1994

In an attempt to gain a better foothold in the visual arts scene of the county, the 1994 festival staged a ‘Visual Arts Week’, complete with exhibitions and artist led events. This popular initiative would eventually become the Open Studios scheme.

The festival generally had a focus on Norwich, celebrating 800 years of the City Charter, and featured a dragon pageant which worked its way through the city centre.

After a few years off, the Festival Chorus were reformed.

Anglian Railways, a sponsor since 1991, became the Festival’s first principal sponsor in 1994 and the relationship with the local train operator has continued through to the present day.