A free story trail through Norwich launches at the Cathedral on 18 July, running until 31 August. VisitNorwich, part of Norwich Business Improvement District, has organised the City of Stories Summer Trail with support from Norwich Cathedral. Anyone can take part, exploring tales tied to the Cathedral and the wider city.
Participants hunt for storybooks displayed in shop windows, crack a code, and enter a draw for exclusive prizes. Holly Bamford, head of marketing at Norwich BID, said the trail encourages families and visitors to spend time together while enjoying everything the city centre has to offer. Special book-themed activities will run in venues across Norwich for the duration of the trail and throughout the school holidays.
The trail marks both the National Year of Reading and Norwich’s standing as England’s first UNESCO City of Literature, a title awarded in 2012. The city adopted the City of Stories brand in 2018, and Norwich BID has promoted it through wayfinding signs, maps, and seasonal campaigns since 2019. This summer’s event ties into a wider programme that includes the Lord Mayor’s Weekend from 10 to 12 July and Norwich Pride on 25 July.
Norwich’s literary roots stretch back more than 900 years. Julian of Norwich wrote the first book in English by a woman in the 14th century, and the city established the country’s first provincial library in 1608.
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