There’s always something to look forward to in the City of Stories. From the much-anticipated opening of a delicious restaurant to the arrival of an award-winning West End show or an exciting announcement from one of Norwich’s favourite attractions.
Whether you’re a music-fan or foodie, culture-lover or indie shopper, keep on reading for a quick catch-up on the latest news in the City of Stories. (Don’t forget your diary!)
Norwich will be home to the 24th Paddington bench!
From over 90 towns and cities across the UK, Paddington is coming to Norwich! Thanks to our city-wide community spirit, Norwich will host the 24th Paddington statue.
And where better for Paddington to sit down and munch on a marmalade sandwich than the City of Stories? We’re home to The Bear Shop on Elm Hill (where you might find a Paddington teddy or two), Strangers’ Hall, a multicultural market, and a very aptly named café in the Royal Arcade.
The date and location for his appearance is yet to be announced, but it’ll be in time for February half term, so watch this space! Until then, we’ll be not-so-patiently anticipating his arrival- no hard stares here!
You’ll find Mowgli in Chantry Square!
Did you take part in a poll asking which restaurant you’d love to come to Norwich? Well, thanks to residents’ replies, Mowgli has announced they’ll be opening in our fine city this summer!
Taking over the former Superdry store in Chantry Place, Mowgli Street Food was founded by Nisha Katona as a way to share her love of the food Indians eat at home and on their streets- think fresh and zingy flavours full of delicious herbs and spices. And with traditional dishes like succulent tandoori chicken roti wraps and syrupy milk doughballs (as well as plenty of gluten free and vegan options!), our mouths are watering already!
We can’t wait to see behind-the-scenes of Norwich Castle’s restoration project!
For locals and visitors alike, we’ve been eagerly awaiting the reopening of Norwich Castle Keep! And thanks to a Channel 4 documentary by Norwich-based filmmakers Eye Film, we’ll get to see behind the scenes of this incredible 8-year multi-million-pound restoration project.
Narrated by no less than Norfolk resident Stephen Fry, ‘The Castle. Rebuilding History’ will follow Norwich Castle’s Royal Palace Reborn project as it overcomes delays and discoveries, including unearthing original Norman features and 900-year-old bones, to reconstruct its breathtaking interior.
Keep an eye out for this feature-long programme, airing this summer once the Keep has reopened to visitors in spring 2025!
Included in the line-up: the National Youth Jazz Orchestra Credit: David Biddlecombe
We’re no strangers to some amazing festivals here in Norwich (there’s the Norfolk & Norwich Festival, Norwich Summer Sessions, and Norwich Science Festival to name but a few). And as part of our fine city’s buzzing independents and creative community spirit, Norwich Arts Centre is relaunching Norwich Jazz Festival (15 – 24 May 2025) after a 20-year hiatus.
Their just-announced line-up is a curation of performances from the best UK and international jazz musicians across the city’. With venues from EPIC Studios to Anteros and more, headliners include Norwich’s own Mammal Hands, pioneering Brazilian jazz-funk band Azymuth and up-and-coming star Jasmine Myra.
Tickets are on sale now with more acts to be confirmed soon via Norwich Arts Centre’s website and social media.
We can’t wait to welcome Fiddler on the Roof to Norwich!
‘If I were a rich man’, you’d probably see us at every performance of five-star Fiddler on the Roof, coming to Norwich Theatre Royal this August (12 – 16 August). This classic musical enjoyed a record-breaking sell-out run at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre last summer and now it’s heading to the City of Stories!
Fiddler on the Roof follows Jewish milkman Tevye as his strong-willed daughters challenge the traditions of their village life and a changing society. With songs like ‘Matchmaker, Matchmaker’, ‘Sunrise, Sunset’ and ‘Tradition’, this show is a celebration full of love and life.
Tickets go on general sale at Norwich Theatre Royal from Friday 31st January.
