Get ready, Norwich – the city’s biggest free summer celebration is back! Lord Mayor’s Weekend is set to light up the streets from Friday 11 to Sunday 13 July, bringing three days of live music, family entertainment, and unforgettable community spirit to every corner of the city.
The fun starts on Friday evening with Norwich Summer Sessions, the first event to take place on the newly upgraded Hay Hill, which will also play host to exclusive showcases from Access Creative College and The Adrian Flux Waterfront across the weekend.
Saturday will see Chapelfield Gardens transformed into a vibrant wonderland of face painting, balloon magic, crafts, roaring dinosaur shows, and even a real-life mermaid tank! Add in classic fairground rides and a day-long programme of live music and performance, and you’ve got a perfect day out for the whole family. And all activities are absolutely free, having been subsidised by Norwich City Council as part of the event.
The Lord Mayor’s Procession will move through the city from 3pm, with community groups, schools, dancers, and musicians parading through the streets under this year’s theme: “Summer in the City.” Following the success of last year’s new and improved route, the procession will begin Norwich Cathedral and end at Chapelfield Gardens. Want to join in the fun? Procession entries are still open – get involved and be part of the spectacle!
Keep the party going at the official afterparty at The Adrian Flux Waterfront, with a high-energy DJ set from Dave Rowntree of Blur. It’s the ultimate way to cap off the day — tickets are on sale now!
As always, the event will be supporting the civic charity, which this year is Norfolk and Waveney Mind, who support people with a range of mental health needs and provide a variety of services and training.
Councillor Claire Kidman, Norwich City Council’s cabinet member for culture, said: “The Lord Mayor’s Weekend is everything Norwich is about — creativity, community, and connection.”
“It will be great to see our new-look Hay Hill getting the party started and filled with live, locally curated music all weekend, and of course the return of the Procession is always exciting – it’s a colourful, joyful celebration of local talent and togetherness.
We are particularly pleased to offer free family activities in Chapelfield Gardens, ensuring that everyone in Norwich can enjoy a fantastic day out this summer”
The celebrations wrap up in style on Sunday with more live local music on Hay Hill, the Norwich Lanes Summer and the Great Norwich Duck Race.
For the full schedule, procession entry details, and latest updates, follow Norwich City Council on social media or head to www.norwich.gov.uk/LMW
