Join me in a round of applause and three cheers… for the Norfolk & Norwich Festival which is currently celebrating its 250th anniversary by putting on a whole range of events to entertain us.
It is quite amazing to think how it has survived for so many years and what changes it has seen. Good times and bad times.
It is now regarded as the oldest single-city arts festival… and one which reaches out to people of all ages, walks of life and interests.
The festival started way back in 1772 as a cathedral service fund-raiser for the new Norfolk and Norwich Hospital.
Come 1788 the Grand Musical Festival had been launched at St Andrew’s Hall and St Peter Mancroft Church and then, in 1824, became the Norfolk and Norwich Triennial Festival.
While the music has faded over the years the memories are kept alive by the programmes and souvenirs which contain some fascinating advertisements and today we turn the clock back to 1905 and take a look at what was on offer in the city.
Don’t forget Rob Mitchell has written a wonderful book Festival for a Fine City which is in the shops now and is highly recommended.
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