For 30 years Norwich Puppet Theatre has been entertaining audiences with its storytelling, and now people are being invited to get involved in the venue's special week of birthday celebrations.

The theatre's official birthday is on Wednesday, December 1, and throughout next week there will be a range of anniversary events for people to enjoy.

One of the highlights is the Celebrity Puppet Auction on Tuesday at The Forum, where about 60 glove puppets designed by a range of famous faces will go under the hammer

Illustrator Quentin Blake, actor Simon Callow and footballer Darren Huckerby are just some of the people who have designed a puppet to help raise funds for NPT.

Sal Goldsmith, one of the theatre's trustees, said: 'It is an amazing artist and celebrity line-up of puppets and it really shows the wealth of support there is for the theatre.

'The auction is going to be a really fun evening and all the puppets are very special, unique and original works of art. They would be great to frame and put on your wall, and they would make brilliant and unusual Christmas gifts too.'

From Monday until the following Saturday there will be a special free exhibition charting the history of Norwich Puppet Theatre at Fusion, the digital screen gallery in the Forum.

People will be able to see photos and film footage of productions through the ages, as well as footage of the theatre's most recent show, The Chalk Giants.

On Saturday, December 4 Norwich Puppet Theatre will host a free open day at the Whitefriars venue.

There will be performances of Thumbelina and Little Red Robin Hood, puppet-making workshops, films and displays.

On the evening of Saturday, December 4 there will be a special 30th Birthday Cabaret featuring the founders of the Puppet Theatre, Ray and Joan DaSilva, and a whole host of other puppeteers with connections to the theatre.

Mrs Goldsmith said: 'There is something for everyone to enjoy during Norwich Puppet Theatre's week of anniversary celebrations, so come along and join in the fun!'

The Celebrity Puppet Auction at The Forum on Tuesday starts at 6.30pm for a 7pm start. Tickets cost �10,

The catalogue of puppets is now available from the theatre, priced at �5. People who cannot attend the event can send written bids to the theatre. Email bids should be sent to info@puppettheatre.co.uk by midday on Tuesday.

For more details go to http://www.puppettheatre.co.uk/whats-on/alternative/auction-of-celebrity-puppets or visit the Norwich Puppet Theatre's page on Facebook.

The 30th Birthday Cabaret starts at 8pm on Saturday, December 4 at Norwich Puppet Theatre. Tickets cost �10. To buy tickets for the auction or cabaret call 01603 629921, email info@puppettheatre.co.uk, or visit www.puppet theatre.co.uk

Norwich Puppet Theatre's open day on Saturday, December 4 is from 10am until 5pm.

Is your organisation celebrating a special anniversary? Call reporter Emma Knights on 01603 772428 or email emma.knights@archant.co.uk