Looking for things to do this summer? You’ve come to the right place!
From fascinating live literature events to free sessions for children and families, to guided tours of our medieval Literature House, there’s plenty to keep you busy at the National Centre for Writing and our Literature House, Dragon Hall.
Why not take a look at some of the other wonderful events taking place in Norwich City of Literature—including the Shakespeare Festival at Norwich Cathedral, theatre adaptations, and book launches across the city!
Dragon Hall Summertime
Explore, create and discover this summer!
Step inside one of Norwich’s most iconic medieval landmarks and let your imagination run wild. As the home of Norwich UNESCO City of Literature, we invite you to pick up a trail map, marvel at the historic Great Hall, or relax in our enclosed garden. There’s inspiration around every corner.
Our weekly visitor drop-in hours run Sunday and Monday, 10am–3pm. Drop in and say hello!
Drop-in activities
Drop-in & Write (ages 60+)
Enjoy a quiet, supportive environment where you can focus on your writing alongside like-minded individuals.
Writers’ Room
The Writers’ Room at Dragon Hall contains free, bookable desk space on Thursdays and Fridays each week, providing a retreat in the city for use by writers, artists and creatives.
Dragon Hall Socials
Are you a writer, reader, translator or creative looking to meet new people in the city? Want to have a nose around the historic Dragon Hall? Keen to find a partner for a new project? Join us for informal evenings of conversation, ideas exchange and support!
Family Imagination Days
Looking for a creative activity or new space to explore this summer?
Drop into Dragon Hall and discover 600 years of fascinating stories! Learn about the building and its different uses over time, and take part in storytelling, craft activities and games for all ages.
Our Family Imagination Days run every Monday and Tuesday, 10am–3pm, during the summer holidays.
One of Us: Elizabeth Day
Tuesday 16 June, 6.30pm, Norwich Playhouse, £15
We are delighted to welcome Elizabeth Day, Sunday Times bestselling author and one of today’s most influential podcasters, to Norwich Playhouse to discuss her suspenseful and compulsive new novel, One of Us.
A thrilling story of betrayal, old bonds, and buried scandals, the novel follows a British establishment family coming face to face with the consequences of privilege and the true cost of power.
NCW on tour
We’re excited to be part of events both in Norwich and further afield this summer.
Festivals and celebrations in Norwich City of Literature
Mark your calendars! Here are some of the highlights of Norwich summer…
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8—24 May 2026
For 17 days each May, the Norfolk & Norwich Festival transforms our public spaces, bringing people together to experience music, theatre, literature, visual arts, circus, dance and free outdoor events.
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10—12 July 2026
A free summer event, running from Fri 10 – Sun 12 July 2026. This year’s Lord Mayor’s Procession embraces the theme “Wild About Norwich”.
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14—24 July 2026
This year’s theme, ‘Why History Matters’, explores how history is behind contemporary events and how Norwich has developed through the ages.
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25 July 2026
A joyful celebration of our inclusive city, with activities, performances, and the Pride March!
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July 2026, dates tbc
A one-day event in the historic Norwich Lanes with live music, street food, pop-up markets, and performances.
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3 & 4 July 2026
One of Shakespeare’s most powerful and poignant plays, Othello, will be played out in the stunning surrounds of Norwich Cathedral’s Cloister this summer.