It's been a busy couple of weeks in Norwich, with plenty to catch up on if you've been out and about exploring the city or just caught snippets on social media. From new developments and local initiatives to upcoming events and celebrations, we're here to bring you all the latest news and updates from around our great city - so grab a cuppa, sit back and let's dive in!
In the Norfolk news
October has been a month of contrasts in Norfolk, with some welcome news amidst concerns about public safety and community well-being. In Norwich, the proposed cuts to bus services linking the city to Halesworth have sparked anger among local councillors, who are urging action to protect this vital route. Meanwhile, work is finally set to begin on transforming the former Debenhams building into a vibrant new soft play centre, bringing new life and excitement to the city. However, some worrying trends have also emerged in our community. The use of illegal drugs inside HMP Norwich has increased, with watchdogs highlighting poor perimeter security as a major contributor to this problem. Additionally, a recent incident at Thorpe St Andrew School highlighted the need for greater vigilance and support for young people's safety. In more positive news, local residents are rallying around worthy causes in our community. A charity jumble sale is taking place to support children's hospice care, while food donations gathered at Norwich Cathedral's harvest festival service will help those facing financial hardship this winter. And in a heartwarming story of entrepreneurial spirit, Simon Belden and his family are opening a new trading card store in the city, bringing their passion for collectibles to a wider audience. As we navigate these complex issues, it's heartening to see our community coming together to support one another and drive positive change.
- Controversial bus service cuts are condenmed by angy councillors — Eastern Daily Press
- Soft play business boss reveals when work will start on former Debenhams building — Eastern Daily Press
- Drug use soaring at HMP Norwich as watchdog continues to flag security failings — Eastern Daily Press
- Dad-of-two turns his long-term hobby into a business — Eastern Daily Press
- Norwich charity jumble sale to support children’s hospice care — Norwich Evening News
- Green leader makes statement on Zionism furore (but doesn't speak for all colleagues) — Eastern Daily Press
- Terry Bakes posts first video baking following his arrest on suspicion of fraud — Eastern Daily Press
- 'Sir, I've been stabbed:' Schoolgirl tells court of moment she was attacked by boy — Eastern Daily Press
- Armed police swoop on city centre after boy seen with axe — Eastern Daily Press
- Vital food donations gathered at harvest festival service at Norwich Cathedral — Eastern Daily Press
- Mystery remains over who moved tents from middle of major roundabout — Norwich Evening News
- City Hall refusing to say who move tents from middle of major roundabout — Eastern Daily Press
What's on: upcoming events
As we look back on the past fortnight in Norwich, it's clear that our city has been buzzing with a diverse range of events and activities. One notable highlight was the Norfolk Narratives: Norwich's Echoes of Legacy and Light event at The Theatre Royal, which explored the rich history and cultural heritage of our city. This was just one of several performances taking place around town, including the Norwich Audio Tour: At Work at Norwich Castle, which delved into the stories behind some of our most iconic landmarks. The music scene in Norwich has also been thriving, with a number of exciting gigs taking place across various venues. Swiftogeddon - 20 years of Taylor special at Epic Studios was a standout event, celebrating two decades of the singer-songwriter's work. Meanwhile, fans of rock music will have been thrilled by Don Broco's performance at The Nick Rayns LCR, UEA, while those looking for something a bit more laid-back might have enjoyed The baddest dancehall dj Larni performing live in Norwich at Mojos Nightclub. In addition to the usual array of concerts and performances, our city has also been hosting some fascinating talks and exhibitions. Scott Bennett's show at Epic Studios, Blood Sugar baby, was a thought-provoking exploration of identity and culture, while The Hu - Warrior Chant Tour at The Nick Rayns LCR, UEA brought a unique blend of traditional Mongolian music and modern rock influences to the city. As we move into the next week, there's still plenty to look forward to, including the NWT Thorpe Marshes guided walk, which promises to be a great way to get outside and explore our beautiful natural surroundings.
- Norfolk Narratives: Norwich's Echoes of Legacy and Light — Fri 9 Oct, Theatre Royal, Norwich
- Norwich Audio Tour: At Work — Fri 9 Oct, Norwich Castle
- Madra Salach — Fri 9 Oct, Norwich Arts Centre
- Swiftogeddon - 20 years of Taylor special — Fri 9 Oct, Epic Studios
- Don Broco — Sat 10 Oct, The Nick Rayns LCR, UEA
- The baddest dancehall dj Larni performing live in Norwich — Sat 10 Oct, Mojos Nightclub
- Scott Bennett - Blood Sugar baby — Sun 11 Oct, Epic Studios
- The Hu - Warrior Chant Tour — Sun 11 Oct, The Nick Rayns LCR, UEA
- Crash Test Dummies — Mon 12 Oct, Epic Studios
- NWT Thorpe Marshes guided walk (14 October) — Wed 14 Oct, Thorpe St Andrew
- Jacob Hawley - Fighting Age Man — Wed 14 Oct, Norwich Arts Centre
- Community Sports Foundation Charity Fundraiser — Thu 15 Oct, Bond No. 28 Tombland
As we bring this edition to a close, I'm grateful for all the readers who have been following along and sharing their thoughts on the stories that matter most to our community. If you're interested in staying up-to-date with more news from Norwich and beyond, be sure to explore our archives for past editions and subscribe to our blog for regular updates.