If you believe Christmas should begin in December, then avoid the region’s early festivities with one of these great events taking place in November 2018.
Norwich Film Festival, 6-18 November
Calling all film fans! The Norwich Film Festival is back to celebrate the best of local, British and International independent film. Now in its eighth year, the festival will see over 120 films screened in venues across the city.
This year’s official selection of 94 short films features standout talent with Sally Phillips in horror, ‘Blood Shed’; Stephen Graham in ‘Being Keegan’; and Doctor Who star, Arthur Darvill starring ‘In Wonderland’. Debuting this year are workshops aimed at getting both emerging and experienced filmmakers including a Special Effects Masterclass held at Norwich University of the Arts, as well as sessions on Developing a Festival Strategy in conjunction with Festival Formula; and an Editing Masterclass led by BAFTA nominated Editor, Mark Everson. Tickets priced from £3-£10. For the full programme visit norwichfilmfestival.co.uk
Southwold Literature Festival, 8-12 November
Ways With Words returns for another year with a host of great speakers at St Edmund’s Arts Centre. This year’s highlights include tales of high adventures on the seas from Robin Know-Johnston, a political sketch from John Crace and talks from Baroness Kennedy QC about the ongoing #Metoo debacle and Dr Irving Finkel on history, to name a few. This year will also see additional evening events. Book tickets at www.wayswithwords.co.uk/festivals/southwold-19
TV Chef Gregg Wallace on stage, 10 November
The Quarry Theatre, Bedford
The star of BBC’s MasterChef, Inside The Factory and Eat Well For Less, takes to the stage for this brand new live show mixing hilarious behind the scenes tales with demonstrations and audience fun and games. Join Gregg as he answers the questions you’ve always wanted to ask, shares classic anecdotes and dishes up a sumptuous serving of MasterChef’s juiciest bits. Complete with a Q&A, this really is a must-see event for any foodie and Gregg fan! www.quarrytheatre.org.uk
The KT Bush Band, 9 November
The Cut Art Centre, Halesworth Suffolk
Two of the original members have reformed to perform hit songs and classic album tracks of Kate Bush. Tickets available from the box office. www.thektbushband.com
Cambridge International Jazz Festival, 13 November
Now recognised as a mainstay in the Cambridge arts and culture scene, the fourth annual Brewin Dolphin Cambridge International Jazz Festival kicks off on 13 November with two weeks of live music at a staggering array of over 30 city centre venues. With music from a wealth of legendary national and international stars, a variety of emerging artists, and a wide choice of mainstream and cutting-edge music, the Festival is expected to attract thousands of people to over 60 events at venues across the city. www.cambridgejazzfestival.info.
Cambridge Music Festival, 14-26 November
Over 10 days, the festival will bring big names in classical and contemporary music to city’s most loved venues. Audiences will be able to immerse themselves in a programme featuring pieces written to reflect epoch-changing moments, passionate personal stories, and the peaks and troughs that define what it means to be alive. Visit www.cambridgemusicfestival.co.uk for the full programme and tickets.
Newmarket Racecourse Antique and 20th Century Fair, 18 November
Newmarket Racecourse, (Rowley Mile), The Heath, Newmarket, CB8 0TF
Over 20 inside stands plus outside stalls of antiques, art deco and collectables. Free valuations and appraisals, plus an antique restoration workshop and specialist collectors room.
Brentwood Centre Antiques & Collectors Fair, 25 November
The Brentwood Centre, Doddinghurst Road, Brentwood, CM15 9NN
The fair features indoor and outdoor stalls with dealers from all over the UK selling a huge variety of affordable items. Entry £4.50.
Bedford SoupFest, 27 November, 11.30am – 6pm
SoupFest returns to Bedford town centre for its second year. SoupFest is an annual festival of soup, showcasing Bedford’s talented chefs, and working closely with local businesses and volunteers to raise money to help the homeless.
The initiative, organised by well known Bedford businesswoman Emma Garrett was inspired by a similar event in Jersey, and last year raised over £4,500 for Bedford’s homeless.
Visitors are encouraged to stop by on the day and offer a £3 donation in exchange for soup, bread and live musical entertainment. All proceeds from SoupFest are distributed to the homeless via registered homeless support agencies by the Bedford Homeless Partnership.
