Katie Brinkley takes a look at what's on offer at Norwich's museums and heritage sites during Easter 2008.
From an audience with a king or queen, or a meeting with the Romans, to your local Easter fair, there are exciting activities for all ages in museums, galleries and heritage sites in Norwich and Norfolk this Easter.
Norwich is one of the top heritage cities in Europe and a visit to the city centre puts you within walking distance of Norwich Castle Museum, two cathedrals and numerous heritage sites, churches and art galleries. This Easter the city is overflowing with heritage and arts events, so whatever your age or interests there is lots to see and do.
Be the first to visit the newly re-opened Bridewell Museum. The re-opening, on March 25, of this fascinating museum charting the history of the city will be marked with a drop-in Easter Bonanza. Also at the Bridewell, discover how Norwich found fame and fortune, view the wide range of historical objects and explore the Norwich FC exhibition.
Ever fancied being a film-maker? Visit the Norwich Arts Centre for Vroom Vroom Video on March 26; ages 5-8 can film a DVD with special effects, whilst on Thursday March 27 ages 8 – 13 can make digital adventure pictures.
The award winning Norwich Puppet Theatre is the only puppet theatre outside of London. The theatre currently only has Arts Council funding for one more year, so support it this holiday if you can.
The theatre will be offering a range workshops over the Easter break between 10:30am – 12 for ages 5+. Design a character who can wave and wield a fan or a sword on March 25, make animal string puppets on March 28, walking hand puppets on March 31 or dragon puppets on April 3. Cost £7 per child, all materials are provided.
Sundays at the Forum Millennium Library are family days and free Sunday Craft sessions will be Easter themed during the holidays. For the adults a visit to the Forum Atrium (March 29) will be rewarded with the Devine Art Society’s exhibition, which features local artists combining contemporary watercolours, mixed media abstracts and impressionist panels.
Art fans should also check out Norwich Playhouse where Darren Joys’ photography exhibition is on until the end of March. In April work by Norwich School of Art and Designs’ MA drawing group will be displayed.
Fancy travelling back in time? Enticing Egyptians, Majestic Monarchs and Rampaging Romans are all at Norwich Castle this Easter. Children can even have an audience with the King and Queen of England on March 23, 30, 31 and April 6.
Other activities at the castle run for two weeks from Wednesday March 26. Witness the Kett’s Rebellion on Wednesdays, meet the Romans on Thursdays and get hands on with genuine Egyptian artefacts on Fridays.
Meanwhile, for something more sedate and refined, adults can take the opportunity to visit the Castles’ Pre-Raphaelite Exhibition, including fine works by Dante Gabriel Rossetti and Holman Hunt.
The Cathedral of the Holy and Undivided Trinity – more commonly known as Norwich Cathedral is also hosting an exhibition until March 30. Displayed in the Ambulatory, Momentary Matters is a series of paintings ‘intended to provoke reflection on our human experience, bound by time.’
If you want to enjoy the spring weather (fingers crossed!) and get out and about this Easter why not join in with some fun activities in a gorgeous setting, by visiting nearby Blickling Hall Garden and Park?
Blickling Hall Craft fair is on March 21 from 11am – 5pm and from the 22nd – 24th of March 10am – 5pm. Children who are aspiring writers are invited to the hall on April 2 and 3 (10.30-12.30 and 2-4 both days) to join Neil Jones, author of The Young Explorers and The Curse of Blickling Hall to create their own adventures. Booking is essential: call 08448 004308.
Would be treasure hunters are invited to join in the National Trust Easter Egg Trail at Felbrigg Hall for just £1.50. Search for clues, solve the puzzle and receive a chocolate gift. Treasure hunters can also take part in the Easter Egg Trail at the Hall on March 21 - 24, between 11am and 4pm.
Finally a trip into the countryside on Easter Monday will be rewarded by all the fun of the fair at Gressenhall Farm’s Easter Fair on Monday March 24 (10am-5pm). This traditional country fair boasts fairground rides, music, games, cooking demonstrations, stalls, crafts and to top it off, an Easter Parade.
Katie Brinkley is the 24 Hour Museum/Norwich HEART Student Writer in Norwich. Norwich Heritage Economic and Regeneration Trust (HEART) is the groundbreaking initiative to regenerate, manage and promote one of the most remarkable heritage resources in the UK and in Europe.
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