Rock N Roll Circus Norwich: All you need to know
LESS THAN ONE WEEK TO GO: Set times, site map, opening hours and a series of firsts revealed as Rock N Roll Circus Norwich prepares for a total sell-out The Streets is already sold out as final tickets remain for James, The Kooks and Madness at Earlham Park
Norwich is just one week away from the return of Rock N Roll Circus, with organisers revealing the final information festivalgoers need ahead of four huge days of live music at Earlham Park.
Rock N Roll Circus Norwich takes place from Thursday 20 to Sunday 23 August, bringing together major names in British music, emerging artists, circus performance, street food and entertainment.
And with just days to go, Norwich looks set to welcome a capacity crowd.
The Streets' Friday night show is completely sold out, while The Kooks' Saturday date is about to. Madness on Sunday is close to following suit, with only limited tickets remaining, while final tickets are also available for Thursday's opening night with James.
The festival's return follows its debut Norwich edition in 2025 and once again sees the familiar festival experience given a Rock N Roll Circus twist, with live music sitting alongside circus performers and entertainment across the Earlham Park site.
Here's everything you need to know before heading to Rock N Roll Circus Norwich."
Who is playing?
The festival opens on Thursday 20 August, with Manchester favourites James leading the first night at Earlham Park.
The Streets take over on Friday 21 August for what has already become one of the most in-demand nights of the weekend, with tickets completely sold out.
Saturday 22 August belongs to The Kooks, with the band performing their landmark debut album Inside In/Inside Out, alongside The Vaccines, playing What Did You Expect from The Vaccines?, and The Fratellis, performing Costello Music. Saturday is now nearing a sell out.
The festival then closes on Sunday 23 August with Madness, joined by Ocean Colour Scene, The Wailers, The Selecter and David Rodigan.
Sunday is now approaching a sell-out.
Organisers are advising festivalgoers to arrive early to make the most of the full programme of music and entertainment across the site.
What time do the gates open?
Opening times vary across the four days.
Thursday 20 August: Gates open at 4pm
Friday 21 August: Gates open at 4pm
Saturday 22 August: Gates open at 1pm
Sunday 23 August: Gates open at 1pm
The curfew is 11pm every night.
Last entry to the festival is at 9pm, and there is no re-entry once festivalgoers leave the site.
What are the set times?
What's new for 2026?
New for Norwich this year is The Devil's Playground, a dedicated area bringing even more of the circus into the festival site.
Festivalgoers can take on the Devil himself in a rally, discover what the cards have in store with a fortune reading, attempt to fire a frisbee through a clown's mouth, stop an escaping rat, knock a fool from his perch and test their ring-tossing skills against a cactus.
It's a new interactive element of Rock N Roll Circus designed to give visitors plenty to explore between performances.
The Spectacle Show – A Rock N Roll Circus First
For the first time ever, Rock N Roll Circus will bring a full-scale circus spectacle performance to the Big Top. The festival's Spectacle Show brings cloud swings, high wire, aerial hoops and more to the main stage- a full-scale circus spectacle alongside this year's headline music line-up.
What food will be available?
A host of independent and festival food traders will be serving throughout the weekend.
Those confirmed include Hide and Greek, Phat Khoa, Zak's Diner, East Coast Pizza, Kwackers, The Hen House, Mr Pork and Flaming Cactus.
Bars will also operate throughout the site, with a selection of drinks including ales and cocktails. Festivalgoers cannot bring their own alcohol into Earlham Park.
What is GA+?
A new GA+ upgrade is also available for festivalgoers wanting a few additional comforts during their day.
Priced at £20 on top of a General Admission ticket, GA+ includes premium toilets, access to a private bar, a dedicated chill-out area to relax away from the main crowds and fast-track entry into the festival.
How do I get to Earlham Park?
Festivalgoers travelling from Norwich city centre and Norwich railway station can use the 25 and 26 bus services, which travel directly to the Earlham Park Gates area.
Organisers are encouraging visitors to use public transport wherever possible.
Courtesy Taxis is the festival's official taxi partner.
There is no dedicated festival parking at Earlham Park, although public parking options are available in the surrounding area. Visitors travelling by car are advised to plan their journey and parking in advance. There is no parking at the University of East Anglia on Saturday 22nd August due to essential works being carried out.
Is Rock N Roll Circus family-friendly?
Yes. Rock N Roll Circus Norwich is an all-ages event.
Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult, while children under five can attend free of charge when accompanied by an adult with a full-price ticket.
There is no camping available at Earlham Park.
What can I bring into the festival?
Festivalgoers can bring cameras and film or video equipment, although camera lenses must be less than six inches long. Cigarettes for personal use are also permitted.
Items that cannot be brought onto the festival site include:
Alcohol
Cans and glass
Chairs and camping equipment
Gazebos
Drones
Flags
Audio recorders
Air horns and megaphones
Gas canisters of any size
Aerosols larger than 250ml
Fireworks, flares and paper lanterns
Animals, with the exception of registered assistance dogs
Weapons or anything reasonably considered capable of causing danger, offence or disruption
Festivalgoers are advised to check the full event information before travelling if they are unsure about a particular item.
Are tickets still available?
Yes – but not for every day.
Friday with The Streets – SOLD OUT
Saturday with The Kooks – ALMOST SOLD OUT
Sunday with Madness – ALMOST SOLD OUT
Thursday with James – FINAL TICKETS AVAILABLE
With two days already at capacity and Sunday nearing a sell-out, organisers are advising anyone planning to attend the remaining shows not to leave it until the last minute.
Rock N Roll Circus Norwich takes place at Earlham Park from Thursday 20 to Sunday 23 August 2026.
For more information and to buy tickets, head to: https://www.rocknrollcircus.co.uk/
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