by Katie Thompson
February may be the shortest month of the year, but Norwich is still jam-packed with plenty to enjoy! From Lunar New Year and wellness activities to Valentine’s events and half-term fun (not to mention the ever-popular Norwich Science Festival!), we bet you’ll find something to get involved with. And you’re sure to learn a thing or two, too! Learning to speak whale, anyone?
Plus, this is your last chance to see major exhibitions like JMW Turner at Norwich Castle and Power Plants at the Sainsbury Centre.
So, if you’re want to know how big the solar system is, come face to face with your favourite author, or enjoy some horrible history, it’s time to take a trip to the City of Stories!
Here’s what we’re looking forward to at VisitNorwich this February for adults. Plus, there’s family stuff here too for half-term.
Best selling author Emma Healy will be discussing her latest book
As the City of Stories, we’ve got our fair share of amazing authors and alumni. More recently, this includes bestselling novelist Emma Healey, author of the Sunday Times Top Ten Bestseller ‘Elizabeth is Missing’.
This month, the National Centre for Writing is welcoming Healy back to UEA (where she completed her MA in Creative Writing) to discuss her highly anticipated 2025 thriller, ‘Sweat’ (12 February, 6.30pm – 7.30pm, £10).
This will be followed by a book signing, before a second event at Dragon Hall: ‘Behind the Book’ (15 February, 10am – 1pm, £45). Join this exclusive behind-the-scenes workshop to learn about Healey’s writing process and take part in a series of writing sessions to create your own suspenseful and spellbinding scene. Where else can you get the chance to ask an award-winning author questions about your own writing?
Rob Auton’s The Eyes Open and Shut Show is sure to be hilariously clever
We’re really lucky to have a wide range of buzzing independent cultural venues here in Norwich. So, when hilarious stand-up comedians book a date at Norwich Arts Centre (celebrating their 45th anniversary in 2025!), they’re often a sell-out!
First up: Rob Auton with his ‘The Eyes Open and Shut Show’ (12 February, 7.30pm, from £20). Rob is an award-winning comedian, writer and actor. His shows focus on specific themes like the colour yellow or, in this case, what he can do to himself and others with language when their eyes are open and shut. As you can imagine, this is both hilarious and very clever.
Then Edinburgh Fringe favourite ‘The Sunshine Kid’ Jake Lambert is paying a visit to our fine city with his non-stop storytelling (26 February, 8pm, from £16). This time, the comedian is trying to navigate his way through everyday life, tackling pressing questions like ‘why do we all feel the need to ask strangers what breeds their dogs are?’. You’d be barking mad to miss it.
This is history with the nasty bits left in and eye-popping 3D effects!
Bafta award-winning show Horrible Histories never fails to put a smile on our faces, no matter what age we are. So, we wouldn’t miss the chance to see our favourite historical figures come alive on stage at Norwich Theatre Royal. Especially with some eye-popping 3D visual effects!
Divorced, beheaded, died… how does it end again? The Terrible Tudors (27 February – 1 March, from £10) will tell us all we need to know about this famous family- from the horrible Henries to evil Elizabeth and Bloody Mary. This entertaining show separates the truths from the lies with loads of laughs and memorable stories, and a run-in with the Spanish Armada!
And if you want to go back even further, then take a trip to Ancient Egypt with the Awful Egyptians (26 February – 1 March, from £10). You’ll come face-to-face with fascinating Pharaohs, meet mummies entombed in their towering pyramids and rumble with Rameses the Great before passing through the gates of the afterlife!
This is history with the nasty bits left in!
Norwich Science Festival is celebrating it’s 9th year!
Every year, we eagerly await the return of Norwich Science Festival (15 – 22 February)– and we’re sure you do too! Now in its 9th year, the festival’s programme of events is full of fascinating shows, talks, workshops, activities and more. And headlining this year’s festival is no less than adventurer Steve Backshall and ballerina Darcy Bussell!
The festival is based at The Forum, but there’s loads going on across Norwich, with venues including UEA, Norwich Theatre and The Garage. Lots of events are FREE or low-cost- just make sure to book in advance whatever takes your fancy because tickets don’t hang around for long!
Our picks include Sci-Fi Snobbery (19 February, Cinema City, £12), a debate on the ultimate question: ‘what is the best science fiction film of all time?’, and Ghosts in the Machines (18 February, The Garage, £6), a family show exploring how ghost hunters use science and technology to try and uncover the paranormal! Elsewhere, you can discover the art of fermentation and create your own delicious pickle with Suspended Seasons (16 February, Yalm, £18) or have a go at Making Rainbows (18 – 22 February, Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form, £6) in a magical interactive children’s workshop.
And, of course, there’s Darcy Bussell and Dr Peter Lovatt: In Conversation and Dance (22 February, Norwich Theatre Royal, £23.50). Dr Lovatt- based in Cromer and affectionately known as Dr Dance- has spent over 20 years studying the science of movement. Alongside Dame Darcey, you can expect an evening full of interesting insights, dance-themed entertainment and maybe a sequin or two. It’s time to get your dance moves ready!
Check out the full programme here!
