The 2023 festival ran from 8-17 September with 310 events in the programme and Norwich had the largest programme of any city in the country. This year’s theme was Creativity Unwrapped, celebrating creativity in all its forms and showcasing the amazing artistic imagination in Norfolk.
"We feel very lucky to have such wonderful history on our doorstep and it's a great way to discover it."
In 2023 we supported The Norwich Society to celebrate their centenary with a special exhibition: 'Norwich 100: Caring for the past and future'. The photography exhibition was on show at our home, The Forum, throughout the festival, and displayed 100 images of our City of Stories: from the familiar to the unexpected. Each photo represented a year of the society and a building or a place that The Norwich Society has helped to protect.
There was a 'People's Choice' slideshow, featuring the places that we love and value the most. Visitors to The Forum had the chance to nominate their own favourite place in the city.
"The photos and info on display in the forum by the Norwich Society was really good, I had never really understood what they did and now appreciate just how much of our history they preserved over the years. It's thanks to them in part that we get to retain our beautiful structures."
Alongside the exhibition, there were talks and walking tours on how The Norwich Society was established, and the work they've done to safeguard the city, from Bishop Bridge to Anglia Square.
Also celebrating their centenary in 2023 was Mile Cross housing estate! Built in the 1920s, Mile Cross marked 100 years after the first residents began to move in to their spacious, new homes. All sorts of events took place to mark the occasion during Norfolk Heritage Open Days 2023, from guided tours with The Mile Cross Man, to open days to a Lantern Procession with local community theatre group, The Common Lot!
Sharing stories, celebrating communities and bringing people together is at the heart of the festival. We'd like to thank all the organisers, volunteers and visitors for taking part and are now looking forward to HODs 2024!
Each year we evaluate the impact the festival has had on the region, review organiser and visitor feedback, digital stats and more.