Free family event to celebrate Norwich’s history

Families are being invited to step back in time as those who helped give Norwich City Football Club its nickname and mascot are celebrated.

The welcome of 'Strangers' in the 16th and 17th century brought a substantial number of Dutch and Flemish protestants to Norwich who bolstered trade with mainland Europe, introduced advanced techniques in textile working and also their pet canaries, who were to become the city's mascot and emblem of Norwich City FC.

This history will be celebrated at Norwich Cathedral's Ghent Festival on November 24 and 25 – a free family event.

Families are invited to celebrate with two activity-filled days which will give adults and children the opportunity to join in hands-on workshops featuring skills brought to the city by 'Strangers' in the 11th and 17th centuries.

Activities on offer will include wool weaving, boat making and stained glass window making.

Jon Holland, marketing manager at Norwich Cathedral, said: 'We're very excited to be holding this new festival – it promises to be a wonderful weekend for families.

'It's a free event for the whole community and visitors will be able to learn about some very interesting and significant parts of Norfolk's history, things that have shaped the county we see today.'

Opening times for the festival will be 10am to 4.30pm on Saturday, November 24, and 12pm to 3pm on Sunday, November 25.