By Mel Cook
Crikey! Has Norwich ever been so busy in October? This month’s ‘things to do’ ranges from chats with legendary pop stars and crime brunches to celebrating hand-made luxury slippers to a World Beer Pop-up as part of Norwich Beer Festival.
In fact, there’s so much we have dedicated blogs for Half Term & Halloween for Families as well as Halloween for Grown Ups!
Also see our full programme of What’s On for much, much more including theatre and music.
Norwich was once a mecca for shoemaking with a host of manufacturers including factories for Start-Rite, Norvic and Bally. Our whole shoemaking story can be found at The Museum of Norwich! Today, only one survives and that is Bowhill & Elliott located on London Street in the Norwich Lanes.
This October this beautiful shop proudly celebrates 150 years of shoemaking. And the fact they are the only store of its kind in the UK where slippers and velvet loafers are clicked, closed and hand-lasted in their Norwich workshop by talented craftsmen and sold on the premises makes this a must-visit event. History and shopping in the making.
You are invited to meet the team on Saturday 5th October at their London Street store and experience the hospitality and beautiful craftmanship that Bowhill & Elliott are so proud of. Between 12pm and 6pm come along and enjoy some time with music, drinks and special offers- it’s FREE entry. You’ll be able to get a first look and feel of their Anniversary collection, where they have gone back to the archive to create some really special pieces. There’s even the chance to win a pair of their finest velvet slippers and play their Bagatelle game!
Not just Bowhill & Elliott, the Saville row tailors MacAngus & Wainwright will also be in-store offering discounts on their fully bespoke services.
Celebrate 150 years in the business with Bowhill & Elliot!
Inspired by the life of Nina Simone and featuring many of her most iconic songs performed live.
Apphia Campbell’s acclaimed play Black Is The Color Of My Voice follows a successful singer and civil rights activist as she seeks redemption after the untimely death of her father. She reflects on the journey that took her from a young piano prodigy destined for a life in the service of the church, to a renowned jazz vocalist at the forefront of the Civil Rights Movement.
This is part of Norwich Theatre’s Black History Month 2024 programme. The show has played sell-out seasons in Shanghai, New York, Edinburgh and the West End of London and has toured the UK nationally to standing ovations. Find it at Norwich Theatre Playhouse from Saturday 5th – Sunday 6th October, with tickets just £25.
Apphia Campbell’s acclaimed play is inspired by the life of Nina Simone
Join Huey Morgan for a wonderful evening of music and conversation on Thursday 24th October at Cromer Pier Theatre. Best known for the hit record Scooby Snacks, Fun Lovin’ Criminals released 6 albums between 1996 and 2010 and sold over 10 million records. As host of The Huey Show on BBC Radio 6 since 2008, Morgan is a cherished voice on national radio in the UK.
Come along for Huey’s first solo tour mixing music and chat and get up, close and personal with this fabulous Fun Lovin’ Criminal. Tickets all £27.
Celebrate Huey Morgan’s first solo tour!
Join the throng at The Forum’s inaugural Norwich Book Festival in our wonderful UNESCO City of Literature, taking place from Thursday 24th October – Sunday 27th October. Developed by The Forum in collaboration with expert partners including literary powerhouses University of East Anglia and the National Centre for Writing, as well as booksellers from across Norwich – this is going to be a fantastic weekend city-wide event for all ages and all pockets.
With events crossing genres, including crime, popular science, and politics, as well as a programme designed for young people, Norwich Book Festival is for everyone. The weekend also features two days of free interactive hands-on activities.
Our highlights... Alison Weir: Mary I, Tudor Queen (£8, 25 Oct, 7-8pm). Join Sunday Times bestselling novelist Alison Weir as she discusses her latest novel in the Tudor Rose series, Mary I: Queen of Sorrows. Subversive Women (3pm – 4.15pm : National Centre for Writing, £12) – discover stories of women who defy the systems that oppress them with acclaimed authors Abi Daré, Naomi Wood and Helen Ivory. Crime Brunch (27 October, £16, 10.30am – 12pm : Pizza Express) – get a taste of contemporary crime writing with Nilesha Chauvet and Catherine Steadman this is Murders, Bloody Marys, and breakfast baps! This is a deliciously dark event celebrating all things literary crime as the Festival brings together an exciting panel of leading authors and the best new talent in the genre.
Norwich Book Festival is taking place in various locations across the city!
Inspired by the beloved World Beer Bar from previous Festivals, this pop-up will feature an extensive selection of bottled beers from around the globe. With over 300 different bottled beers, some never seen in the UK before, from places as far afield as Malaysia, Brazil, Japan and Australia. Visit the World Beer Pop-Up- it’s FREE entry- from Thursday 31st October – Sunday 3rd November at Castle Social in Castle Quarter from 12pm to 6pm.
Norwich Beer Festival For Charity runs on the streets of Norwich for 2024 due to it’s usual venue (The Halls) being renovated. So expect a large events list across city pubs and venues with some really great things to do!
World Beer Pop-Up is back at this year’s Norwich Beer Festival!
Want to make a short break of it? Take a look here at some great well-priced accommodation or visit our Stay page.
