Norwich Go Go Gorillas Art Trail

On Monday 22nd July 2013 I completed the Norwich Go Go Gorillas Art Trail seeing 53 amazing gorillas all in one day. For 11 weeks the Gorilla sculptures are proudly showcasing the creativity of Norwich as well as highlighting the plight of one of the world's most endangered species.

Each gorilla has been decorated in a variety of colourful and exciting artwork; produced by professional artists, schools and community groups. At the end of the event the gorillas will be auctioned off to raise funds for Break charity which actively changes young lives across East Anglia and the Born Free Foundation that helps thousands of animals worldwide every year.

The gorillas have been positioned at some of the most wonderful venues and sites in the Fine City of Norwich helping to show its great heritage and history. I started the trail at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist where I said hello to Horatio while Norvic and Juno are spending the summer in Cathedral Close outside Norwich Cathedral. If you look up at Norwich Castle Museum you can see Yo'man standing guard while Optimus Primate looks down on Castle Meadow.

The Importance of Being Earnest and Batgrill are two of the great characters of the Go Go Gorilla Art Trail and have both been known to party at night when all the citizens of Norwich are asleep. The most difficult gorilla to find was Bling Kong who I eventually found at Gilders Way after searching along the river. Freddie Radio Go Go Gorilla has happily returned to his home on Millennium Plain entertaining us with a number of Queen hits.

The Go Go Gorillas Art Trail has proved to be a great success in Norwich over the summer giving pleasure to thousands of people. It has added lots of colour to the city as well as highlighting local artistic talent. I had a brilliant time finding all the gorillas on my journey around the art trail. Well done to everyone involved in bringing the Go Go Gorillas to Norwich and I'm sure that lots of money will be raised for charity at the end of the event.

UEA Christmas concert at St. John's Cathedral

On Thursday 13th December 2012 I went to the St. John The Baptist RC Cathedral, Norwich for the UEA Christmas concert which featured a 140 strong choir singing well loved community carols with opportunities for audience participation. The choir were conducted by Tom Primrose with William Fergusson on piano and Kris Thomsett on organ.

In the first half of the concert the choir sang Joy to the world, Quem pastores laudavere, Coventry carol, Past three o clock, I wonder as I wander and Sussex carol. There was also audience participation with O come all ye faithful, While shepherds watched their flocks and See amid the winter's snow.

After an interval of wonderful refreshments in the Norfolk Room the choir sang Ding dong merrily on high, The shepherds' farewell, In the bleak mid-winter, Sans Day carol, The twelve days of Christmas and Sir Christemas. There was also audience participation with O little town of Bethlehem, We three kings of Orient are, Away in a manger and Hark the herald-angels sing.

There was a brilliant festive atmosphere at St. John's Cathedral as the UEA Choir thrilled us with a feast of Christmas favourites. Hark! the herald-angels sing. Glory to the new-born King. This was a night which really raised the roof.

A night of Winter Songs

On Saturday 3rd December 2011 I made my way to St. John the Baptist Catholic Cathedral, Norwich for the Winter Songs - Songs of light and dark concert featuring The Voice Project Choir, Human Music, Big Sky and Andy Sheppard on saxophone.

This was an evening of contemporary vocal music which included a wide range of original material all taking place at this beautiful building with it's wonderful acoustics. Special guest Andy Sheppard is one of Britain's top saxophonists who truly made this a splendid night.

The music was full of contrasts which combined light and dark making for an interesting performance. From Blow, Blow, Thou Winter Wind to Darest Thou Now O Soul we were taken on an amazing vocal journey. This was a very memorable concert that was warmly received by the audience and enjoyed by everyone including The Voice Project Choir who applauded us all at the end.