Norfolk Diary

This year’s Norfolk & Norwich Festival features a headline show starring the population of Norfolk, one of the world’s most famous violin virtuosos, a company of acrobats at the forefront of modern circus, the brightest new thing on the classical music scene and a chance for the kids to get close up and personal with prehistoric beasts. For more information:

Online www.nnfestival.org.uk
Ticket hotline +44 (0)1603 766400
Visit Norwich Theatre Royal box office

The 23^rd November and once more the wonderful Christmas Lights in Holt will be switched on at 18.45 (note the new time), this year by Ed Parker the inspirational leader of the ‘Walking for the Wounded’ group which walked to the North Pole earlier this year.

Come to the Lantern Making Workshop at 4pm at the Holt Community Centre on Thursday 17 November 2011, ready to join the procession on the switch-on night. More information available here.

There will be the usual events in the streets, yards and lanes of the town as detailed in the accompanying flyer and the spectacular firework display.  The event is the culmination of many hours of volunteer effort and local business generosity, and it launches the six week spectacle that we are now known for nationally.

To most this is seen as a ‘free’ event but in reality nothing in life is free.  Many local businesses have contributed generously to ensure that we have our lights.  If you plan to visit the event, the switch-on on the 23^rd November, please consider making a donation towards the cost by dropping £2.00 for each member of your party into the official collection buckets. This would make such a difference not just this year but for the future!

The Holt Christmas Lights are entirely supported by the town.  A real community event – the brightest and the best!

Visit the Holt Christmas Lights website

Wow – what a great end to the Summer! It’s hard to believe that only a couple of weekends ago I was still swimming in the blue, crystal clear, still waters of the sea at Sheringham. At last, the fabled Indian Summer finally turned up, even if somewhat fleetingly.

The sea had become so still that I managed to do some snorkelling near the lifeboat launch slope at Sheringham and discovered a sunken ship wreck, complete with lobsters and crabs scuttling around everywhere. It was quite magical…

But since then, the temperatures have plummeted, forcing all but the hardiest to consider switching on their central heating. Halloween and Bonfire Night adverts have appeared everywhere. And as usual, Christmas is already coming up in conversation…

Corpusty Bonfire Night (Saturday 5 November 2011)

One of our favourite places to go for Bonfire night is Corpusty. I’ve been along for the past 2 years. Corpusty puts on a fantastic firework display and the the enormous bonfire is spectacular.

There’s a very pagan feel to the event as the procession of flaming torches arrives at the bonfire (usually around 7pm) and Guy Fawkes is hoisted into place. The fireworks usually start around 8pm. The Norfolk dialect of the compere takes some beating. This is about as close to ‘The Wicker Man’ as you’ll find in Norfolk!

But seriously, it’s a great night out, with hog roast available and beer from the local pub, The Dukes Head. Last year, a drumming band provided an exciting musical backdrop.

Donations are requested as you arrive. Don’t be mean – there’s a lot of organising and costs to be paid for. Usually they ask for at least £3 a head. It’s worth every penny, so bring some cash with you to drop into the buckets.

The event is very popular so be warned, keep small children close by your side as they can get easily lost in the crowds. Parking can be difficult. There’s a designated field at the back of the village which is the best place to head for.

Here’s a few photos taken at last years Corpusty Bonfire/fireworks night (2010):

Don’t forget to book now for the 4 day Diamond Jubilee Bank Holiday weekend in June 2012.

To celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, the end of May bank holiday has been moved to the following week, Monday 4th June. An extra bank holiday has been added for the following day, Tuesday 5th June. So that’s 4 days off: Saturday 2nd June through to Tuesday 5th June.

Many agencies and holiday cottage owners have already been quick to price the period as Peak period due to the likely high demand. But hunt around as there are still bargains to be had and not everyone has marked their prices up (yet).