Once Upon a Christmas

For the first time, Norwich’s iconic Guildhall will be opening its doors to celebrate the lead up to Christmas with a heritage twist.

Once Upon a Christmas at The Guildhall will see medieval and Victorian traditions revived throughout the landmark building. The magnificent oak-panelled rooms, including the Council Chamber with its beautiful stained glass windows, will be decorated in time-honoured fashion.

Akabella, an all-women acapella choir, will be singing Christmas songs from around the world. Their festive arrangements of both contemporary and traditional carols will ring out over warming drinks and treats in Caley’s Cocoa Café, while tales fit for a winter’s night with the storyteller will fill the medieval undercroft. There will also be children’s Christmas craft activities, with the chance to make your own seasonal pomanders and cornucopias. Five towering Christmas trees have kindly been donated by Taverham Nursery Centre, and will be festooned with traditional decorations.

The event heralds the beginning of exciting plans to place The Guildhall at the centre of city life once more. Norwich Heritage and Economic Regeneration Trust (HEART) have recently taken over management of The Guildhall and aims to increase access to the building during 2015, with tours, lectures, and a programme of further seasonal events.

Sarah Power, Education Development Officer at HEART and organiser of Once Upon a Christmas, said: “We are really thrilled to be opening the doors of this iconic building for the first time to celebrate the run up to Christmas. HEART are keen to create lots of opportunities for everyone to visit the Guildhall and we hope Once Upon A Christmas will particularly encourage families to come along and enjoy this wonderful building. Joining in with the carols will be encouraged!”

Once Upon a Christmas at The Guildhall will take place 5-8pm on Thursday 4th December 2014. Entry costs £4.50 for adults, £2.50 for children, and is free for under 3s. 

More information on Norwich HEART and the exciting developments at The Guildhall can be found at www.heritagecity.org, and on Facebook and Twitter.

Please note that The Guildhall is unfortunately not wheelchair accessible and has many uneven steps.

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