
Virtual Book Club Discussion: The Manningtree Witches
Join us and share your passion for reading! The Manningtree Witches by AK Blakemore has been revealed as our new book. Every two months we meet in person and virtually over tea and biscuits to discuss some of the best works in contemporary literature. We’ll explore short stories, novels, non-fiction, poetry, and works in translation, […]
6-7.30pm BST
Free - please register in advance

Deception Island
Deception Island runs Wednesday 25 – Saturday 28 May, on the hour every hour between 12noon – 9pm Step inside an exact replica of an Antarctic hut and be transported to Deception Island, a tiny caldera in the Antarctic Ocean, battered by the fiercest seas in the world and shaken by volcanic activity. Here the […]
On the hour every hour between 12noon - 9pm
£5

Finding the Words: Poetry Workshop with Ko Ko Thett
Poetry can be a powerful way to write about memories, real life, and the issues you feel passionately about. In this two-hour poetry workshop, seasoned poet, poetry editor and translator Ko Ko Thett will help you find the words to explore difficult or traumatic experiences and express your truth in poetry. Together you will explore: […]
10am - 12noon
National Centre for Writing, Dragon Hall
£35 / £25 conc

Adventures in Fiction: Workshop with Yan Ge
Join award-winning novelist and short story writer Yan Ge for a friendly fiction workshop suitable for writers of all levels. Have you heard of the story of the hero who killed nine Suns or his wife who fled to the moon? Are you familiar with the tale of the philosopher who dreamt of butterflies or […]
10am - 12noon
National Centre for Writing, Dragon Hall
£35 / £25 conc

Wandering Words – a guided walking tour
Discover Norwich of the past, present and future through newly commissioned poems from five brilliant writers with ties to the city: Andy Bennett, Hannah Levene, Victoria Adukwei-Bulley, Piers Harrison-Reid and Jessica Streeting. On this guided walk you’ll experience Norwich with fresh eyes and encounter the people and locations that inspired each writers’ work. Featuring pop-up […]
2 - 3.30pm
£5

Finding the Words: Poetry Workshop with Ko Ko Thett
Poetry can be a powerful way to write about memories, real life, and the issues you feel passionately about. In this two-hour poetry workshop, seasoned poet, poetry editor and translator Ko Ko Thett will help you find the words to explore difficult or traumatic experiences and express your truth in poetry. Together you will explore: […]
2 - 4pm
National Centre for Writing, Dragon Hall
£35 / £25 conc

Adventures in Fiction: Workshop with Yan Ge
Join award-winning novelist and short story writer Yan Ge for a friendly fiction workshop suitable for writers of all levels. Have you heard of the story of the hero who killed nine Suns or his wife who fled to the moon? Are you familiar with the tale of the philosopher who dreamt of butterflies or […]
2 - 4pm
National Centre for Writing, Dragon Hall
£35 / £25 conc

NCW Book Club: The Manningtree Witches — fully booked!
Join us for a discussion of A.K. Blakemore’s ‘riveting, unsettling’ debut novel The Manningtree Witches; winner of the Desmond Elliott Prize 2021, Waterstones Fiction Book of the Month (November 2021) and shortlisted for the Costa First Novel Award 2021. At this informal session you’ll meet like-minded readers and discuss the themes, characters and structure of […]
6 - 7.30pm
Free - please register in advance

All the Lovers in the Night — Mieko Kawakami
Internationally bestselling author Mieko Kawakami returns to Norwich to discuss her pulsing, poetic and shocking third novel, All the Lovers in the Night (translated by Sam Bett and David Boyd). Mieko is one of an exciting new generation of Japanese authors and her novels Breasts and Eggs and Heaven were both cult hits. About Mieko […]
10 - 11am
£10 (under 18/young NNF £7.50)

Everybody Hertz — Richard Mainwaring
From communicating where the next meal is, to drumming out a courtship dance, the impact of frequencies on humans and animals is staggering. Join musician, composer, TV presenter and educator Richard Mainwaring for an exploration of how vibrations good and bad govern everything around us. ‘Once you start reading this utterly fascinating book it is […]
11.30am - 12.30pm
£10 (under 18/young NNF £7.50)

Page Against the Machine
Pick a book, bring a cool drink and turn off your phone for a well-deserved detox read in the beautiful surroundings of the Plantation Garden – or join in from home; from the dining room window, tucked up in bed, or in a deck chair in the garden! Make sure to take a picture of […]
12noon - 1.30pm
Free (£2 donation to the Garden on arrival)

Harriet Martineau Lecture: Kit de Waal
The Harriet Martineau Lecture celebrates the legacy of a remarkable, world-changing woman by inviting globally-renowned radical speakers to respond to her life and work. This year’s lecture will be delivered by bestselling novelist, memoirist and literary activist Kit de Waal. The first Harriet Martineau Lecture was delivered by Ali Smith in May 2013 and featured […]
1.30 - 2.30pm
£10 (under 18/young NNF £7.50)

Wandering Words – a guided walking tour
Discover Norwich of the past, present and future through newly commissioned poems from five brilliant writers with ties to the city: Andy Bennett, Hannah Levene, Victoria Adukwei-Bulley, Piers Harrison-Reid and Jessica Streeting. On this guided walk you’ll experience Norwich with fresh eyes and encounter the people and locations that inspired each writers’ work. Featuring pop-up […]
3 - 4.30pm
£5

Ancestral Ties — Melissa Fu & Ayanna Lloyd Banwo
Ancestry, heritage, grief and new beginnings are explored in two brilliant debut books by Melissa Fu and Ayanna Lloyd Banwo. Peach Blossom Spring by Melissa Fu is a bold and moving look at the history of modern China, told through the story of one family. It’s about the power of our past, the hope for […]
4 - 5pm
£8 (under 18/young NNF £7.50)

Small But Mighty: 10 years of Galley Beggar Press
We’re celebrating! Join Sam Jordison and Eloise Millar, the co-founders of ‘revolutionary’ (Telegraph) independent publisher Galley Beggar Press, for a conversation marking ten years of publishing daring, innovative works of fiction and non-fiction. They will offer a glimpse behind the curtain at how small presses work with authors to bring books to readers, and how […]
8pm until late
£8 (under 18/young NNF £7.50)

Wandering Words – a self-guided walking tour
Pick up a walking trail map from the Festival Box Office, any time between 13-29 May. Discover Norwich of the past, present and future through newly commissioned stories from five brilliant writers with ties to the city: Andy Bennett, Hannah Levene, Victoria Adukwei-Bulley, Piers Harrison-Reid and Jessica Streeting. Grab a map from the Box Office […]
Until 29 May
Free

City of Literature Publishing Fair
Drop in and celebrate the vibrant independent publishing culture of the East of England. Meet the publishers, browse and purchase their work, and take part in a series of lightning talks throughout the day. The perfect Sunday event for writers, readers, editors and creators of all kinds. Participating publishers and writing organisations include Propolis, Salo […]
10am - 4pm
Free, no booking required

Build a Book: family-friendly workshop
Let’s squeeze Dragon Hall into a book! What would that book look like? How would the chimneys fold out, and the staircases fold in? Draw, stick and fold your own unique story book inspired by the families living in Dragon Hall 180 years ago. A workshop for children aged 5-11 years and their accompanying grown-ups, […]
11am - 12.30pm
National Centre for Writing, Dragon Hall
£5 per adult (kids go free)

Build a Book: family-friendly workshop
Let’s squeeze Dragon Hall into a book! What would that book look like? How would the chimneys fold out, and the staircases fold in? Draw, stick and fold your own unique story book inspired by the families living in Dragon Hall 180 years ago. A workshop for children aged 5-11 years and their accompanying grown-ups, […]
2 - 3.30pm
National Centre for Writing, Dragon Hall
£5 per adult (kids go free)

Wandering Words – a guided walking tour
Discover Norwich of the past, present and future through newly commissioned poems from five brilliant writers with ties to the city: Andy Bennett, Hannah Levene, Victoria Adukwei-Bulley, Piers Harrison-Reid and Jessica Streeting. On this guided walk you’ll experience Norwich with fresh eyes and encounter the people and locations that inspired each writers’ work. Featuring pop-up […]
3 - 4.30pm
£5

The Sebald Lecture 2022: Lydia Davis
This year’s Sebald Lecture on literary translation will be given by prize-winning short story writer, novelist and translator Lydia Davis, who will be reflecting back over her distinguished career as a translator from French, and discussing her recent collection Essays Two, about translation and foreign language-learning. The Sebald Lecture 2022 is presented by the British Centre for […]
4-5.30pm
Free - please register in advance

Start Writing Poetry
12-week online writing course begins Monday 6 June 2022. Join us on a journey into the transformative world of writing poetry. On this 12-week online creative writing course you’ll read inspiring poets, explore how poems take shape, and begin to write poems and share your own work with a friendly supportive group. What the […]
12 weeks
Online
£475

An Introduction to Scriptwriting
12-week online creative writing course begins Tuesday 6 June 2022. This course is an all-encompassing introduction to scriptwriting and is designed for writers who are just starting to explore scripts. You will learn the mechanisms of working across a variety of script forms: TV, film, theatre and radio. You’ll discover ways to generate ideas and […]
12 weeks
Online
£475

Travel Writing 101 with Tharik Hussain
Have you ever wanted to write about your travels, but not been sure where to begin? Perhaps you’ve already written about a special place and want to know where else your writing could take you? Or maybe you’re a seasoned traveler looking to carve your own path in the travel writing industry? If any of […]
10am - 1pm
National Centre for Writing, Dragon Hall
£45 / £35 conc

Dragon Hall Social
Each month, we open our doors for an informal, friendly drop-in evening of conversation, ideas and support. Open to anyone who makes, reads and works with words, the Dragon Hall Social is an opportunity to grab a drink from the bar, meet people, cook up plans and compare notes, to talk books, and to hear […]
6pm (doors at 5.30pm)
Free - let us know you're coming!

LGBTQ+ Writer Development & Networking Day
Join us and connect with LGBTQ+ writers from the East of England and beyond. Find out what the National Centre for Writing and Out on the Page can do for you. Includes Q&A sessions with guest writer Jon Ransom and an agency working with under-represented writers. For Pride Month we’ve partnered with the Out on […]
10am - 4pm
£40. Partial bursaries available

Guided Tour of Dragon Hall
Come and explore the historic Dragon Hall, now home to the National Centre for Writing, and take a guided tour of this fascinating building. Learn more about the architectural and social history of this 15th Century building from an experienced volunteer guide. Dragon Hall has had a fascinating and colourful history – starting life as […]
Starts 2pm - approx. 1.5 hrs
Free (suggested donation £5)

Writing food and place with Nina Mingya Powles
Food writing is a hugely creative and varied genre which is experiencing a resurgence, and both food and place can be powerful ways to situate your story and connect with your reader in creative non-fiction writing. In this workshop, Nina Mingya Powles (author of Small Bodies of Water and Tiny Moons) will help you to […]
2 - 4.30pm
Online (Zoom)
£45 / £35 conc

Compelling character relationships with Okechukwu Nzelu
Join Okechukwu Nzelu, award-winning author of The Private Joys of Nnenna Maloney and Here Again Now, in this friendly workshop which will help you to craft compelling character relationships in your fiction writing. Strongly developed individual characters are important for your story, but it’s the relationships between characters that can bring your themes to life, […]
10am - 12.30pm
Online (Zoom)
£45 / £35 conc

Guided Tour of Dragon Hall
Come and explore the historic Dragon Hall, now home to the National Centre for Writing, and take a full guided tour of this fascinating building. Learn more about the architectural and social history of this 15th Century building from an experienced volunteer guide. Dragon Hall has had a fascinating and colourful history – starting life […]
Starts 2pm - approx. 1.5 hrs
Free (suggested donation £5)

Telling your story through poetry with Nadine Aisha Jassat
Join poet and performer Nadine Aisha Jassat for this friendly online workshop, in which you’ll discover how to tell your story through the power of poetry. Nadine will guide you through a series of exercises and discussions designed to help you bring your experience, history and unique perspective to the page. You’ll work with a […]
10am - 12.30pm
Online (Zoom)
£45 / £35 conc

Learn to write speculative fiction with Aliya Whiteley
Let your imagination take flight in this online workshop on speculative fiction with multi-talented author Aliya Whiteley. Through a combination of writing exercises and group discussions, Aliya will share advice and techniques for how to craft original stories filled with strangeness and charm. Whether you’re a seasoned sci-fi writer, or simply looking to try this […]
10am - 12.30pm
Online (Zoom)
£45 / £35 conc

Guided Tour of Dragon Hall
Come and explore the historic Dragon Hall, now home to the National Centre for Writing, and take a full guided tour of this fascinating building. Learn more about the architectural and social history of this 15th Century building from an experienced volunteer guide. Dragon Hall has had a fascinating and colourful history – starting life […]
Starts 2pm - approx. 1.5 hrs
Free (suggested donation £5)

Start Writing Crime Fiction
12-week online writing course returns later in 2022. To join the autumn waiting list, email info@nationalcentreforwriting.org.uk Crime fiction is the biggest-selling genre in the UK and this course will help you to incorporate its building blocks into your own writing. Join the Queen of Domestic Noir, Julia Crouch, for an online creative writing course which will […]
12 weeks
Online
£475

Writing Fiction: Next Steps
24-week online writing course returns later in 2022. To join the autumn waiting list, email info@nationalcentreforwriting.org.uk Join Megan Bradbury, author of Everyone is Watching, for a six-month, in-depth online creative writing course. This intermediate course builds on the expertise acquired at introductory level, providing more depth and a wider range of reading and approaches to […]
24 weeks
Online
£945

Start Writing Fiction
12-week online writing course returns later in 2022. To join the autumn waiting list, email info@nationalcentreforwriting.org.uk Learn the foundational skills of fiction writing with an online creative writing course designed for new writers and anyone wanting to write more regularly. Over 12 weeks of inspirational teaching, exercises and assignments you will receive personalised feedback on your […]
12 weeks
Online
£475

An Introduction to the Memoir
12-week online writing course returns later in 2022. To join the autumn waiting list, email info@nationalcentreforwriting.org.uk Do you want to tell your own story? Life stories have resonance for others and are a gift to be shared. In this online creative writing course led by Monique Roffey, winner of the Costa Book of the Year 2020 […]
12 weeks
Online
£475

Start Writing Creative Non-Fiction
12-week online writing course returns later in 2022. To join the autumn waiting list, email info@nationalcentreforwriting.org.uk Discover the core techniques for writing creative non-fiction, be it a biography, reportage, nature writing or another of the many flourishing forms within the genre, on this 12-week online creative writing course. Whether you have started to write and would […]
12 weeks
Online
£475

Start Writing Historical Fiction
12-week online writing course returns later in 2022. To join the autumn waiting list, email info@nationalcentreforwriting.org.uk Historical fiction is one of the most popular literary forms and one of the most varied. A historical novel can be a war-story, a romance, a whodunit, a tense socio-political drama, a quest or a pursuit. It can be a […]
12 weeks
Online
£475