Eastlife Winter 2019

Norfolk
Winter in
Norwich
Written by Melanie Cook
www.visitnorwich.co.uk
It’s autumn but winter is most definitely around the corner. And whilst the
annual festivities of Christmas celebrations seem to start earlier with every
year there’s still a host of things to do after Christmas, midst winter. 2020
is going to be an exceptional year starting with a brand-new festival over
Valentine’s weekend – Love Light Norwich.
November
We barely get Guy Fawkes out of the way and then the Christmas lights
are switched on. The infamous Tunnel of Light returns until 5 January so
get ready with your camera for some lightastical, fabulous selfies. Use your
social currency from the oft with #mytunneloflight #cityofstories when you
share!
One of Norwich’s best kept secrets has to be Country & Eastern on Bethel
Street. This smorgasbord of Eastern delights, artwork, rugs, clothing and
furniture is a sight to see. Part shop, part exhibition space – it’s all housed in a
vast Victorian skating rink. Until 30 November see The Blumenthal Collection
- embroidered textiles.
We might have a moan about our weather but it’s lovely to experience all
four seasons. Join Pensthorpe’s Head Gardener, Jonathan, for an afternoon
walk on Friday 22 November around four of the Park’s contrasting gardens,
with particular focus on winter displays. Tickets £13.95 and includes lunch.
Booking is essential.
Don’t miss your last chance to see Magdalene Odundo at the Sainsbury
Centre for Visual Arts (closes 15 December). This major exhibition brings
together over 50 of Odundo’s works culminating in the third gallery with a
spectacular installation made up of 1001 pieces of hand blown glass.
Shopping
TV ads, Instagram posts and social chatter will be awash with the best
‘money can buy’ treats, fashion and gifts that come with the festive season.
Start your shopping early to be ahead of the game but also to give yourself
time to buy a bit and relax a bit too.
Brimming with over 300 independent businesses we have The Norwich
Lanes where you can easily spend a day browsing and drinking coffee in
scandi-inspired eateries. Particular mention has to go to Upper St Giles. This
small but perfectly formed ‘high street’ is a miniature copy of a street you
would find in Notting Hill or Maida Vale.
The Cathedral Quarter is another early shopping trip to pop into the
calendar. In this area explore vintage and collectable establishments – take a
peak around Elm Hill, Tombland, Wensum Street and Magdalen Street.
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