Paving the way

History Beneath Your Feet

As you wander around the Norwich Lanes, you may well notice a series of beautiful paving plaques depicting the area’s fascinating industrial and social past.

There are over 50 plaques along the way, telling the story of times gone by – each and everyone of them hand designed by artist and illustrator Sally Barratt and carefully sand blasted into the stone by local craftsmen.

The plaques were commissioned by HEART (Heritage Economic and Regeneration Trust) and Norwich City Council in 2006 as a way to encourage people to explore the area’s streets, alleyways and open spaces.

Today they feel like part of the fabric, as though they’ve been there for centuries, like the stories they depict. So when you’re next in the Lanes, do look down – as you can learn a lot from what you see on the streets.

What’s on — Summer 2023

There are literally thousands of great events in the Lanes throughout the year. Here are just a few to get you started!

2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY

Cinema City

Sun 30th July | 7pm

Heralded in 1968 as the most striking sci-fi film ever, Stanley Kubrick’s epic meditation on human evolution shines brilliantly over half a decade later. Often regarded as a metaphor and moral allegory, Kubrick’s film is a visual tour de force with a stunning soundtrack. www.picturehouses.com

GIN & RUM FESTIVAL NORWICH

The Halls

Sat 1st July 12:30 – 10:30pm www.thehallsnorwich.com

If you’re thirsty for knowledge or just want to party the night away, the Gin & Rum Festival is for you! Discover new favourites with samples from hand-picked guest distillers and much more besides.

STRANGERS’ HALL 100

Strangers’ Hall Museum

Wed 23rd – Sun 27th

August (excl. Sat 26th)

2023 marks Strangers’ www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk

Hall centenary as a public museum. To help celebrate 100 years, this magnificent Tudor building and wonderful museum will be free to enter.

Clutter City Night Market

Norwich Arts Centre

Sat 1st July | 5pm – 9pm www.norwichartscentre.co.uk

Clutter City returns to NAC for a Summer night market with over 25 carefully selected stalls featuring the best local makers, artists, illustrators and designers! Plus pop-up food and DJ.

Intellectual Hooligans

The Maddermarket Theatre

Sat 5th Aug | 8.pm

Now in their 10th year, Norwich’s funniest and longest serving improv comedy troupe, return to the stage at the Maddermarket. www.maddermarket.co.uk

TRUE STORIES LIVE —

Hanging By A Thread

Norwich Arts Centre

Sun 10th September | 7pm – 10pm www.truestorieslive.co.uk

A lively and moving event where people tell true stories about their lives in front of a warm, supportive audience.

“I never go there without seeing a book I absolutely have to buy; eclectic, thoughtful, and tempting. A must for book lovers!”

– MARGARET ATWOOD

“The kind of place I dreamt of existing in Norwich when I was growing up.”

– STEPHEN FRY

“The Book Hive is a wonder for both books and the soul. Everyone should go there, often.”

– EIMEAR M c BRIDE

Norwich’s multi-award winning independent bookshop and publisher. Home delivery or next day in store ordering.

The Book Hive, 53 London Street, Norwich, NR2 1HL 01603 219 268 | www.thebookhive.co.uk

SHOW THIS ADVERT IN THE SHOP FOR 15% OFF ALL PURCHASES!