In 2026, schools, workplaces, libraries, cultural organisations, and individuals across the country will celebrate the Year of Reading. While, statistics show that fewer of us are reading for pleasure than ever before, reading has never mattered more. It expands minds, builds confidence, and fuels creativity throughout our lives.
Led by the National Literary Trust on behalf of the Department for Education, and supported by more than 60 partners across the UK, the Year of Reading aims to reconnect reading with the things that already inspire us, from playlists and football matches to films, food and family time. It’s reading that fits how we live, not the other way around.
Across our city and wider region of big skies and bold stories, we want everyone to rediscover the joy of reading, in whatever form that takes, and to take pride in our amazing community of creative thinkers, storytellers, booksellers, and publishers.
Born & Read in Norfolk and Suffolk
National Centre for Writing is partnering with Newsquest — publisher of the Eastern Daily Press, Norwich Evening News, Ipswich Star and many other newspapers across Norfolk and Suffolk — to launch Born & Read, a campaign to ignite a renewed passion for reading and writing across the East of England.
Stay tuned for editorial features, community events, competitions and school initiatives, all aimed at making reading more accessible!
Get creative! Writing opportunities
Reading & storytelling across Norwich
Twenty Stories. One City. The City of Stories.
To mark twenty years of championing the city, VisitNorwich presents an ambitious year-long cultural celebration. Told by twenty invited guest authors from across the city’s community, they present twenty people from history who have helped shaped Norwich over 1000 years.
Norwich City of Stories Summer Trail
Taking place from 18 July to 31 August, VisitNorwich are celebrating this National Year of Reading and Norwich’s rich literary legacy. Look out for storybooks in shop windows and crack the code to be in with a chance of winning exclusive prizes as you take part in the Norwich City of Stories Summer Trail!
Summer Reading Challenge 2026
The Summer Reading Challenge is a free activity for children aged 4-11 delivered by The Reading Agency in partnership with public libraries and powered by Universal Music UK. This year’s theme is Read to the Beat, giving everyone the opportunity to discover diverse musical genres and cultural influences through specially curated reading lists and engaging activities.
Explore Norwich with Wandering Words
Discover Norwich of the past, present, and future through commissioned poems from seven brilliant writers. Experience the city with fresh eyes, encountering the people and locations that inspired each writers’ work.
