I Love Norwich

In Which Norwich Gets Its Christmas On

26/10/16

When it comes to Christmas, I used to be a bit of a wanker. Until recently, as far as I was concerned there should be absolutely no hint of it in public until 23rd December at the very earliest (this may or may not have something to do with having my birthday on the 22nd and a lifetime of ‘joint’ presents, which are actually just an excuse for people to only buy me one thing, you tightwad gits, I remember who you are). I’ve relaxed my stance slightly in recent years, however, and am prepared to concede ground, even as far back as November. To be precise about it, I am graciously permitting Christmastime in Norwich to begin on 17th November, with the annual switching on of the Christmas lights.

It sounds fabulous. Yes, there are the traditional Christmas trees and decorations and whatnot, but there’s also going to be a 45m tunnel of light stretching from Gentleman’s Walk, round Hay Hill and up to The Forum, using LEDs to give the effect of the Northern Lights every blimming night until January 5th. As if that weren’t enough, there are also going to be nightly sound and light projections on the Castle and City Hall so that drunken revellers can gaze on in awe, and wonder if someone spiked their drink because there’s colours and music and it’s so beautiful, and hold my hair, I think I’m going to be sick.

Hopefully not creating vomit slicks on pavements, there’s also going to be a ‘traditional Norwegian market’ selling food and drinks from wooden chalets from 19th to 24th November, before we take back control from our European brethren with local crafty creative types pitching up with various gifty/foody/cool things on offer between 26th and 29th. I’ll be honest, it takes a lot for me to get enthused about Christmas, especially before I’ve even had my first eggnog but Norwich, you’re starting to get me on side with this. Mostly because I’m planning to stand by the market and flourishingly declaim ‘Let there be light’. Like a wanker.

Find out where and when the lights switch on here