An open invitation to the biggest free street party in Norwich’s annual calendar is issued to one and all for the Lord Mayor’s Weekend 2024, which this year falls on Saturday and Sunday 13 & 14 July.
The ever-popular summer celebration includes the mayoral procession, happening on the afternoon of Saturday 13 July, when a colourful carnival parade of musical bands, dancers, acrobats, giant puppets, walking floats and costumed groups will wind its way around the streets of Norwich, headed up by the Lord Mayor and the Sheriff of Norwich in their ceremonial robes, and watched by the many hundreds of onlookers who line the streets.
There will be a new look to the procession as its previous route will be reversed and this year it will start off at Norwich Cathedral and process towards Chapelfield Gardens in the city centre, where there will be a full programme of family-friendly activities going on all day.
Last year’s parade featured entries from several schools with some fantastic and visually striking costumes, and it is hoped more city schools will throw their hats in the ring in 2024 to join in the fun with designs around the general theme of ‘Carnival Spirit’.
Saturday’s activities will be rounded up with a music gig in Chapelfield Gardens in the evening, followed by the Great Norwich Duck Race on the Sunday.
Norwich council leader, Cllr Mike Stonard said:
“We’re very proud to host one of the oldest annual mayoral processions in the country. It dates back to medieval days and its historic pageantry is part of the vibrant backdrop of our fine city, providing an ideal opportunity for everyone who lives, works or visits us to come together in an enjoyable atmosphere of community spirit.
“The overall message for the weekend is ‘Norwich Loves You’, flagging up that the city has long been a place where everyone is safe and all are welcomed, whatever community they come from.”
Please watch out on the council’s website and social media channels for more details as they become available, including how to apply to join the parade.
The council’s Events Team will be happy to support the preparations of participating groups where it can with workshops, training or ideas for music, movement, puppets and costumes, and can also provide details of how to engage in its three principle aims of noise, height and interaction.
In the meantime, pop a ‘Save the date’ in your diaries for oodles of summertime carnival fun and community spirit for all the family.
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