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Head East UK Celebrating amazing arts, timeless heritage, and cultural wonders in the East of England.

26/01/2025

Surrounded by countryside with 1,000 years of history to explore, Bury St Edmunds is known as Suffolk's Foodie Capital. And at the heart of the town, alongside history, green spaces, delicious food and drink, is the Theatre Royal - the UK's only surviving Regency playhouse.

Its one of only eight Grade I theatres in the UK, and the only working theatre that is also a National Trust property! The building may be steeped in history, but on stage is a bold and vibrant programme of new writing, comedy, dance, theatre and pantomime.

Their Artistic Director Owen Calvert-Lyons has described an ideal day out in Bury. Read it here: https://bit.ly/dayinbury

Theatre Royal, Bury St. Edmunds Bury St Edmunds and Beyond Visit Suffolk

23/01/2025

The National Trust is a British institution; preserving great houses, manicuring gardens. Providing millions each year with blissful Sunday walks and delicious scones.

The East is home to these great estates. But in Norfolk and Suffolk you'll also find some different - and surprising - National Trust sites. We've got a seal colony, an Anglo-Saxon burial ground, the only working Regency playhouse in the country. Read our blog to find out more: https://bit.ly/NTBlog

And don't worry, at these sites or a cafe nearby, you're bound to find scones. 😋

IMAGE 1: Horsey Windpump against a bright blue sky, with the Head East arrows and the words 'Discover Unique Heritage overlaid.
IMAGE 2: A large scale replica of an Anglo-Saxon helmet found at a ship burial site in Sutton Hoo and suspended from a large archway.
IMAGE 3: An image of a wooden panelled room with ornate ceiling and furniture at the Elizabethan House museum in Great Yarmouth
IMAGE 4: The auditorium at Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds. The photograph is taken from the stage looking out at empty seats. The auditorium is semi-circular and there are decorative light blue and gold features on the wall encircling the balcony.

Sutton Hoo National Trust National Trust - Norfolk Coast Elizabethan House Museum Theatre Royal, Bury St. Edmunds Lavenham Guildhall - National Trust

20/01/2025

Our beautiful landscape has inspired centuries of artists, including two of Britain's best known painters.

Thomas Gainsborough was born and raised in Sudbury; the house in which he grew up is now a museum and gallery; although Gainsborough gained fame for his portraits, he claimed to love landscape painting best. Spend a day visiting Sudbury with our itinerary: https://bit.ly/gainsboroughday

The landscape which inspired the work of John Constable - including where he made his most famous painting - the Hay Wain - is now known as Constable Country. Spend a day exploring and you'll fall in love with the beautiful and evocative surroundings: https://bit.ly/constableday

IMAGE 1: Landscape in Constable Country, with the Head East arrows and the words 'Painters in the Valley' overlaid.
IMAGE 2: A side view of Gainsborough's House in Sudbury, Suffolk
IMAGE 3: A statue of Thomas Gainsborough, which is in Market Place in Sudbury
IMAGE 4: Images of people rowing on the river at Dedham Vale, in Constable Country

Gainsborough's House The Munnings Art Museum Dedham Art and Craft Centre Sudbury Arts Centre

16/01/2025

Performances in former churches, in forests, in intimate venues where audiences sit metres from the action. Theatre is not just presented here, it is created and evolved; new writing is premiered, ground-breaking ideas are developed, plays are produced.

If you're looking for a chance to see theatre up close, read our Small Scale Theatre blog: https://bit.ly/smallscaletheatre
Norwich Theatre The Garage Norwich Norwich Arts Centre Sheringham Little Theatre Eastern Angles Theatre Company DanceEast Red Rose Chain

IMAGE 1: Two performers appear in period costume during a Red Rose Chain production at Sutton Hoo. Overlaid are the Head East arrows with the words Discover Small Scale Theatre.
IMAGE 2: A woman wearing a stage costume and head pieces sits at a sewing machine during a performance of The Dresser at The Garage in Norwich
IMAGE 3: Audiences watching a performance at Eastern Angles; the theatre has a traverse stage with raked seating, and we can see the backs of heads of audience members in the foreground, and the fronts of audiences on the other side of the stage.
IMAGE 4: The exterior of Red Rose Chain Theatre in Ipswich, a wood-clad building with a peaked roof.

13/01/2025

There are lots of reasons to Head East. Rich heritage, a wealth of independent shops and restaurants, and a world-class cultural offer.

Norwich Lanes knits this also together beautifully. Nestled along cobbled streets you'll find fantastic shops, cafes and bars, with cultural experiences at every turn. Discover the history of the city at the Museum of Norwich; explore the exquisitely decorated rooms at Strangers' Hall; see contemporary art at Moosey Gallery; watch vintage classics or the latest blockbuster at Cinema City; end your day with a gig at Norwich Arts Centre.

We've recommended a day out in Norwich Lanes on our blog: https://bit.ly/norwichlanes

Norwich Lanes Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell Strangers' Hall Moosey Cinema City Norwich Norwich Arts Centre VisitNorwich Visit Norfolk

IMAGE 1: An image of people walking at the end of St Gregory's Alley in Norwich, with the Head East arrows and the words Explore Norwich Lanes.
IMAGE 2: A display inside the Museum of Norwich. The walls are white and have some old signs hanging on them, to the left of the picture is a stove with a green jug and in the right and foreground is a glass display case of toys.
IMAGE 3: People sitting at tables outside The Bicycle Shop cafe/bar on St Benedicts Street in Norwich
IMAGE 4: An external view of Norwich Arts Centre at night time. The arts centre is inside a Medieval church and the flint wall and original arch windows are visible. In front of the building is a light installation of several brightly lit bollards.

10/01/2025

In June is the 76th Aldeburgh Festival. From Friday 13 to Sunday 29 June, artists from across the globe will perform at the Festival, in an annual celebration of new and traditional classical music.

If you are looking to experience something completely new, the programme includes 20 world premieres and 3 UK premieres. And you can enjoy a wide variety of performances, with orchestras, opera, chamber music and extraordinary soloists. Featured artists are tenor Allan Clayton, composers Helen Grime and Daniel Kidane and violinist Leila Josefowicz and the phenomenal list of performers is too long to list here! The full programme is now available to see at https://www.brittenpearsarts.org/76th-aldeburgh-festival

Here you will also find details of how to support Britten Pears, and take advantage of Priority Booking - general sales opens on 1 February 2025.

Aldeburgh Festival Britten Pears Arts

04/01/2025

As we head into 2025, we've got some tips on what to look out for over the next few months...

IMAGE 1: 2025 gets off to a great start DanceEast in Ipswich with Far From the Norm's latest Hip Hop theatre production 'Until We Sleep' (24-25 January).

IMAGE 2: Multi-million bestseller Emma Healey visits UEA on 12 February to talk about her anticipated new novel 'Sweat'.

IMAGE 3: Norwich Science Festival in February (15-22 February) is not just for brainboxes. You'll find a packed programme of live events from comedy to drawing workshops.

IMAGE 4: Until 2 March, 'Forty Farms' at the Food Museum is an exhibition by farmer and British Life Photographer of the Year Amy Bateman capturing work and life on 40 farms across the UK.

IMAGE 5: At Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds from 7-22 March is their own production of new play 'A Tryal of Witches' about the witch hunts in East Anglia in the mid 1600s.

IMAGE 6: An exhibition of work by photographer John Ferguson, ranging from images documenting global events, to portraits of superstars, continues at Christchurch Mansion in Ipswich until 27 April.

IMAGE 7: Also until 27 April - at Sainsbury Centre in Norwich - is the wonderful ceramics installation 'Hot Mess' by Lindsey Mendick.

IMAGE 8: Norfolk & Norwich Festival, 9-25 May, includes contemporary circus show 'Showdown'.

DanceEast National Centre for Writing UEA Live Norwich Science Festival FoodMuseum Theatre Royal, Bury St. Edmunds Ipswich Museums Sainsbury Centre Norfolk & Norwich Festival

01/01/2025

Happy New Year!!
There are so many exciting cultural events in 2025, we can't wait to share them with you.
Here are a handful to whet your appetite. When you Head East, you don't just get outstanding cultural experiences. When you come to Norfolk and Suffolk you'll find amazing food and drink, buildings steeped in history, beautiful landscapes, world-class beaches, amazing pubs, independent shops and boutique hotels. So what are you waiting for?

IMAGE 1: Taking place in May, Norwich Jazz Festival its the newest music festival to spring up in the east. Look out for the announcement of its inaugural line up in early 2025.

IMAGE 2: Built in the 1100s, Norwich Castle is an iconic landmark on the city's horizon. Starting life as a palace, it has also been used as a jail and, for over a 100 years, a museum and gallery. Following an extraordinary renovation project, the Castle Keep will reopen in Spring 2025 with all of its original medieval features restored.

IMAGE 3: Now in its 76th Year, Aldeburgh Festival (13 – 29 June 2025) is firmly established as an annual pilgrimage for classical music lovers across the world. You'll find globally renowned orchestras, the brightest new talent, a variety of new commissions and revered classics, plus an amazing visual arts programme. At Northern Lights, the BBC Concert Orchestra and the Iceland Philharmonic Choir celebrate midnight sun, verdant landscapes, and folksong at its freshest.

IMAGE 4: The Wooden Roots Experience (8-10 August 2025) is an annual celebration of dance and drumming rooted in the West African diaspora that invites experienced percussionists and beginners to join a weekend of workshops led by world-renowned expert teachers.

IMAGE 5: The mighty Hamilton will be touring in 2025 with just 8 UK dates, including Norwich Theatre Royal (16 September - 25 October 2025). Tickets are being snapped up fast - whether you're local to Norwich and fancy a West End show on your doorstep, or want a weekend combining a smash-hit musical with a trip to the coast - don't miss out!

Norwich Arts Centre Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery Aldeburgh Festival Britten Pears Arts Wooden Roots Norwich Theatre

29/12/2024

Head East for a cultural calendar packed with Festivals of all shapes and sizes. Be dazzled by circus and inspired by writers. Be entertained by global superstars and discover brand new talent. Dance on the beach, explore somewhere new - or somewhere really old - watch and listen, take part, relax.

Whatever you are looking for, you'll find something exciting, funny, thought-provoking, joyful at Festivals in the East. Read more here: https://bit.ly/FestivalsEast

Sign up to our email list to hear about Festival programmes as they are announced, and look out for our Music Festivals round up coming in the new year: https://bit.ly/headeastemail

IMAGE 1: Mo & the Red Ribbon at Norfolk & Norwich Festival 2024. Photo Mary Doggett.
IMAGE 2: A visitor exploring Dragon Hall, Norwich as part of Heritage Open Days. Photo Luke Witcomb.
IMAGE 3: First Light Festival Sunrise, Lowestoft. Photo Adam Barnes.
IMAGE 4: Page Against the Machine at the City of Literature Weekend during NNF. Photo Joanna Millington.
IMAGE 5: Out There Festival, Great Yarmouth.
IMAGE 6: Primadonna Festival.

Norwich Science Festival Theatre Royal, Bury St. Edmunds The Apex Bury St Edmunds and Beyond Norwich Arts Centre Norfolk & Norwich Festival National Centre for Writing Sunrise Film Festival Out There Arts Felixstowe Book Festival First Light Lowestoft Primadonna Norfolk Heritage Open Days Heritage Open Days SPILL Festival + Think Tank Norwich Book Festival Norwich Film Festival The Forum, Norwich

26/12/2024

Next month is Independent Music Week, a celebration of independent venues across the UK - the people who run them, the bands they showcase, the artists they nurture and the audiences who love and support them.

In the east, we have a thriving live music scene. Artists grow and are championed here, live music is celebrated every week, during the summer our parks, estates, forests and beaches thrum with festivals of all genres. And at the heart of it, are some really special venues, that are celebrated in Independent Venue Week, and year-round.

Read our blog to find out more: https://bit.ly/IndieVenues
Independent Venue Week 2025 is 27 January – 2 February

Image 1: Wet Leg at Norwich Arts Centre
Image 2: Mama Oh No at Voodoo Daddy’s Showroom, Norwich
Image 3: A gig at The Baths, Ipswich during Independent Venue Week. Photo Rue Hackett
Image 4: Suep at The Smokehouse, Ipswich. Photo Oli Ford
Image 5: Girl Ray at St Stephens Church, Ipswich. Photo Ellie Koepke
Image 6: A packed gig at the John Peel Centre for Creative Arts, Stowmarket

Norwich Arts Centre Voodoo Daddys Showroom Brighten The Corners John Peel Centre for Creative Arts Independent Venue Week

23/12/2024

February feels like a long way off, but tickets for Norwich Science Festival are already selling fast! Looking for a last minute gift? There's still time to treat someone to an event at the festival.

But what if they're not that into science? This isn't just a festival for kids and brainiacs. There are dance drawing workshops that explore the human form, art that considers the impact of climate change, a celebration of science-fiction in film, and comedy shows about AI and medicine.

Check out some of the headline cultural events in the programme:
BODY / SPACE / PLAY Figure Drawing Workshop: A drawing class to capture the movement of live dancers (16 Feb, The Garage)

Artificial Intelligence: Join comedian and physicist Lieven Scheire for an exploration of this life-changing super hero of technology (18 Feb, Norwich Theatre Playhouse)

Sci-Fi Snobbery: Help rank the greatest Sci-Fi Movies ever made (19 Feb, Cinema City)

Climate Mural for our Times: Meet the artist and scientists behind this extraordinary piece of work (20 Feb, City Hall)

Catch Your Breath: Comedian and anaesthetist Ed Patrick injects gut-punching humour into the pitfalls of modern medicine (20 Feb, The Garage)

Darcey Bussell and Dr Peter Lovatt: An evening of conversation and movement uncovering the art and science of dance (22 Feb, Norwich Theatre Royal)

Find out more and book tickets at https://norwichsciencefestival.co.uk/

Norwich Science Festival The Forum, Norwich The Garage Norwich Norwich Theatre Cinema City Norwich

22/12/2024

The halls have been decked! Take a step back in time through traditionally adorned rooms, step into magical spaces and be enchanted by illuminations. Whether you want to squeeze in some more festive feels, get the family together during betwixtmas, or just enjoy some time outdoors, don't miss some truly wonderful experiences this season at Holkham Hall, Felbrigg Hall, Blickling and Oxburgh Estates in Norfolk, or at Ickworth Estate or Helmingham Hall in Suffolk.

Read more in our blog https://bit.ly/festivemagic
or go straight to their social channels - tagged below.

Holkham
Felbrigg Hall NT
Blickling Estate NT
Oxburgh Estate - National Trust
National Trust Ickworth Estate
Helmingham Hall Gardens

19/12/2024

If you're still making pre-Christmas plans, want something to do in betwixtmas, or are keen to spread festive cheer into 2025, there are pantomimes and festive shows taking place across Norfolk and Suffolk.

Pantomimes at venues including Norwich Theatre, New Wolsey Theatre in Ipswich, Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds all continue into January, as does the unique circus and water spectacular at Great Yarmouth Hippodrome, and Eastern Angle's heart-warming production of A Christmas Carol.

Find out more by visiting their social media channels, tagged below, and see a full round-up of performances on our blog at https://bit.ly/festiveperformances

Norwich Theatre
New Wolsey Theatre
Theatre Royal, Bury St. Edmunds
Hippodrome Circus
Eastern Angles Theatre Company

16/12/2024

Our latest email, sent last week, had links to round up blogs of Festive shows and experiences to add some sparkle to your Christmas and new year. But it also looked ahead to some great events happening in 2025.

Did you get it? If not, you can read it here: https://bit.ly/2025herewecome
Like what you read? Then join the email list here: https://bit.ly/headeastemail

Image 1: The panto at Norwich Theatre Royal is one of the highlights in our Festive Performances blog Norwich Theatre
Image 2: There are some magical experiences at halls and estates in the East, including a light trail at Blickling Estate Blickling Estate NT
Image 3: The mighty Klanghaus are creating a special new version of their acclaimed InHaus, this time in a private home in Norwich Klanghaus
Image 4: Bestselling author Emma Healey will be at UEA in February to talk about her new novel Sweat National Centre for Writing UEA Live
Image 5: Cracking is one of the many fantastic shows in Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds Spring Season Theatre Royal, Bury St. Edmunds
Image 6: Out There Festival in late May is included in our Festival round-up Out There Arts
Image 7: An audience The Baths in Ipswich, one of the gig venues included in our Independent Venues Round Up Brighten The Corners

14/12/2024

Experience magical illuminations, traditional decorations and crisp frosty walks this Christmas. From Blickling Estate awash with colour to an enchanting candle-lit tour through Holkham Hall's state rooms, there is plenty to delight. And if you are feeling the need for a breath of fresh air, Felbrigg Hall and Oxburgh Estate have beautiful woodlands and grounds to explore. You'll find shops crammed with ideas for tasteful gifts, as well as delicious items to complement your own celebrations. And plenty of opportunities to indulge in a mince pie and a hot chocolate.

Explore more in our blog: https://bit.ly/festivemagic

Images 1 & 2: The trail of lights at Blickling Estate Blickling Estate NT
Image 2: Felbrigg Hall on a bright and crisp morning Felbrigg Hall NT
Image 3: Traditional decorations at Oxburgh Estate Oxburgh Estate - National Trust
Image 4: Illuminated Gardens at Helmingham Hall Helmingham Hall
Image 5: Sumptuous decorations at Holkham Hall Holkham

11/12/2024

Be charmed at DanceEast this weekend, by an enchanting tale of love and friendship that will melt even the frostiest of hearts. Brought to life through Protein Dance's critically acclaimed mix of dance, humour, and spoken word, The Little Prince invites us to look at the world afresh and connect with our inner child.

🗓 Fri 13 - Sun 15 December
Find out more DanceEast or at https://www.danceeast.co.uk/performances/protein-dance-the-little-prince/

Luca Silvestrini's Protein

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Music highlights at Norwich Arts Centre this month include North Carolina–based songwriter Rosali (7 Nov), Ghana’s finest K.O.G (8 Nov), power folk band Calan (20 Nov), electronic producer, composer and visual artist Forest Swords with his immersive live show (23 Nov) and 7-piece jazz collective from Bristol Snazzback (28 Nov). Find out more at Norwich Arts Centre | https://norwichartscentre.co.uk/ #livemusic #livemusicnorwich #independentvenue

Just a couple of weeks until the internationally revered Stopgap Dance Company visit DanceEast in Ipswich. Their show Lived Fiction is a manifestation of their twenty-year history, inviting you to share in a future for contemporary dance that is rich with the enterprise, potential, and power of diversity. Sensual choreography is augmented with evocative audio description, exquisite projection art and captioning. The company of Deaf, Disabled, neurodivergent, and non-disabled creatives deliver masterful performances in a work that is deep with compassion for the human condition. Friday 15 November, tickets from £16 #contemporarydance #stopgapdancecompany #stopgapdance

Next month, the mighty Don Letts heads to Snape Maltings for the latest instalment of Snape Sessions. An internationally acclaimed DJ, he has played at clubs and festivals worldwide with dynamic sets that blend dub, old and new school reggae - rooted in the music he played at DJ at London’s legendary Roxy club in ’77. The night will also feature sets by IssyB and Paul Elliot. 🗓 Friday 15 November, 7pm-midnight Britten Pears Arts Don Letts #therebeldread #DonLetts #snapesessions

Immerse yourself in spine-tingling tales this hallowe’en, from classic chillers to brand new stories - if you like being spooked you’re in for a treat. @_hightidetheatre_ bring brand new Ghost Stories from leading playwights to venues across the East; experience modern horror @writerscentre; don’t have nightmares with classic creepy tales at @thegaragenorwich ; watch some chilling films on Hallowe’en at @suffolkarchives . #horrorstories #Halloween #ghoststories #modernhorror

The nights are drawing in, and Hallowe'en is nearly open us. Lean in to spooky season with HighTide. Eastern Angles Theatre Company The Cut The Seagull Theatre St. George's Theatre Great Yarmouth Theatre Royal, Bury St. Edmunds Wells Maltings National Centre for Writing #halloween #ghostories #storytellingtheatre

Last chance to see Roger Ackling: Sunlight @norwichcastle the exhibition closes this weekend.

This exhibition explores the impact and influence that photography has had on shaping – and in some cases distorting - the narrative of major global events. Featuring more than 100 works, The Camera Never Lies charts a global century of documentation and manipulation. Featuring some of the most iconic news photographs in the world, the first part of the exhibition explores how single photographs have come to represent and define events through their repeated use in print journalism. The second part examines how modern practitioners are using research to inform their imagery, and how they work with much more agency than in the previous century - having more control than the picture editors at newspapers. 🗓Until 20 October The Sainsbury Centre operates Pay What You Want ticketing. The museum also has a fascinating permanent collection, two cafes, a shop and an outdoor sculpture park. Sainsbury Centre #photojournalism #photographyexhibition #exhibition #sculpturepark

Premiering this month at Norwich Theatre Playhouse, The Highwayman is a tale of love, larceny, and 17th-century debauchery. Based on the classic poem by Alfred Noyes, Kitty Morgan's brand new musical will take audiences on a full-throttle musical gallop through the grimy underbelly of 1600s England, where love is as dangerous as a back-alley brawl. With a live band reimagining tavern tunes and folk ballads in contemporary arrangements, this is one not to be missed. After opening in Norwich, The Highwayman will also be touring to Ipswich and Bury St Edmunds. Norwich Theatre Playhouse 🗓 14 – 18 August New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich 🗓 12 – 14 September Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds 🗓 Dates: 2 – 5 Oct Norwich Theatre New Wolsey Theatre Theatre Royal, Bury St. Edmunds VisitNorwich All About Ipswich Bury St Edmunds and Beyond VisitNorfolk Visit Suffolk #newmusical #musicalpremiere

Since 2005, Quentin Blake’s drawings for hospitals and healthcare settings have become a significant part of his work. Because of their clinical function, many of the spaces are not easily accessible to visitors, so relatively few people may get the chance to see them. Now, you can see some of this work at Moyse's Hall Museum, Bury St Edmunds. Discover swimming babies, helpful dragons, treetop adventures, and poignant landscapes, all in Blake's instantly recognisable style. 🗓 Until 6 October 2024 Find out more: https://www.moyseshall.org/ Moyse's Hall Museum Bury St Edmunds and Beyond Visit Suffolk #quentinblake #illustrationexhibition #familyexhibition

Not long to go til Primadonna Festival! A festival for people who love books. And ideas. And interesting conversations. And music in the sunshine. And good food in a field. And comedy and cabaret and workshops for the mind, body and soul. #bookfestival #BookFestival2024 #summerfestival Visit Suffolk

Emma Bovary is bored. She’s bored with her boring doctor husband, bored with her boring provincial village and bored with her role as a dutiful wife in (boring) nineteenth-century France. This weekend head to the woods in Suffolk for this wonderfully irreverent adaptation of Flaubert's novel from Ha Hum Ah and The Minack Theatre. Book now at https://www.thoringtontheatre.co.uk/ Thorington Theatre The Minack Theatre Ha Hum Ah #outdoortheatre #TheatreSuffolk #madamebovary

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