Norfolk & Norwich Festival returns next month from May 12-28, with a bumper line-up of brilliant entertainment for everyone.
From classical music to Vaudeville circus, recitals to raves, the annual festival brings unmissable events to the leafy surroundings of Norwich’s Chapelfield Gardens, aptly named ‘Festival Gardens’ for 17 days each May.
The Adnams Spiegeltent is one of the hottest places to be, with a packed programme in the unique space of an in-the-round fabulously ornate spiegeltent. From May 17, there’s a nightly show and usually a great music act in the 10pm ‘late’ slot too.
Here are some highlights.
Chelsea McGuffin & Co – Le Coup
Kicking off the agenda of spectacular shows under the canvas of the Adnams Spiegeltent, Le Coup is bursting at the seams with acrobatics, magic, dance and live music.
Coming to Norwich for the very first time, this international hit show is a tribute to funfairs, boxing troupes and the showmen and women of yesteryear. It’s all accompanied by a ferocious live soundtrack from bluegrass band Father Grant and The Blunt Objects.
The show runs from May 17-28 with an age guidance of 12+ (some parts are a bit cheeky).
Paul O’Donnell – Dia-Beat-Es
The world’s first type 1 diabetes themed party (probably). This hilarious fun-filled party is a true one-off theatrical event as DJ Beat-es mixes popular songs like Sweet Dreams, Because I Got High (on blood sugars) and Bleeding Love into his own story of living with the condition (Thursday, May 18 at 10pm).
Ragroof Tea Dance
On Saturday, May 20, the coronation is marked with a special Dance Through the Decades event, sailing through the decades since King Charles was born in 1948.
On Sunday, May 21, channel silver screen idols with a vintage Hollywood theme. No dance partners are needed, and all ages are welcome, from absolute beginners to experienced aficionados. Tea and cakes are included in the ticket price and the bar will be open.
BBC Introducing Presents Band Night
Norfolk’s thriving live music scene takes centre stage as the very best upcoming bands perform in a very special event by BBC Introducing Norfolk on Monday, May 22.
Jessica Walker & Luke Styles – The People’s Cabaret
Singer Jessica Walker and composer Luke Styles have been working with Norfolk communities for over three years. On Tuesday, May 23, they are joined by the Chroma Ensemble for a night marking the culmination of the project.
Drawing upon parallels between contemporary events and the British and American 1930s, the world premiere draws relevance from the songs of Weill, Eisler, Spoliansky, Hollaender and Brecht – speaking against racism, capitalism and oppression.
B.C.U.C.
The awesome sounds of South African afro-psychedelic future pop sextet, Bantu Continua Uhuru Consciousness, bring an exciting blend of indigenous funk, hip hop consciousness and fantastic punk rock energy from Soweto to rock the festival at Chapelfield Gardens on Thursday, May 25.
Join The Din
Rounding up the festivities in the unique surroundings of the Adnams Spiegeltent on Saturday, May 27, Join The Din features explosive double drums and duelling saxophones in an evening not to be missed from the forefront of the contemporary UK jazz scene.
The evening of rhythmic interplay and intense melodic improvisations combines influences from nu jazz, afrobeat, psychedelia, progressive rock, EDM and rave.
To find out more about Norfolk & Norwich Festival, and to book tickets for the event, visit the website at nnfestival.org.uk
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