Norfolk and Norwich Festival back this May with free programme
The Norfolk and Norwich Festival is set to return this May following the government's announcement, this time offering a free or "pay what you want" programme.
The event, which was due to start on May 14, has been pushed back by just three days and will now run May 17-30.
The 14-day event will be a one-off adaptation including outdoor and socially distanced performance, art and music as well as a digital strand.
Daniel Brine, artistic director and chief executive of Norfolk & Norwich Festival, said: “We are delighted to be able to say that the Festival is going ahead. We have been working for 12 months on a special Festival that could take place safely in COVID times and hope, subject to the scheduled easing of restrictions that we will be able to deliver on all our planning.
"We will be taking every responsible precaution, working with the local authorities and making the programme as safe and adaptable as we can. We will begin making performance announcements over the coming weeks and are sure there’s something within the programme that everyone will be able to enjoy.”
Featuring music, performance, visual arts and literature events across Norwich and Norfolk, this year festival organisers will make the majority of the programme available on a free or "pay what you want" basis.
Mr Brine said: “This is just one of several radical changes we’ve made in 2021. We’re aware that it has been a tremendously difficult year for everyone, in all sorts of ways. While it’s not a sustainable business model beyond this year, the approach allows as many people as possible the chance to access and enjoy the Festival and the collective experience and healing power that art and events of this nature bring.
"We’re able to do this in part due to the steadfast support of Arts Council England, Norwich City Council and Norfolk County Council. And we thank a number of wonderful sponsors and supporters who share our ambitions. We’re excited that we can begin our recovery from May 17.”
The festival programme will be revealed over the coming weeks but all festival events will be in line with government guidelines. Find out more at nnfestival.org.uk or follow the Festival’s social media channels.
