Art & Theatre / Events in Norfolk and Suffolk / exhibitions / Music / Tourist Attractions Norfolk and Suffolk May 10, 2011
Many of Norwich’s leading museums and heritage attractions will be unlocking their doors after hours on Friday 13 and Saturday 14 May as part of the Museums at Night celebrations across the country. The participating venues will be staging events that will capture people’s imaginations and will offer them the chance to do something different with their evening. This is the fourth year that Norwich has taken part in the celebrations and this year’s events promise to be the most exciting yet. The events have been organised by Norwich Heritage Economic and Regeneration Trust (HEART), Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery (in collaboration with the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts and the Norfolk and Norwich Festival), The Guildhall, Colman’s Mustard Shop and Museum, The John Jarrold Printing Museum and The Cathedral of St John the Baptist, and have been supported by Shaping 24.
Norwich Castle will be the spectacular museum setting for the largest celebration on Saturday 14 May from 5pm – 10pm (FREE, no booking required). A fun-packed programme is planned including torch-lit tours in the natural history gallery, drawing activities and a chance to get hands on with a range of museum objects. Throughout the evening there will be live music and performance, creating a unique ambience for both adults and children to enjoy.
“We’re delighted to be staging a fantastic night of entertainment and discovery at Norwich Castle this year in collaboration with the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts and the Norfolk and Norwich Festival. From chilling tales in the dungeons to tours of the battlements by twilight, this is a special chance for people to explore the nooks and crannies of this fascinating building. Along the way there will be all kinds of activities to inspire and intrigue – sometimes in unexpected places!” – Rachel Kirk, Norwich Castle.
There is a packed programme of exciting events planned at other museums and heritage attractions in the city. They begin with an evening of tales with Dave Tong, Yarnsmith of Norwich, at The Guildhall on Friday 13 May at 5pm and 6pm (FREE, booking required). There will be a chance to hear about the history of Colman’s Mustard Shop and Museum and sample some of their delicious products after hours on Friday 13 and Saturday 14 May from 5.30pm – 6.30pm (FREE, 20% discount on purchases, booking required). The John Jarrold Print Museum will be offering people the opportunity to experience a pre-1950s letterpress printing office on Saturday 14 May from 6pm – 8pm (FREE, no booking required). Visitors will be able to see printing operations in progress and talk to volunteers. Alternatively, people may want to head to The Cathedral of St John the Baptist for a twilight tower tour. The event, also on Saturday 14 May at 8pm, offers a special chance to enjoy fantastic views over the city (FREE but booking required – note, there are 230 steps to climb and children must be accompanied by an adult).
“The Museums at Night weekend offers people a fantastic opportunity to see some of Norwich’s leading museums and heritage buildings in a completely new light. It promises to be a really fun weekend and we hope it will encourage people to develop their interest in local history and the heritage on offer in the city” – Lindsey Roffe, Norwich HEART.