As the Norfolk & Norwich Festival returns, the National Centre for Writing reveals its highlights for the City of Literature Weekend.
The month of May marks the return of Norfolk & Norwich Festival – one of the longest-running arts festivals of its kind in the UK. For more than two centuries, it has brought performance, creativity and conversation to the city.
READ MORE: Discover 10 of Norfolk’s best literary adventures this May
Few English cities have such a long and layered relationship with words. Norwich was once home to medieval scribes and early printers, produced the first provincial newspaper outside London in the early 18th century, and today holds the title of England’s first UNESCO City of Literature.
That legacy comes into focus over the City of Literature Weekend, which is part of the Norfolk & Norwich Festival. Authors, illustrators and readers will gather across the city for talks, workshops and shared reading events.
Ellie Reeves, programme officer at the National Centre for Writing, has selected some top picks from this year’s City of Literature Weekend programme:
Set Sail! with Robert Starling
- 10.30am on Friday, May 22
- The Spiegeltent, £5
Author and illustrator Robert Starling leads a morning of crafts and storytelling for families with children up to seven years old. Meet some of Rob’s characters in the colourful surroundings of the Spiegeltent and bring your own ideas to life through drawing.
The event will finish with a reading from Rob’s newest book, This is the Girl.
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Ellie said: “There’s nothing quite like a morning of familyfuelled creativity in the Spiegeltent! Robert will be pulling out all the stops with the help of his fictional friends, including Fergal the Dragon, to get young imaginations whirling before lunchtime.”
Wild the World: Nature Writing Workshop with James Canton
- 10.30am on Friday, May 22
- Dragon Hall, £40 (£30 concessions)
James Canton, the author of Renaturing: Small Ways to Wild the World, invites you to explore the core techniques of nature writing through conversation, writing and reflection.
This workshop will delve into the natural world that we are all a part of – the nature that is just there in the cracks between our human constructs, in the woods and wilds just a few feet from our doors.
Ellie said: “Nature writing is a profoundly popular genre that offers immense holistic and creative benefits. “What I love most about James’ approach is his focus on the ‘hidden’ wild: the things we often overlook simply because they are right beneath our feet.
“He shows us that you don’t have to travel far to find inspiration blossoming!”
The Body in the Kitchen Garden: Vintage Cream Tea with Paula Sutton
- 2pm on Friday, May 22
- Dragon Hall, £20
Join interior stylist, author, columnist and TV personality Paula Sutton for an in-conversation event over cream tea in the atmospheric grounds of Dragon Hall.
Tickets include a classic English cream tea, with a choice of tea or coffee, to enjoy as Paula takes to the stage to discuss her latest cosy crime book, The Body in the Kitchen Garden.
Ellie said: “This will be the very first afternoon tea held in the Great Hall of our Literature House – and I can’t wait! “There is no better setting for a cosy crime tale than under the 600-year-old oak beams of this incredible medieval building.
“I’m already busy collecting vintage crockery to set the scene for a one-of-a-kind book event!”
The Given World: The Rural Uncanny with Melissa Harrison
- 10am on Saturday, May 23
- The Spiegeltent, £10
Join award-winning author Melissa Harrison to discuss The Given World, a ‘dark pastoral’ exploring our deep and fragile connection with nature.
Described by Amy Liptrot as “an Under Milk Wood for the 21st century”, this is an essential meditation on the strange beauty of the English countryside.
Ellie said: “Having won East Anglian Book of the Year in 2021, Melissa Harrison has long been a celebrated voice in our region.
“She has a rare talent for depicting rural life with such warmth and honesty, and we are thrilled to host this conversation about her new work.
“It is the ideal event for those who feel a connection to our local landscapes and pastoral heritage.”
Page Against the Machine
- 2.30pm on Saturday, May 23
- The Cloisters at Norwich Cathedral, Free
The Book Hive’s shared reading event returns! Pick a book, bring a cool drink and turn off your phone for a well-deserved detox in the beautiful surroundings of Norwich Cathedral cloisters.
Simultaneous events will be taking place across Norwich and in UNESCO Cities of Literature across the world.
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Ellie said: “Founded by our friends at The Book Hive, this beloved event sits at the very heart of Norwich’s literary community.
“It is a peaceful, joyous occasion for readers of all kinds, and we are delighted to bring the annual ‘Festival edition’ of Page Against the Machine to the stunning Cathedral cloisters for the first time.”
For more information, visit nationalcentreforwriting.org.uk and nnfestival.org.uk
This article has been published as part of Born & Read in Norfolk – a year-long initiative highlighting the importance of reading and writing, delivered in partnership with the National Centre for Writing, headline sponsor RWE and sponsor YouGarden.
Follow the campaign throughout the year in our coverage and on social media using #BornAndRead2026 or get in touch at readingmatters@newsquest.co.uk
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