Hot tickets!
6th October 2025
The Nutcracker © joenobilephotography.com
Diaries at the ready! Here’s our guide to some of the leading cultural events and activities taking place in Norfolk in 2025
October
Now until 22 October: ‘Inspired by Nature: Mary, Maria, Marianne’, Blickling
This installation by renowned artist Rebecca Stevenson features three imagined portrait busts of pioneering women in art and science: Mary Delany (1710-1788), Maria Sibylla Merian (1647-1717) and Marianne North (1830-1890). Each made extraordinary contributions to botany and science, recording plants and insects at a time when it was difficult for women to receive formal training in art or science. This exhibition in Blickling’s Long Gallery also features the Hall’s copy of Merian’s Dissertation sur la génération et les transformations des insectes de Surinam (1726), on public display for the first time.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/blickling
Now until 25 October: Hamilton
At Norwich Theatre Royal for a massive six weeks is Hamilton, the smash hit hip hop musical from Lin-Manuel Miranda. It is the first time the production has toured, and it tells the story of America’s Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, an immigrant from the West Indies who became George Washington’s right-hand man during the Revolutionary War and helped shape the very foundations of the America we know today.
Now until 2 November: ‘Sea State’ an exhibition of new work by Maggi Hambling and Ro Robertson at Wolterton Hall
This 18th century Palladian hall is open to the public for the first time in a generation, with its inaugural Arts & Culture Programme. Expect a contemporary art exhibition – ‘Sea State’ – a site-specific show featuring the work of Maggi Hambling and Ro Robertson; an artist residency for Dutch artist collective De Onkruidenier in collaboration with the Sainsbury Centre, as part of the latter’s Can the Seas Survive Us? season. Wolterton is also hosting the Norwich-based Clay Research Group, a collective of artists, lecturers, potters, and researchers dedicated to exploring locally sourced ceramic materials. Both groups will create new artworks from materials found onsite. Alongside enjoy visiting the house (there’s a Breadsource café in the library) and grounds, plus workshops, musical and theatrical events over the summer. Read more about Wolterton here
Now until 18 December: THURSDAYS @3
The autumn programme of these weekly Thursday at 3pm concerts at Cley Church continues until 18 December, including ‘Gilbert & Sullivan: An Indulgence’ on 16 October and ‘Old & New: Music for bassoon and flute’ on 6 November. The concerts, performed by mainly local musicians and run by Friends of Cley Church, are free, but donations are requested. Email wejearp@gmail.com for more details.
www.glavenvalleychurches.org.uk
Now until 1 March 2026: Watercolour Now
Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery is hosting this exhibition, bringing together recent work by eight contemporary artists who share a fascination with how watercolours can capture diverse and often fleeting relationships with light, colour, landscape and history. Works on display include abstract paintings and responses to the natural environment, including Simon Carter’s three watercolours which take fragments of colour and shape from the marshes and waterways of East Anglia as their starting point. Other participating artists include Christopher Le Brun, Melanie Russell and James Faure Walker.
www.norwichcastle.norfolk.gov.uk
Now until 30 May 2026: MAY THE TOYS BE WITH YOU
Lynn Museum has gone galactic with this showcase of one of the UK’s finest collections of vintage Star Wars toys and original cinema posters, from 1977 to 1985, owned by Matt Fox. The exhibition includes life-size storm troopers, so be on your best behaviour!
8 to 11 October: Annie
Sheringham Little Theatre Players present the feelgood musical, Annie, at Sheringham Little Theatre. Follow the spirited Annie on her journey to escape scary and unkind Miss Hannigan and find her a new family with Oliver Warbucks, a very wealthy American industrialist. Expect hit numbers such as Tomorrow, It’s The Hard-Knock Life and Maybe – all terrific songs which could easily see you shed a tear or two! SLT Players always do a great job and this should be no exception.
www.sheringhamlittletheatre.com
9 October: RORY CLEMENTS IN CONVERSATION WITH CONN IGGULDEN
These two Sunday Times bestselling authors will discuss Rory Clements’ latest novel Evil in High Places, a thriller set in 1936 Munich. Join them at St Andrew’s Church in Holt at 7pm at this event organised by The Holt Bookshop.
www.tickettailor.com/events/theholtbookshop
10 October: WINTER WARMERS
Thornham Village Hall’s new season of monthly Winter Warmers talks and suppers kicks off on 10 October with ‘Leading Change’ with sports leader Baroness Campbell at 7pm. The series – which runs until February 2026 – will also feature Charlie Bingham, author of The Life-Affirming Magic of Birds, on 14 November and China expert Professor Kerry Brown on 12 December.
10 October, 7.30pm: KERRY GODLIMAN: BANDWIDTH
Comedian, actor, writer, podcaster and broadcaster Kerry Godliman returns to the stage with a new stand-up show and it’s coming to King’s Lynn Corn Exchange. Think parenting teenagers, knicker admin, a lost mum bag, and her memory outsourced to her phone!
www.kingslynncornexchange.co.uk
11 October to 2 November: BIRDSCAPES’ 20TH ANNIVERSARY EXHIBTION
Congratulations to this Glandford-based wildlife art gallery, whose 20th Anniversary Exhibition begins on 11 October at noon. It will be opened by local naturalist and author Nick Acheson. Painters, printmakers and sculptors from all over the UK who have worked with the gallery over the two decades, have been invited to contribute work that reflects the diversity of styles and techniques which they use. Popular ceramicist Karen Fawcett will demonstrate how she makes her birds and mammals in clay on 18 October, as part of the celebrations.
Pictured: ‘Clay Church Owl’ by Karen Fawcett, BIRDscapes Gallery
11 October, 7pm: WE’RE STILL HERE
Local authors, poets and raconteurs Gary Powell and Jon Platten will host an evening of stories and poems reflecting on their cancer survival journeys on 11 October at 7pm, at Sheringham Community Centre. The event will raise funds for Cromer Cancer Support Centre via the Norfolk & Norwich Hospitals Charity and The Healing Harbour, a local charity which provides palliative care.
register.enthuse.com/ps/event/werestillhere
12 October, 7.30pm: POSTING LETTERS TO THE MOON
Learn more about Celia Johnson’s experiences filming Brief Encounter and life during the Second World War in this reading of letters between the actress and her husband Peter Fleming (brother of James Bond creator Ian), during his postings to India and the Far East. The letters will be read by the couple’s daughter Lucy Fleming and her husband Simon Williams, at Sheringham Little Theatre.
www.sheringhamlittletheatre.com
12 October: Opera Boys: A Night at the Musicals
This four-strong harmony group returns to Princess Theatre, Hunstanton, after a sell-out show last year and promises more of the same! Whether you like modern day smash hits like Mamma Mia and Wicked, prefer the old school favourites from Gershwin or just love timeless classics including Les Mis and Phantom of the Opera, this show will deliver. The singers include Rob Cherry, Michael Storrs, Richard Colvin and Colin Bryce and they all have very impressive track records, from being backing singers to Elton John to appearing on Eurovision!
15 to 31 October: CROMER OPEN
Cromer’s Artspace on the Prom is hosting the fifth Cromer Open exhibition will feature new contemporary works in all media by artists from East Anglia, the UK and Europe. Much of the work will be for sale. Why not head on over for ‘artists in conversation’ on 25 October at 5pm, where you can meet some of the participating creatives.
18 October, 7.30pm: THE WORLD OF GILBERT & SULLIVAN
The Wandering Minstrels will sing, act and dance their way through many of the Gilbert and Sullivan operettas, from HMS Pinafore and The Pirates of Penzance to The Mikado, at Sheringham Little Theatre. This concert of Savoy classics will be staged in period costume and performed in the traditional style. Book at www.sheringhamlittletheatre.com
18 October, 7.30pm: THE HISTORY OF OASIS AND BEYOND
Tribute band Oasish, who have performed at Wembley Stadium and Knebworth, will be stopping off at the Princess Theatre, Hunstanton. Charting ‘The Rise’, ‘The Rift’ and ‘The Reunion’ of Oasis, the show is narrated on screen by Terry Christian from Channel 4’s The Word.
18 October, 7.30pm: THE BUDAPEST CAFE ORCHESTRA
With 15 albums to their name, this quartet plays gypsy and folk-flavoured music, combining violin, guitar, accordion, double bass, saz, balalaika, domra and percussion. They’re coming to Wells Maltings, following their sell-out debut concert at the venue in spring 2024.
23 October: Lorefolk
Katie-anna Whiting, founder of The Whiting’s on the Wall production company, brings her one-woman show, Lorefolk, to Wells Maltings. The show celebrates East Anglia’s folktales from Bungay’s Black Shuck to the less well known Hibbledibibs of Sheringham, which have all been collected from local residents. There’s an original score, shadow imagery, and a post-show ‘chinwag’, where audiences can swap their own memories and stories, too.
24 October: The Magic of The Beatles
This tribute to The Fab Four by UK-based band BEATLEMANIA is currently on a nationwide tour with its sensational cast performing hit after hit; from She Loves You, A Hard Day’s Night, Help!, I Feel Fine, Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band to Hey Jude, Here Comes the Sun, Get Back, and many more.
24 to 31 October: Norwich Book Festival
Back in the City of Stories for its second year, there’s a packed programme over eight days, celebrating the power of reading and writing, encompassing all genres. The city-wide festival will include author talks, films, games and workshops; there’s even a two-day family-friendly festival with free or low-cost activities with top children’s authors. Participating authors include Tristan Gooley, pictured above, Paula Hawkins, Larry Lamb and Alison Weir.
25 October, 7.30pm: WOMEN IN ROCK HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR
Get set for a journey through five decades of the world’s greatest female rock legends at the Princess Theatre, Hunstanton, in a show which pays homage to artists such as Suzi Quatro, Tina Turner, Cher and Blondie. With its great vocals, choreography and slick costumes, you’re sure to end up singing and dancing along!
25 October, 7.30pm: Black Bag (15)
Syderstone Cinema’s October screening at the Village Hall, starring Michael Fassbender and Cate Blanchett. National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) agent George Woodhouse faces a challenging assignment. There’s a mole in the agency with plans to activate a destructive cyber worm called Severus. George is tasked with identifying the mole. His list of five suspects includes four of his agency friends and colleagues at the NCSC, with the fifth being his beloved wife Kathryn St. Jean.. £4, pay at the door.
Bookings can be made by email to: syderstonecinema_arvh@outlook.com
26 October: The Sheringham Shantymen
It’s the 10th annual show of this much-loved group of singers at The Pavilion Theatre, Cromer. Called Sails of the Unexpected, musical director Brian Farrow promises the usual mix of traditional numbers with a few surprises along the way, too. Cash raised goes to various local charities and it’s always a fun evening – with the chance to join in. The Shantymen, known as Norfolk’s oldest boy band, started to sing together in 1988 and now perform all over the country as well as making regular trips abroad.
November
1 November, 7pm: I WAS GLAD!
King’s Lynn Festival Chorus will open their new season, celebrating the rich tradition of the English anthem. With Parry’s coronation anthem I was glad! at its heart, the programme will also feature Elgar’s Benedictus and S.S. Wesley’s Ascribe unto the Lord. The venue is St Nicholas’ Chapel, King’s Lynn, and music director Ben Horden will conduct. Tickets from www.kingslynncornexchange.co.uk
www.kingslynnfestivalchorus.co.uk
1 November: Journey to the Centre of the Earth
Lamphouse presents Journey to the Centre of the Earth at Westacre Theatre. The theatre company is known for its comic take on classic tales so expect plenty of belly laughs as we meet two intrepid explorers and one impossible mission. It features Tom Fox and Becky Owen-Fisher who promise catchy songs, daft costumes, silly jokes and more. Sounds fun!
3 November: The Nutcracker
The Imperial Classical Ballet brings this delightfully traditional ballet to King’s Lynn Corn Exchange. Featuring a live orchestra, it tells of snow flurries, sweets, princes, magic and love and Tchaikovsky’s classic score includes the Waltz of the Flowers and the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy. There’s very much an emphasis on technique, with the dancers known for their precision and attention to detail, and is a perfect treat for all ages.
www.kingslynncornexchange.co.uk
3 to 16 November: Norwich Film Festival
This year brings the festival’s busiest edition yet, with 134 films from 19 countries scheduled, plus new and classic feature films and an expanded programme of talks and events for young and emerging film makers. Highlights include screenings of Phantom of the Opera (100th Anniversary) with live score by Minima at Norwich Playhouse on 3 November and Thelma & Louise (35mm screening) at Cinema City Norwich on 10 November. Founded in 2009, Norwich Film Festival is a BAFTA-qualifying and BIFA-recognised short film festival.
4 November: John Illsley: The Life and Times of Dire Straits
Founding member of Dire Straits John Illsley is bringing his UK tour to Norwich Playhouse where he’ll share rare insight, behind-the-scenes stories and live performances of hits like ‘Money for Nothing’ and ‘Brothers in Arms’, which turns 40 this year. Joined by co-mananger Paul Cummins and a band, the evening will blend music with conversation in a q&a format.
7 to 9 November: ART FAIR EAST
The region’s largest contemporary art fair returns to The Assembly House in Norwich. Expect more than 1000 artworks from local, national and international established and emerging artists, with artists and gallerists on hand to chat to visitors. There will be works for sale throughout, from affordable art to investment pieces, including North Norfolk artist Janna Cossettini.
8 November, 730pm: ILYA KONDRATIEV RECITAL
This critically acclaimed pianist will perform at St Botolph’s Church, Trunch, with the programme including sonatas by Liszt and Bach-Basoni Chaconne. Ilya performs extensively as a soloist and chamber music player at venues such as the Palace of Arts in Budapest.
8 November to 23 December: Thursford Christmas Spectacular
More than 120 singers, dancers, speciality acts and musicians, complete with a 32-piece live orchestra. A 130-foot stage, nonstop singing, dancing, comedy and more. Yes, it’s the dazzling Thursford Christmas Spectacular, back for its 48th year production.This West End quality show welcomes more than 50 coaches each day – audiences travel from across the UK and overseas. In fact, Thursford won Best Christmas Experience for the second consecutive year at the Group Leisure & Travel Awards 2025.
‘We never rest on our laurels and this year’s show is no exception. It is set to be our most magical year yet,’ says George Cushing, Associate Producer. ‘We can’t wait to show our audiences what we’ve been working on.’
9 November, 7.30pm: MALTA PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA
On their first visit to Norwich, this orchestra will perform classical favourites at the Theatre Royal. Enjoy Mozart’s Magic Flute Overture, Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No.2, for which they’ll be joined by soloist Freddy Kempf, and Tchaikovsky’s magnificent Fifth Symphony.
12 to 15 November: TITANIC – THE MUSICAL
The King’s Lynn Players will bring their latest show to King’s Lynn Corn Exchange from 12 to 15 November (nightly at 7.30pm, plus a Saturday matinee). An amateur production of this Tony Award-winning musical, it tells the stories of passengers and crew.
www.kingslynncornexchange.co.uk
14 November to 3 January: Norfolk Lights Express
Steam into Christmas on the North Norfolk Railway’s Norfolk Lights Express, with its new ‘Golden Journey’ theme celebrating 50 years of this heritage line. Hauled by an historic steam locomotive with the outside of each carriage decorated with thousands of lights, you’ll see trackside scenery transformed by a series of changing colours, and illuminated installations brought to life by on-board narration and music.
15 November, 11am to 1pm: A SANDRINGHAM MYSTERY
By the Book is hosting the launch of local author Andrew Ogden’s novel Wrong Body: A Sandringham Mystery on 15 November at their Write around the Corner premises in Hunstanton. Enjoy a meet and greet with the author who’ll also be signing copies.
Find them on Facebook
15 November, 4pm: BEETHOVEN & BACH
Sheringham & Cromer Choral Society will perform Beethoven’s Mass in C and Bach’s cantata Wachet Auf BWV 140 directed by David Ballard, with a chamber orchestra and four soloists at St Peter’s Church, Sheringham. Tickets from www.sheringhamlittletheatre.com
www.sheringhamandcromerchoral.org.uk
15 November, 7.30pm: THE AFRICAN CHOIR OF NORFOLK
Directed by Anna Mudeka, this choir will celebrate its 5th anniversary with a gala performance at Norwich Playhouse featuring music, storytelling and new compositions. It’s a highlight of The Autumn Festival of Norfolk (which is celebrating its 15th anniversary year; www.autumnfestivalofnorfolk.org).
15, 16, 22 and 23 November: JAMES MCCALLUM: RECENT PAINTINGS
Local wildlife artist James McCallum’s annual exhibition will be held at West Barn Gallery, Great Walsingham Barns, featuring more that 60 original paintings, prints and books. James’ watercolours are all made en plein air on location in North Norfolk, with the weather regularly leaving its mark on the paintings in the form of rain speckles or even ice crystals. Birds in their habitats will predominate, including pink-footed and brent geese, and some of the region’s specialist winter birds like Holkham’s shore larks, but other wildlife such as hares will also feature.
16 November, 3.30pm: FAIRYTALES
Step into a world of enchantment at the opening concert of Norfolk Symphony Orchestra’s 50th anniversary season at King’s Lynn Corn Exchange. From Hisaishi’s Merry-Go-Round of Life and Cave of Mind from Howl’s animated film Moving Castle to Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite and Josef Suk’s Pohádka, the concert will be conducted by NSO’s new musical director, Tadeusz Kaznowski. Tickets from www.kingslynncornexchange.co.uk
21 November, 7.30pm: DISCOVERING NORFOLK’S PILGRIM ROUTES
Andy Bull will discuss his recent book Norfolk’s Pilgrim Routes: A History of Paths, Places and People at Binham Memorial Hall. Tickets for the talk, organised by Friends of Binham Priory (which was on the pilgrim route to Walsingham), will be available from 24 October.
22 November, 7.30pm: The Penguin Lessons (12A)
Syderstone Village Cinema’s November screening at the Village Hall stars Steve Coogan (and some penguins). Disillusioned teacher Tom Michell gets a job teaching English and Rugby in a school for rich kids in Buenos Aires. It’s 1976 and Argentina is controlled by a military dictatorship, but Tom is more interested in spending time on the beach than in either his pupils or the political situation. During a weekend trip to Uruguay, he rescues an orphaned penguin and smuggles it back into the school, little suspecting that this is the beginning of a personal and political awakening. £4, pay at the door.
Bookings can be made by email to: syderstonecinema_arvh@outlook.com
28 November to 30 December: Holkham Hall by Candlelight
Step into the magical, festive world that is Holkham Hall by Candlelight – one of the NNL team’s Christmas highlights. The State Rooms, Chapel, Old Kitchen and Marble Hall are transformed by Lady Leicester and her talented team of creatives – think fairytale snowy forests, a starlit Night Before Christmas suite, light and sound installations, a 14-foot Christmas tree and more! Opt for a guided tour (select dates) or self-led visit and new for 2025 is the family day on 20 December – a special version of the candlelight tour for children, with jingle elves and Father and Mother Christmas!
Holkham will also be hosting a series of craft workshops, from calligraphy to silver-smithing; Carols in the Courtyard (11 December), a free-to-attend festive singalong with Your Choir, raising funds for charity; a canine carol service in aid of Break Charity (22 December); their Christmas market with more than 60 local producers showcasing artisan food, drink and hand-crafted gifts (12 to 14 December).
December
6 December to 4 January 2026: Aladdin
Wishing for some panto fun? Join Aladdin, Widow Twankey, Wishee Washee and the crew at the Princess Theatre in Hunstanton for a magical pantomime. Expect amazing dance routines, special effects, musical numbers, fun audience participation, and lots of laughs!
6 December to 4 January 2026: Cinderella
This year’s panto at Norwich Theatre Royal is Cinderella and promises all your favourite ingredients from a baddie to boo and hiss at to those naughty ugly sisters. It’s perfect all round family fun. Georgia May Foote will star as Cinderella with Hannah-Jane Fox as her Fairy Godmother. Wicked Sisters, Anderella and Binderella, will be played by Norfolk’s Nimmo Twin, Owen Evans, and Norwich’s Kenny Moore from drag act The Squirrels, alongside Joe Tracini as Buttons. There will be a range of accessible performances, including captioned, audio described, BSL interpreted, relaxed, sensory adapted, and an over-15s performance.
12 December to 4 January 2026: Jack and the Beanstalk
You’ll be transported to a world of magic beans, a castle in the clouds and a bad tempered giant in this year’s panto at King’s Lynn Corn Exchange. Join Jack, Dame Trott and Clarabelle the cow for some fe-fi-fo-fun! There will be a range of accessible performances too, including signed, captioned and relaxed – check the website for details.
www.kingslynncornexchange.co.uk
13 December to 4 January 2026: The Wizard of Oz
We’re off to see the wizard… Norfolk actor Megan Brice is making her panto lead debut as Dorothy at Sheringham Little Theatre. She says: ‘I watched the Wizard of Oz on repeat when I was a kid and cannot wait to do the show. I’m really looking forward to playing Dorothy. I love a fun female lead who knows her own mind! Dorothy is a daydreamer with a good heart who cares deeply for her friends, and I see a lot of myself in her.’
Expect toe-tapping tunes, dance routines, cheeky munchkins, immersive entertainment and fun for all the family.
www.sheringhamlittletheatre.com
Please check websites for full details, prices and all up to date information.
