Norfolk


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/04/dan-randall-producer-norfolk-norwich-festival.png" alt="Dan Randall of Norfolk &amp; Norwich Festival" class="wp-image-50549" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/04/dan-randall-producer-norfolk-norwich-festival.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/04/dan-randall-producer-norfolk-norwich-festival-800x533.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/04/dan-randall-producer-norfolk-norwich-festival-768x511.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Self-confessed art nerd, Dan has his finger on the pulse of the local culture scene. A producer for the <a href="https://nnfestival.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Norfolk &amp; Norwich Festival</a>’s new Connect &amp; Create team, bringing creative opportunities to children and young people, he has also worked for several arts venues in the city including Norwich Puppet Theatre and East Gallery at Norwich University of the Arts.&nbsp;</p>



<p>We couldn’t wait to hear his perspective on the county’s top hangouts and, of course, his top pick for this year&#8217;s festival, which runs from <strong>Fri 10 &#8211; Sun 26 May</strong>, delivering a world-class programme of international art and homegrown talent to venues and open spaces across the region.</p>



<p>Psst! <a href="https://norfolk.muddystilettos.co.uk/reader-treats/win-two-spiegeltent-circus-corazon-tickets-for-norfolk-and-norwich-festival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Enter here</a> for a chance to win a<em> </em>night of circus in the Adnams Spiegeltent, plus pizza and drinks.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-are-you-personally-most-excited-to-see-at-norfolk-amp-norwich-festival-this-year">What are you personally most excited to see at Norfolk &amp; Norwich Festival this year?</h2>



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<iframe loading="lazy" title="An excerpt of &#039;Horror Vacui&#039; by Radiohead&#039;s Jonny Greenwood (Proms 2019)" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ru1k_zNhJDI?start=3&#038;feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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<p>I’m really excited for <em><a href="https://nnfestival.org.uk/whats-on/268-years-of-reverb/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">268 Year of Reverb</a></em>, which is composed by Johnny Greenwood of Radiohead fame. Not only is it a world premiere at the festival, it is also one of the more unique music offerings this year as it is an 8 hour-long performance. You can get yourself a 90 minute timeslot ticket, or if you’re feeling really adventurous, get yourself a ticket for the full 8 hours and come and go as you please!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-does-your-ideal-morning-look-like">What does your ideal morning look like?</h2>



<p>My ideal morning starts with a good lazy lie-in. Once I’ve got the courage to get out of bed, a stroll into the city through the cathedral grounds and a stop off at <a href="https://cathedral.org.uk/the-refectory-bakery-and-cafe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Refectory</a> for a Bread Source coffee sounds great. I’m attempting a no-new clothes year so a good snoop around the charity and vintage shops is a must.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-is-your-favourite-place-to-unwind-in-the-city">Where is your favourite place to unwind in the city?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/12/mousehold-heath.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-46640" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/12/mousehold-heath.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/12/mousehold-heath-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/12/mousehold-heath-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/12/mousehold-heath-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>I’m a big nature fan so I like to unwind by walking through our local green spaces. We’re lucky as a city to have so many nearby; <a href="https://www.norwich.gov.uk/info/20006/sports_parks_and_leisure/1534/about_mousehold_heath" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mousehold Heath</a> (above) and the new Norfolk Wildlife Trust site <a href="https://www.norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk/discover-and-learn/our-projects/sweet-briar-marshes" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sweet Briar Marshes</a> are great for a wander near the city, or if you want to go a bit further afield you’ve got the whole Broadland within driving distance.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-do-you-have-a-favourite-local-business-in-norwich">Do you have a favourite local business in Norwich?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/04/elm-shop-norwich.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-50448" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/04/elm-shop-norwich.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/04/elm-shop-norwich-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/04/elm-shop-norwich-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>My go to has to be <a href="https://www.elmshop.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elm</a>. Not only is it a local business that has grown massively in recent years, but it also continues to support local artists by selling their work in their shop. It’s a great place to upgrade your living space, pick up a gift, or find a new hobby. I think about half the plants in my house must have come from Elm by now!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-is-your-favourite-place-to-go-to-for-food">Where is your favourite place to go to for food?</h2>



<p>Definitely <a href="https://www.yardnorwich.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yard</a> in Pottergate. Fresh and affordable pasta is hard to beat and it’s a great place for a relaxed dining atmosphere. Although they don’t take bookings they’re always accommodating &#8211; you can enjoy a drink elsewhere in the city or their basement bar and they’ll give you a call when a table is ready. My recommendation has to be the bucatini cacio e pepe and a side of their green olives.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-does-your-perfect-day-out-in-norfolk-look-like">What does your perfect day out in Norfolk look like?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2021/05/Sheringham-huts.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-28747" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2021/05/Sheringham-huts.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2021/05/Sheringham-huts-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2021/05/Sheringham-huts-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2021/05/Sheringham-huts-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2021/05/Sheringham-huts-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>I grew up in Kent along the coast, so a trip to the beach is definitely part of my perfect day in Norfolk. A drive or train ride up to Cromer for some fish and chips, and a walk along the beach over to Sheringham (above) is a great way to relax and soak up some sun (on a good day!). Finishing the day off with some wine and river views at the <a href="https://redlionbishopgate.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Red Lion Bishopsgate</a> back in Norwich sounds perfect to me.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-is-your-go-to-place-for-art-in-norfolk-norwich">Where is your go to place for art in Norfolk/Norwich?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/04/moosey-norwich-art-gallery.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-50449" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/04/moosey-norwich-art-gallery.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/04/moosey-norwich-art-gallery-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/04/moosey-norwich-art-gallery-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>I’m a big art nerd who studied Fine Art at <a href="https://norwichuni.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Norwich University of the Arts</a> so I feel like I’ve got some good recommendations on this in Norwich. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/joseynorwich/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Josey</a> gallery is tucked away on Willow Lane and is a great spot to see some lesser known international artists. For a more DIY art experience, <a href="https://www.norwichoutpost.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">OUTPOST</a> off Wensum Street features some great exhibitions and is the oldest artist-led space in East Anglia. If collecting art is more your thing, <a href="https://mooseyart.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Moosey</a> in Labour in Vain Yard has a great collection of prints that fit anyone’s style.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-the-best-local-night-spot">What is the best local night spot?</h2>



<p>I might be a bit biased as I’m getting married next door to it, but I love <a href="https://www.merchantshousenorwich.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Merchant’s House</a> for a relaxed evening out with some great drinks. They’ve got a bit of everything from local ales to popular cocktails, and their enclosed courtyard is perfect for a summer evening. They often have music nights if you fancy a bit of live entertainment too!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-can-you-share-your-favourite-norfolk-hidden-gem">Can you share your favourite Norfolk hidden gem?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/04/st-benets-abbey-norfolk-1.jpg" alt="St Benet's Abbey, Norfolk" class="wp-image-50551" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/04/st-benets-abbey-norfolk-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/04/st-benets-abbey-norfolk-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/04/st-benets-abbey-norfolk-1-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>My hidden gem has to be <a href="https://www.norfarchtrust.org.uk/project/st-benets-abbey/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">St Benet’s Abbey</a> along the River Bure on the Broads. You can get there by car or my preferred option, boating up from Wroxham. It’s a beautiful site where you can learn a little history, enjoy the expansive views of the Norfolk countryside and meet a friendly cow or two.&nbsp;</p>



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<p><strong><a href="https://nnfestival.org.uk/">Norfolk &amp; Norwich Festival</a>&nbsp;takes place in and around Norwich from&nbsp;Fri 10 – Sun 26 May. Check out the programme and book those hot, hot tickets&nbsp;<a href="https://nnfestival.org.uk/">here</a>.</strong></p>



<p><strong>Don’t miss this opportunity to win a night of circus in the Adnams Spiegeltent Norfolk &amp; Norwich Festival for two, plus pizza and drinks.&nbsp;<a href="https://norfolk.muddystilettos.co.uk/reader-treats/win-two-spiegeltent-circus-corazon-tickets-for-norfolk-and-norwich-festival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Enter here</a>.</strong></p>


My favourite places: Dan Randall of Norfolk & Norwich Festival

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