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08-24 May

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1772

The First Sermon

On the 11th July 1772, the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital opened to outpatients for the very first time, but it was expensive to build and impossible to run effectively without donations.

A fundraising sermon was given by Bishop of Norwich Philip Yonge in Norwich Cathedral on 21st August, raising £132 which went towards the hospital. Following the sermon, the hospital governors went on to a dinner at a local hostelry.

A sermon and dinner would continue to be held annually before eventually being replaced by a large-scale fundraising festival. The first sermon is therefore now considered the very first Norfolk and Norwich Festival.

Arts make life better

Norfolk & Norwich Festival brings tens of thousands of people together in celebration – it has been doing this for over 250 years. Through our May Festival and our year-round arts education work, focusing on children and young people, we lead and support celebration, creativity and curiosity in communities across Norfolk and the region.

This year we begin an exciting new initiative, Festival Connect & Create that will bring creative opportunities to those schools and communities with least provision. Creativity transforms people’s lives. It builds cohesive communities, develops vital skills and supports health and wellbeing. We want more people to have access to creative opportunities.

Please consider donating to support and develop this work. With your help we can increase access to the life changing power of the arts.

Registered Charity No. 116442

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