Norfolk & Norwich Festival
| 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Days | Hours | Mins | Secs |
Each spring, Norwich bursts into life with creativity during the Norfolk & Norwich Festival, a celebration over 250 years old. From 8–24 May 2026, this renowned arts festival transforms the city (and even surrounding Norfolk towns) into a vibrant stage. Historic theatres, village halls and hidden courtyards become venues for a dazzling variety of events — music concerts, innovative theatre, contemporary dance, street performances and visual art installations — ensuring something to spark everyone's imagination. Whether you catch a big outdoor spectacle in the market or a modern art exhibit in a warehouse, the festival's friendly atmosphere makes every event feel like a joyful discovery. With headline acts rubbing shoulders with local talent and community-led projects, the festival brings people together in a shared celebration of art and culture.
During the Festival, Norwich becomes a creative playground. Music lovers can flit between jazz gigs, classical concerts and folk nights in historic halls, while lively pop-up stages host rock bands or DJs under the open sky. Theatre and dance performances occur in both grand venues and unexpected spots — imagine a dramatic play in a medieval church or a contemporary dance piece in a park. Each spring includes at least one big outdoor community show — such as a parade, a lantern procession or a circus spectacular — that floods the streets with color and joy. In previous years the opening weekend has featured free family-friendly entertainment, from juggling and circus skills to interactive game-show antics and street theatre. Whatever your art appetite, Norwich's doors and parks brim with inventive shows all Festival long.
The Norfolk & Norwich Festival is also deeply rooted in community and education. In fact, it was originally founded to support local schools and has always welcomed families. Throughout the Festival, there are hands-on workshops, interactive exhibitions and fun performances specifically for kids and teens. You might find a puppet-making corner in the market, dance workshops running in parks, or bedtime story sessions in the library — every day brings chances for young people (and the young at heart) to get creative. Local artists often collaborate with schools and community groups on special projects, so that every generation feels involved in the celebration. Evenings often spill over into family-friendly concerts in pubs or cafes, so that adults and children alike share in the arts. This sense of connection — everyone gathering from all walks of life to enjoy art — is truly at the festival's heart.
Though Norwich is the hub, the festival's spirit reaches throughout Norfolk. Each year a handful of performances and exhibitions pop up in towns, along the coast or in the countryside, highlighting the region's landscape and heritage. You might stumble on a folk music night in a historic market town, an art installation by the Broads or a theatre show in a quaint village hall. These fringe events offer a chance to explore East Anglia beyond the city centre — pairing your festival trip with a quick venture into Norfolk's scenic gems. Even staying within Norwich, you'll often see shows that celebrate Norfolk's unique culture and stories. The Norfolk & Norwich Festival truly weaves together city life and country charm.
Above all, the Norfolk & Norwich Festival is about discovery and inspiration. It reminds us that art's greatest power is to surprise, unite and connect people. In 2026, Norwich will be buzzing day and night — from morning workshops and sunlit street acts to candlelit concerts and late-night music sessions, there's a magical energy everywhere. Whether you attend a ticketed performance or simply wander through the colourful crowds, you'll feel the city's warmth and creativity. The festival is a celebration for everyone: visitors often leave Norwich with new friends, memories of wonder and a lasting sense of community. So pack your walking shoes and sense of adventure — Norwich awaits with open arms and unforgettable art.
Norwich is easy to reach by train, car or plane. Greater Anglia trains run frequently from London’s Liverpool Street to Norwich (journey time about 90–115 minutes). There are also direct trains to Norwich from Cambridge (around 1 hour 10 minutes). National Express coaches link Norwich with London and other major cities (journey time about 3 hours), and up to 10 daily direct services run from London’s Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted airports to Norwich. By car, Norwich can be reached via the M11/A11 (from the south and London) or the A47/A14 (from the north and west). Signs for Norwich and the city centre guide you from all major routes. Once on the outskirts, look for Park & Ride sites (such as Thickthorn or Costessey) — you can leave your car and take a quick bus into town. Norwich International Airport (NWI), 2.5 miles north of the city centre, offers flights to Amsterdam, Edinburgh and holiday destinations around Europe.
The city centre is compact and flat, so most festival venues are within a short walk of one another. You can stroll between Norwich's cathedral, market, castle and riverside in just minutes, making it easy to hop from one event to the next. If you prefer wheels, Norwich has a network of dedicated cycle lanes and even a public bike hire scheme. Buses run regularly: routes from the train station, the main bus station (next to Norwich Market) and Park & Ride sites serve the city all day long. Tickets are affordable, and buses (including Norwich’s distinctive yellow design) will whisk you between venues. Taxis and ride-share services are also readily available for late-night returns or direct trips. Many visitors find that walking or cycling is the best way to soak in the historic atmosphere, but it’s easy to hop on a bus or taxi if you need to travel farther.
Norwich offers many places to stay. In and near the city centre, you’ll find historic inns and guesthouses alongside modern hotels and luxury boutiques. There are also hostels and self-catering apartments for budget or flexible options. Outside the city, nearby villages and countryside offer charming B&Bs, rural lodges and even campsites for a more outdoorsy experience. Because the festival is popular, it’s wise to book accommodation early. Staying in the city centre lets you walk to most events and enjoy the lively evening scene in pubs and cafes. If you stay farther out – for example in a village inn or airport-area hotel – Norwich’s buses, Park & Ride services and taxis will bring you into the action quickly. In every case, you’ll be met with Norfolk’s warm hospitality and a hearty breakfast before you set off each day.
Norwich, NR31HF
Festivals Near Norwich
