. The trails run alongside Hungate Medieval Art’s current exhibition on medieval stained glass and will be available as part of the centre’s standard admission charge. |
Take an Evening Walk on the Wild Side at Pensthorpe (2 July 2009)  Fans of BBC Springwatch will have seen the fantastic wildlife and beautiful surroundings of Pensthorpe Nature Reserve & Gardens, near Fakenham, in North Norfolk. This summer the wildlife haven is holding a series of guided evening walks which offer visitors a unique opportunity to experience the natural wonders of the reserve in the company of Pensthorpe experts.The walks will be held on 8th July, 23rd July, 5th August and 18th August and guided by Pensthorpe head gardener Imogen Checketts and warden Ed Braham-Jones. Visitors will be taken around the new Wildlife Habitat Garden - opened earlier this year by wildlife presenter Chris Packham and featured on Springwatch – which aims to show people how they can attract wildlife into their garden with simple hints and tips. Also on the tours will be Pensthorpe’s Wave Garden, Wader Scrape, one of Norfolk’s largest wildflower meadows, the Millennium Garden and the Great Eurasian Forest. For more information 01328 851465 or visit www.pensthorpe.com. Image © Annie Kerridge |
Roll Up, Roll Up to the BeWILDerfayre (2 July 2009)  BeWILDerwood, the curious treehouse adventure park, is holding a traditional mid-summer ‘Twiggle’ fayre on August 15th and 16th that will be packed with fun, games and excitement for all the family. Called BeWILDerfayre, the event will feature colourful bunting and a whole host of fantastic traditional games such as hook-a-duck, chuck-a-hoop, lucky dip, and loads of other games to play. There will also be magical puppet shows featuring BeWILDerwood characters, which are bound to keep children of all ages entertained. You can also check out Mildred’s Weird Wardrobe Weekend on 25th and 26th July, where you can make and decorate weird and wonderful clothes and accessories! BeWILDerwood, perfect for outdoor healthy play, has loads to offer children and adults of all ages. Take a glorious boat ride through the Dismal Dyke, investigate the magical tree houses and ride the zip wires. There is also Toddlewood for toddlers, plus locally sourced food and eating areas, ‘including ‘The Cosy Cabin’, ‘The Snack Shack’ and ‘The Munch Bar’. During the summer, the woods provide a lovely cool sheltered haven to climb up into the treehouses, zoom down the slippery slope, get lost in the Muddle Maze or show how brave you are on the zip wires! For more information about BeWILDerwood and all the events on offer, visit www.BeWILDerwood.co.uk or call 01603 783900. |
“Cleaner and Greener” - Green Boat Show 2009 “Cleaner and Greener” is the theme of this year’s Green Boat Show on Sunday 13th September at Salhouse Broad in Norfolk. The show is open from 10am to 4pm and is the longest running boat show in the country showcasing green energy, sustainable “low carbon” boating and environmentally-friendly practices. It is organised by the owners of Salhouse Broad and The Electric Boat Association with support from The Broads Authority.(2 July 2009) Demonstrations of rowing, paddling, pedalling, sailing, electric and biofuel-powered boats as well as fuel cells, solar panels and wind turbines will all be available. It promises to be a great day out, with children’s activities and workshops running through the day in the beautiful surroundings of this Broads beauty spot. About 1,000 people are expected to turn out for the event where they will be able to take to the water in a wide range of boats including canoes, kayaks, electric, pedal and rowing boats, yachts and dinghies. They will also be able to travel to the show by electric water taxi. A regular return service will run all day from Granary Staithe by Wroxham Bridge, starting at 10.00am. For more information, please see www.broadsgreenboatshow.co.uk. |
Contemporary Art Norwich 2009 (CAN09) - 11 July to 31 August (2 July 2009)  Norwich shakes up the visual art world this summer with an exhilarating range of international artists from Louis Bourgeois and Marc Quinn to Mariano Pensotti and Matthew Darbyshire, in a celebration of contemporary art. Delivered for the first time by Norfolk & Norwich Festival, CAN09 (11 July to 31 August) features exhibitions, performances, residencies, commissions and site specific and large scale live art events. See www.contemporaryartnorwich.co.uk for the full schedule.Image: Furniture Island, Matthew Darbyshire, OUTPOST Gallery, Norwich |
Mediaeval Spectacular at Pensthorpe (22 June 2009)  A Mediaeval Spectacular is being held at Pensthorpe Nature Reserve & Gardens near Fakenham, in Norfolk, on 29th, 30th and 31st August. The event brings together a whole host of activities, games and music from the world of Knights and Archers, Barber-surgeons and Storytellers, in lavish mediaeval costumes and selling authentic souvenirs.Visitors will take a step back in time and experience life as it really was. Watch bread being baked, butter churned and meat roasted as it was in the Middle Ages. See a blacksmith sweating at the forge, fleece being spun into woollen thread and the skill of a woodcarver at work. In Traders Row you can haggle and barter with the merchants whilst being entertained by troubadours telling tales of derring-do, or enjoy the period music of the minstrels, whilst quaffing ale at the tavern and tucking into a succulent hog roast. There is traditional entertainment including puppets, Mummers plays, fire breathers and, for those with a strong stomach, witness the Barber-surgeon pulling teeth or cauterizing a wound! The event is open from 10am to 5pm on Saturday 29th August until Monday31st August. For more information call 01328 851465 or visit www.pensthorpe.com |
New Cycle Rail Leaflet National Express East Anglia has produced a new Cycle Rail leaflet for The Bittern Line and The Wherry Lines. The leaflet helps local residents and visitors plan cycling trips in North Norfolk and The Broads using the train. Click here to download a copy of the leaflet.(22 June 2009) |
Two historic buildings, one fantastic offer (12 June 2009)  After years of waiting, the doors of the Red Mount Chapel in The Walks, King's Lynn, are now open for the public to access one of the town's most fascinating architectural treasures. Throughout the summer both the Red Mount Chapel and the South Gate will be open on Wednesdays and Saturdays between 11am and 3pm. The South Gates, a 15th-century scheduled ancient monument and Grade I listed building, has been open to the public for several years, and is staffed by a team of dedicated volunteers who are able to answer questions and provide an insight into the building's history. The 15th-century Red Mount Chapel, also a scheduled ancient monument and Grade I listed building, will be open to the public for the first time this year. The chapel, which was renovated last year, has had a chequered history, starting out as a wayside chapel for pilgrims on their way to the shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham. It is also believed to have been a cistern, a gunpowder store, a stable and an observatory. More recently it has become the winter hibernation site for natterer and brown long-eared bats - both protected species. Access to both buildings costs just £1.00. For more information, see the Borough Council of King's Lynn and West Norfolk website. |
New free historic trail booklet helps you discover Timberhill on foot (12 June 2009)  The second in a new series of historic walking trail booklets for the city has been launched by Norwich Heritage Economic and Regeneration Trust (HEART). The Timberhill booklet is a beautifully illustrated guide taking in the historic highlights of this fascinating street and surrounding area. It includes some well-known sights such as the Murderers pub and Norwich Castle, as well as some of the more unfamiliar, such as the site of the former Surrey Chapel on Chapel Loke. The pocketable guide also features historic images and a map of the trail. It is the second booklet of the new Norwich Trails series, which features various geographic areas and themes relating to the city’s past to help local people and visitors explore Norwich’s outstanding heritage by foot. The first print run is available free of charge at Norwich Tourist Information Centre, in some of the venues in the two areas and to download at http://www.heritagecity.org/norwichtrails. |
Heritage Open Days: 10-13 September (12 June 2009)  Heritage Open Days (HODs) – England’s largest and most popular voluntary cultural event – will be back in Norwich between Thursday, 10th and Sunday, 13th September. HODs celebrates all of Norwich’s fantastic architecture and culture by offering free access to over 100 events and interesting properties that are usually closed to the public or normally charge for admission. This year’s events will be linked to the theme of International Connections to celebrate Norwich’s heritage as a great international city. There will be open buildings, guided tours, exhibitions, talks and music and dance performances. Participating venues include museums and tourist attractions; private homes; churches and cathedrals; city centre shops, restaurants and pubs; and offices and workplaces. Look out for the free events brochure in cultural venues, tourist information centres, local post offices, cafes and shops across Norfolk from 3rd August or download it from 3rd August from www.heritagecity.org/hods. |
Tom Paine 200 Celebrations (4 June 2009)  Thetford is marking the bicentenary of the death of Thomas Paine (1737-1809) over the next seven months, with the Tom Paine 200 Celebrations. Paine was the son of a Thetford corset maker. He was actively involved in the American and French revolutions and his major works Common Sense, Rights of Man and The Age of Reason challenged the 18th century order and helped shape the democracies of the modern world. Paine emigrated to America in 1774 and it was his pamphlet, Common Sense (1776), that influenced popular opinion in favour of independence. |
| Keep Me Updated |
| If you would like to keep you updated with news, information and special offers about Norfolk Villages, please click here. |
Site by Shorthose Russell Ltd. Sitemap Useful Links Contact Us Terms & Conditions © 2010 Norfolk Tourism