A rich and diverse cultural programme takes place in Norwich and Norfolk in 2022. There's so much for people of all ages to enjoy, from a new underground Lantern Light Tour (telling ghostly tales of Norwich's past!), to the return of the city-wide Love Light Norwich Festival in February. One thing's for sure - we've got plenty to put in our diaries: a pirate ship on the Broads, an exhibition of Picasso, 250 years of Norfolk and Norwich Festival and 10 years of Norwich being England's first UNESCO City of Literature. Whilst Norwich Castle will be exploring the world we live in with important works from the Arts Council Collection and Norwich and Norfolk welcoming an art trail of Steppe Mammoth's and T.rex giant sculptures.

We begin the year with the return of Love Light Norwich Festival featuring 17 new light installations plus special events and an emerging artists' feature across three nights in February. Following the theme of Love and Belonging. With the programme designed around the theme of love and belonging attendees can expect to enjoy outdoor bike ballet, a River of Love Procession, the Celestial Sound Cloud, giant illuminated puppets and Cupid soaring over the stalls of Norwich Market. And much more.

In March the world-renowned Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts opens Pablo Picasso: The Legacy of Youth with over 20 works showing how the young artist embraced successive styles at large in the art world of his time. The exhibition includes an Impressionist 'salon' with works by Claude Monet, Pierre Bonnard, Edgar Degas, Berthe Morisot, and George Seurat. And a Cubist 'salon' with works by Picasso alongside Henri Laurens, Jean Metzinger, Juan Gris and Ossip Zadkine.

Launching at the Centre at same time see Richard Slee: Swans making its UK debut having first exhibited at the Arianna Museum in Geneva in 2021. Slee is one of Britain's most important contemporary ceramic artists.

Finally, the Sainsbury Centre's autumn show, Visions of Ancient Egypt (supported by Viking), explores the enduring appeal of Egypt in art and design from the ancient past to the present day. Expect to see pieces rarely exhibited in Britain with over 150 works drawn from collectors in the UK and internationally examining how ancient Egypt has shaped our cultural imagination. The exhibition coincides with the anniversaries of two key events: the bicentenary of Jean- François Champollion's decipherment of hieroglyphs and the centenary of Howard Carter's discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb.

In May Norfolk & Norwich Festival celebrates its 250-year anniversary making it the oldest single-city Festival in the UK. Today it is one of the biggest multi artform Festivals in the country specialising in bringing world-class acts to Norwich and Norfolk and always with something just a little bit different.

In 2012 Norwich became the first city in England to be awarded UNESCO City of Literature status. During Norfolk & Norwich Festival, the National Centre for Writing will be celebrating this important 10-year anniversary with some great events at their City of Literature weekend.  

From 21 May Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery presents The World We Live In: Art and the Urban Environment exploring the many facets of urban life - architecture, migration, commuting, crowds, noise, lights – which have been a rich source of inspiration to artists. The exhibition brings together important works from the Arts Council Collection, the largest loan collection of modern and contemporary British art, to consider how city dwellers have engaged with their built-up surroundings. The World We Live In also includes examples from the Arts Council Collection's outstanding collection of documentary photographs, presenting an unparalleled view of inner-city life across the UK.

Come summer we have the Queens Platinum Jubilee and associated local events which includes a programme at Norwich Castle as part of their Keeping It Regal activity.

Then across Norwich and Norfolk GoGoDiscover is a county-wide art trail of Steppe Mammoth's and T.rex sculptures encouraging visitors to get outdoors on a journey celebrating the Deep History Coast and Norfolk being home to the largest and oldest mammoth ever found in Britain.

Izzi Johnson, head of marketing at Norwich Business Improvement District and VisitNorwich said: “Norwich and the rest of the county have a rich and exciting cultural year in 2022 with events and activities to keep all ages enthralled and entertained. Many events will also be free or low cost meaning the programme will be accessible to everyone.

“2021 saw so many people visit Norwich and Norfolk for the first time and I hope with this diverse choice of new things to do we attract many returning, as well as new visitors, being inspired to book day visits and overnight stays.

“Add this to Norwich's general appeal for its fantastic independent shops, eateries, cultural venues, Norwich Market, flagship regional department stores and big-brand names, history, architecture, local food, local drink, green spaces, being part of the Broads National Park and friendliness and you have a superb multi-faceted destination for all to enjoy. All year round.”

Event Details:

January

 

Lantern Light Underground Tour 
Lantern Light Underground Tour is currently exclusive for some dates in January - 10th, 11th, 12th, 17th, 18th, 22nd, 23rd, 27th and 28th at 17:00, 18:30 and 20:30. 
Price of tours: Adult £13 / Child 7-12 years £7 / Under 4s free
Duration for tours: 1 hour
https://www.theshoebox.org.uk/hidden-street-tours-booking/

Beneath Castle Meadow (at the foot of Norwich Castle) shine a light on Norwich's historic past. See our 'hidden street' in a new light as our story-telling tour guides take you on a journey below ground with just a lantern to light your way. Discover what lies beneath and immerse yourself in brand new tales from Norwich's darker past. 

Tours suitable for: all ages. We recommend the Lantern Light Underground Tour for ages 8+ due to the content containing stories of hangings that may not be suitable for all children. 

Dates for tours:
Norwich's Hidden Street Tour runs every day, first tour 10.00am, last tour 8:30pm.

 

February half term 12 – 20 February 2022

Love Light Norwich, FREE 
Across Norwich city centre
17 installations + special events + programme of emerging artists
17 – 19 February
www.lovelightnorwich.co.uk                                                                                                                                    

Light up your February with this magnificent free light festival throughout the streets and iconic buildings of Norwich. Back for a second year to wow audiences once again, Love Light Norwich will present performances, light installations, and special events over three nights bold and bright nights.

Expect phenomenal projections onto Norwich Cathedral from Australian artist Nick Azidis. A beautiful interactive sound and light sculpture, inspired by galaxies far away presented by Pif Paf- The Celestial Sound Cloud which will be located in Norwich's pocket park, Chapelfield Gardens. Dancing lights are conjured by a heart-shaped mirror ball and projected across two of Norwich's most loved landmarks at The Forum- Our Beating Heart by Studio Vertigo. And watch Cupid come to the rescue in a film projected onto Norwich Castle! See Cupid soaring over the stalls of Norwich market and creating perfect partnerships. Will everybody find love?

There will be a programme of special events each night including a Glow Ride, Strictly Night Cycling and the River of Love Procession flowing from Tombland in the Cathedral Quarter to The Forum. Plus, a programme of emerging artists and True Stories Live: My Guiding Light at Dragon Hall, home of the National Centre for Writing. As well as the welcome return of the Love Light Food Trail to make your evening complete with delicious food and drink too.

Pirate Themed River Trips [Broads, Norfolk]
Monday 14th – Friday 18th February
11am, 2pm. Duration 1.5 hours
Adults £12.50, Children £12.50 inc activity pack www.broadstours.co.uk/

Enjoy a family fun pirate themed river trip aboard the Cordon Rouge this February half term.

Pirates have commandeered the Cordon Rouge and have been seen flying the Jolly Roger on the Norfolk Broads. Rumour has it they're seeking lost treasure on the Broads and they're looking for crew to help them find it. So, what are ye waiting for, will ye take ye share of the booty or will ye be forced to walk the plank?

Featuring pirate themed decoration, children's activity packs, fancy dress and commentary from our Pirate ship Captain “Flint”.

March

Pablo Picasso: The Legacy of Youth
Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts
13 March – 17 July 2022
Tickets available online at sainsburycentre.ac.uk from 1 February 2022, £13/£12 concessions. Free parking subject to availability, two cafes, shop.
www.sainsburycentre.ac.uk

With over 20 works by Picasso including paintings, drawings and prints, the exhibition shows how the young artist embraced successive styles at large in the art world of his time.

Opening with an introduction to Picasso's family background and artistic education, the exhibition leads into an Impressionist 'salon' with works by Claude Monet, Pierre Bonnard, Edgar Degas, Berthe Morisot, and George Seurat. The Legacy of Youth recreates the freshness of Picasso's stylistic encounter with successive waves of Impressionism, Symbolism and Post-Impressionism. A Cubist 'salon' shows works by Picasso alongside Henri Laurens, Jean Metzinger, Juan Gris and Ossip Zadkine and suggests that these early innovations remained core to Picasso's later stylistic developments.


Richard Slee: Swans, FREE
Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts
13 March – 14 August 2022
Free entry, this display will be located in the East End Gallery
Swans was first exhibited in 2021 in Problem Pieces at Ariana Museum, Geneva, Switzerland and makes its UK debut at the Sainsbury Centre
www.sainsburycentre.ac.uk
  
Witty, poetic and surreal, Swans shows Richard Slee at his finest. In this new work, fourteen majestic swans glide across the tranquil surface of their museum plinths. With twisting, sinuous necks and red latex beaks, the swans exude a restless, inquisitive energy that animates the surrounding space. Their spiralling bodies call to mind spinning tops and evoke a child-like sense of delight.

Slee is one of Britain's most important contemporary ceramic artists. Born in Carlisle, Slee trained at the Central School of Art and Design and the Royal College of Art. Valued for his immense contribution to academia, Slee was made Professor of The University of the Arts in 1992 and Professor Emeritus in 2012. He was awarded the Jerwood Applied Arts Prize for Ceramics in 2001 for 'expanding the dialogue between ceramic tradition and visual culture in ways that resonate outward'.

 

May

Norfolk & Norwich Festival celebrates 250 years
Across Norfolk & Norwich – International Arts Festival
13 May – 29 May
FREE + paid for tickets
www.nnfestival.org.uk

Norfolk & Norwich Festival celebrates its 250th anniversary in 2022, making it the oldest single-city Festival in the UK. Starting in 1772 as a cathedral service to fundraise for the new Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, before quickly blossoming into an internationally renowned triennial music festival.

Today it is one of the biggest multi artform Festivals in the UK, specialising in bringing world class acts to Norwich and Norfolk and always something just a little bit different.

As the Festival enters its next 250 years, it will continue to develop its distinctive nature, collaborating with artists and communities – from down the road and around the world to explore and celebrate the unique identities of our people and places.

 

National Centre for Writing celebrates 10 years of Norwich being a UNESCO City of Literature.
City of Literature Programme during Norfolk & Norwich Festival
27 May - 29 May
www.nnfestival.org.uk

Full programme to be announced early in 2022.

 

The World We Live In: Art and the Urban Environment
Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery
21 May – 4 September 2022
Tickets included in museum entry. Adults: £6.70, child: £6.20
https://www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk/norwich-castle

Cities around the world have developed and diversified more rapidly over the last ten years, than ever before. Today, over half of the world's population lives in an urban environment. The World We Live In explores the many facets of urban life - architecture, migration, commuting, crowds, noise, lights – which have been a rich source of inspiration to artists. The exhibition brings together important works from the Arts Council Collection, the largest loan collection of modern and contemporary British art, to consider how city dwellers have engaged with their built-up surroundings. The World We Live In also includes examples from the Arts Council Collection's outstanding collection of documentary photographs, presenting an unparalleled view of inner-city life across the UK.

 

Summer

Jubilee Weekend at Norwich Castle: Keeping it Regal
3 – 6 June
www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk/norwich-castle

There will be a selection of activities organised by Norwich Castle celebrating the Queen's Platinum Jubilee and Norwich Castle's royal history. This includes a Keeping it Regal trail and screenings at Cinema City in Norwich: Hamlet - Live from The Met in HD (4 June) and The Lion King (5 June). 

Other activities and half term things to do will be announced soon.

GoGoDiscover 2022 – county wide art trail
Steppe Mammoth across Norfolk and  T.rex sculptures
27 June – 10 September

The GoGoDiscover county trail celebrates the Deep History Coast and Norfolk being home to the discovery of the largest and oldest mammoth ever found in Britain.

Join in the fun of summer 2022 in a 10-week adventure full of colossal creatures and family-friendly exploration. In Norwich find T.riffic T.rex sculptures and a new colossal Steppe Mammoth. Whilst taking to plinths all across Norfolk, Steppe Mammoth sculptures will get everyone enjoying the great outdoors on a journey that will help visitors explore all corners of the wonderful county of Norfolk.

 

Autumn

Visions of Ancient Egypt Supported by Viking
Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts
3 September 2022 – 1 January 2023
Tickets £13/£12 concessions, on sale in 2022
www.sainsburycentre.ac.uk

The Sainsbury Centre presents a major new exhibition exploring the enduring appeal of Egypt in art and design from the ancient past to the present day. Supported by Viking, the leading small ship river, ocean and expedition cruise line, the exhibition features over 150 works drawn from collections in the UK and internationally and will examine how ancient Egypt has shaped our cultural imagination.

The exhibition will include painting, sculpture, writing, fashion and architecture, alongside photography, film and installation art. It will feature work from artists as wide ranging as Joshua Reynolds, Hector Horeau, Lawrence Alma-Tadema, David Hockney and Chris Ofili alongside works by modern and contemporary Egyptian artists, rarely exhibited in Britain.

Opening in September 2022, the exhibition coincides with the anniversaries of two key events: the bicentenary of Jean-François Champollion's decipherment of hieroglyphs and the centenary of Howard Carter's discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb. The exhibition invites audiences to understand, to debate and to discuss this complex history of ancient Egypt and to ask who these visions serve - both then and now.

Notes to editors

For images and interviews please contact Mel Cook PR & marketing manager, VisitNorwich melanie.cook@norwichbid.co.uk.

About VisitNorwich

• VisitNorwich is the Destination Marketing Organisation (DMO) for the Norwich area and is the tourism destination marketing function of Norwich Business Improvement District (BID) - www.visitnorwich.co.uk.
• VisitNorwich is a membership organisation within Norwich BID and its activities are funded by Investment Partners, public sector stakeholders including Norwich City Council and directly by Norwich BID.
• VisitNorwich's sole focus is to promote and develop the destination and support its Investment Partners through collaborative marketing, research, information and business advice.
• In 2020 Norwich, the City of Stories was shortlisted in the City Nation Place Awards 2020 for 'Place Brand of the Year'
• Total value of tourism in Norwich is £ 774,158,590 including 13,522,000 trips (day and staying) - Destination Research: Economic Impact of Tourism report 2019.
• In 2019 Norwich Market was named Best Large Outdoor Market in the Country in The Great British Market Awards.
• In 2019 Norwich became the UK's first Sharing City part of the Sharing Cities Alliance.