Thas A Fact?

KEY NORWICHRISTMAS 2010 EVENTS:

EVENTS FOR ALL THE FAMILY

Norwich will be dazzling with three Christmas light switch-on’s…

1.     Chapelfield – Thursday 4 November 5 to 9pm FREE. A magical winter wonderland and an early white Christmas await visitors, courtesy of snow machines! Don’t miss real reindeer, a chance to meet Santa, the Jack Frost band performing on stilts and Bob the Builder.

2.     The Mall – Thursday 11 November entertainment from 4pm and switch-on at 7pm by HEART’S Toby Anstis FREE. Jamie Archer from the X-Factor 2009 will perform and Santa and his reindeer make an appearance too.

3.     Norwich City Council – Thursday 18 November from 6.15pm FREE. The big city switch-on is guaranteed to go off with a bang with roof-top fireworks at Jarrolds and the switch-on of the UK’s tallest Christmas tree outside The Forum. The tree, from the Elveden Estate near Thetford, will be decorated in over 12,000 LED lights and hundreds of colourful, recyclable decorations hand-made by children from Norfolk’s special schools.

EVENTS AT John Lewis

Christmas shopping event – Saturday 13 November FREE

As well as promotions, there will also be a live carving of an ice sculpture, the chance to meet Percy Weasley from Harry Potter, food tastings, carol singers and a jazz band.

EVENTS AT The Forum

Vintage Gallopers – from Thursday 18 November

The grand, hand painted Victorian carousel is one of the worlds only surviving original gallopers.

Santa’s reindeer – Saturday 4 December FREE

Meet the reindeer who pull Santa along on his sleigh every Christmas Eve…all that’s left to do is to remember their names!

GREAT FOR CHILDREN…

1.     John Lewis – Monday 1 November to Sunday 12 December. Post Santa a Christmas wish list in the post box in the toy department and receive a personal reply from the big man himself!

2. Jarrold’s – Saturday 27 November to 24 December. Santa is waiting for boys and girls across Norwich to tell him whether they have been good this year.

3.     Guildhall – Thursday 9 December 4.30pm to 5.30pm FREE. The popular Yarnsmith of Norwich will perform seasonal tales in the festive surroundings of the old Victorian courtroom.

4.     Strangers’ Hall – 11, 18 and 22 December Step back in time to visit Father Christmas in a Victorian Grotto.

5.     The Guildhall – Tuesday 21 December This Christmas decoration-making workshop is perfect for children aged between six and 12. Their hand-made decorations will brighten up any tree!

MUSIC & THEATRE

It wouldn’t be Christmas without the festive sounds of Christmas carols or an ‘oh no he isn’t’….

Theatre

Norwich Playhouse

Stick Man Live on Stage – Tuesday 30 November to Thursday 9 December

Adapted from the book by Julia Donaldson, Stick Man is suitable for children aged 3+.

Theatre Royal Norwich

Jack and the Beanstalk – Tuesday 14 December to Sunday 16 January

Be prepared for lots of antics and mayhem as you discover what Jack meets up the Beanstalk. Tickets from £5.

The Puppet Theatre

The Frog Princess or Thumbelina – from December

Combining storytelling and puppetry, the two classic tales will be enjoyed by the whole family. £20 family ticket.

Music

St Andrews Hall

Norwich Philharmonic concerts – Saturday 4 November and Tuesday 21 December

Catherine May (soprano) and Diana Moore (mezzo-soprano) will perform at the annual event. Tickets £5 to £15.

Chapelfield

The Salvation Army – Saturday 4 December and Saturday 11 December

The Salvation Army will play some of England’s best loved Carols and Christmas songs.

Strangers’ Hall

Tudor music – 11 and 18 December

Enjoy classic Tudor music in the Minstrels Gallery.

Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery

Wrentham Brass Band – Saturday 18 December

Christmas music in the Norman keep.

The Forum

Swing into Christmas – 19 December 7.30pm

Jonathan Wyatt and his Big Band are back by popular demand. With their sparkling blend of well-known jazz, Christmas favourites and dancehall classics the foot-tapping show is guaranteed to put you in a festive mood. Tickets £13.00.

Holiday Inn

Party nights – throughout November and December

From ABBA tribute nights to ballroom dancing, or just a place to stay after too many mulled wines, The Holiday Inn is the perfect place to relax, or dance the night away, this Christmas.

Dunston Hall

Band Nights – throughout November and December

For just £35pp an arrival drink awaits, followed by a three-course dinner and the thrill of a live band playing all the big band classics.

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING, CRAFT AND GIFT FAIRS

People on the hunt for a traditional or unusual gift should try:

The Forum Shop by Jarrold

Local craft demonstrations – every Saturday throughout November FREE

Local artists showcasing their craft and products include photographer Trevor Pitcher, Norfolk Lavender, textile artist Katherine Barney and jewellery maker Jane Pennington.

Jarrold Christmas customer evening – Thursday 16 November 6 to 9pm FREE

Start Christmas shopping early.

The Forum

Christmas Craft Fair – Wednesday 1 to Sunday 12 December FREE

If you’re looking for Christmas gifts with individuality and style, The Forum’s twelve day Christmas Craft Fair is worth a visit.

Norwich Arts Centre

Clutter City Yuletide Market – Saturday 4 December 10am to 4pm FREE

Head to this quirky city market to  find unusual and unique gifts by independent artists and crafters.

The Mall

Christmas Craft Market – Saturday 4 to Friday 24 December FREE

The market features locally produced handmade gifts.

Dragon Hall

Dragon Hall Medieval Christmas Market – Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 December Dragon Hall’s annual spectacular market returns with over 40 stalls selling original and unusual gifts, including historical reproductions, handcrafted textiles, ceramics and locally produced food and wine. Jesters, musicians and entertainers will ensure that crowds are kept entertained.

Norwich Cathedral

Historic Christmas Fayre, Cloister Walks – Friday 10 December to Sunday 12 December

Featuring gifts from yesteryear and a festive programme of entertainment.  Admission £3.00 per adult, children under 16 free.

HERITAGE

The heritage, culture and beautiful architecture of Norwich provides the perfect backdrop to Christmas celebrations…

The Mustard Shop

A 1970’s Christmas – Monday 6 November 2010 FREE

Go back in time when you step into this 1970’s Christmas event featuring 1970’s music and party food, as well as mustard powders on sale at its original price. This is one of many ‘Marvellous Mustard Mondays’ taking place at the Mustard Shop in the run-up to Christmas.

Strangers Hall

Make your own Christmas wreath – Friday 17 December 10am to 1pm

See Strangers’ Hall decked out for Christmas and make your own Christmas wreath.  Adults £18.

Norwich Cathedral

Many special services including – Christmas Carol Service – Christmas Eve 3.30pm

Midnight Eucharist of Christmas – Christmas Eve 11.15pm

Find out the real meaning of Christmas at Norwich Cathedral and sing-along to some carols.

EATING OUT

Because calories don’t count at Christmas…

Norwich Cathedral and the Cathedral of St John the Baptist

Two Cathedrals Moveable Feast – Friday 26 November at 7pm

Begin a two-course meal in one cathedral and end in another!

Jarrold’s

Evening of wine tasting and festive food in the deli – Wednesday 8 December 6.30pm

Join Peter Grogan, writer of food and drink for the Daily Telegraph and The Spectator, for an evening of wine tasting and festive food. Tickets £10.

The Assembly House

Festive afternoon tea – 1 December to 23 December

The afternoon tea has gone festive in December and is just as delicious as the original. £17.50pp.

Premier Inn – Norwich Airport, Norwich Central South and Norwich Showground

Festive Feast – 24 November to 24 December

A feast is in good keeping with Christmas – it is only once a year and this one is only £12.99pp!

Dunston Hall

Traditional party nights – throughout November and December

Add sparkle to celebrations with tasty food, party music and enough cheer to last well into 2011.

The Nelson

Casino nights – 9 December and 16 December

Dress to impress as you play roulette and black jack and enjoy a three-course festive dinner menu.

Premier Inn – Norwich Airport, Norwich Central South and Norwich Showground

Christmas Day lunch/dinner

Take all the hassle out of Christmas dinner and let someone do all the hard work for you from £39.99pp.

FOR A GOOD CAUSE

Christmas is no time to be a Scrooge…

The Forum

Children in Need – Friday 19 November

Children in Need 2010 will be broadcast live from The Forum. Join Pudsey Bear and Stewart White for ginger bread and toffee apples, ride on the traditional Victorian carrousel and help raise money for a great cause.

The Forum

Knitted Christmas Tree – Friday 19 November to Sunday 28 November

While no tree can compete with the height of the tree outside The Forum, the WI and knitting circles from across Norfolk have knitted a 15 foot Christmas tree, which is being displayed inside The Forum! Volunteers provided nearly 3,000 individually knitted leaves and decorations to raise money for John Grooms Court, a residential home for young adults with disabilities. To donate money and to see the tree, visit The Atrium in The Forum.

The Mall

Giving Tree Appeal – Monday 22 November to Friday 17 December

While out shopping, don’t forget to pick up an extra present to donate to The Mall’s Giving Tree Appeal, which aims to put a smile on the face of disadvantaged children this Christmas. The presents are distributed between the Umbrella Housing Association, who support single parent families in times of need and Leeway Women’s Aid, who help families affected by domestic abuse.

The Mall in Norwich at Christmas.