1869

A five day music festival, as part of a run of triennial events.

The 1869 Festival failed to make a profit for the Hospital, instead incurring a small loss of £3.

It had been something of a frustrating year for many involved, not least the visiting performers who, after a seven-hour train journey to Norwich, became stranded at the train station where due to a dispute with the authorities, no taxis were available to take them to the Hall or lodgings!

The festival was held earlier than usual this year to allow for many musicians, who were otherwise due on tour in September, to perform. Unfortunately, this meant that it clashed with the harvest so many of the county’s agricultural supporters were unable to attend.