May is a standout month for readers in Norfolk, with a rich mix of author talks, book clubs, theatre, fairs and writing sessions filling the calendar.
At the heart of everything is the City of Literature Weekend, which returns to Norwich this month with a packed programme of talks, workshops and events celebrating the power of storytelling.
Alongside the weekend’s big ideas and well‑known voices, there are plenty of opportunities to discover new books, meet writers and make time for reading and writing in more intimate settings – from cosy book clubs and independent bookshop events to relaxed weekly writing spaces.
Whether you’re planning a full weekend immersed in words or looking for a single event to enjoy, this month’s listings offer plenty of ways to connect with Norfolk’s lively literary scene.
EVERY FRIDAY (TERM TIME)
Room to Write
- Kett’s Books, Norwich
- 10–11am
- £3 per session, book online
Room to Write is a weekly writing space for budding writers to come together and build their practice, whatever their level of experience.
With a relaxed, supportive atmosphere and tea and coffee provided, sessions offer focused time to write, think and develop work, with just eight spaces available each week.
FRIDAY, MAY 15
Bellow
- Norwich Theatre Playhouse, Norwich
- 7.30pm
- £10–£20, book via Norfolk & Norwich Festival
A unique and beautifully crafted theatre performance exploring what it means to be an artist.
Bellow tells the extraordinary true story of Danny O’Mahony, one of Ireland’s foremost accordion players, whose life has been devoted to preserving traditional Irish music and mastering his craft.
The performance combines Danny’s sublime live playing with an original electronic score by Valgeir Sigurðsson, creating an immersive experience that balances personal storytelling with universal themes of creativity, dedication and legacy.
SATURDAY, MAY 16
Norwich Independent Book & Zine Fair
- The Forum, Norwich
- 9am–5pm
- Free, no booking required. Visit the website.
Browse over 30 stalls from independent publishers, writers and artists from across Norfolk and beyond at this vibrant celebration of small‑press publishing and creativity.
From literary‑inspired books and zines to prints, artwork and gifts, the fair is a chance to discover new voices, meet makers and find your next favourite read in the heart of the city.
SUNDAY, MAY 17
The Magic Lamp
- Norwich Puppet Theatre, Norwich
- 11am & 2.30pm
- £11.50–£13.50, book via Norfolk & Norwich Festival
A visually enchanting retelling of a classic genie story, The Magic Lamp unfolds inside a Bedouin tent, where light, paper and oil are used to conjure fantastical characters and shadow‑play worlds.
From these simple materials, theatrical duo Indefinite Articles create a richly imaginative performance, choreographed to haunting original music, that will captivate audiences of all ages with its atmosphere, creativity and gentle storytelling magic.
MONDAY, MAY 19
Self‑Help from the Middle Ages – What the Seven Deadly Sins Can Teach Us About Living
- St Andrew’s Church, Holt
- 7pm for 7.30pm
- £9, book via The Holt Bookshop
What can a 12th‑century monk teach us about burnout, envy or despair? Historian Peter Jones discusses his new book, Self‑Help from the Middle Ages, uncovering how medieval thinkers used the Seven Deadly Sins as a guide to understanding the human mind.
THURSDAY, MAY 21
Rob Parker – Forbidden Waters: A Norfolk Crime Evening
- Words & Wonder, Downham Market
- 6.30pm
- Free, advance registration required
Join bestselling crime writer Rob Parker as he discusses Forbidden Waters, the second novel in his gripping Norfolk‑set crime series.
When a blood‑stained knife is discovered at the bottom of a hidden lake in the Broads, salvage diver Cam Killick is dragged into a chilling investigation where there is no body – and no easy answers.
Rob will talk about the novel, his inspiration, and his love for the Norfolk landscape.
Attendance is free, but booking is essential via the bookshop.
FRIDAY, MAY 22 – SUNDAY, MAY 24
City of Literature Weekend 2026
- Various venues, Norwich
- Times vary
- Ticketed and free events, book via National Centre for Writing
Part of the Norwich & Norfolk Festival, the City of Literature Weekend from the National Centre for Writing returns with a dynamic programme of talks, workshops and activities celebrating the power of reading and writing in a changing world.
READ MORE: All aboard for family reading event as ‘flotilla of wonder’ sets sail
Across three days, audiences are invited to explore urgent themes including war, nature, exile, belonging and family legacy, with events for adults, children and families alike.
Highlights include appearances from acclaimed writers and thinkers such as Ali Smith and Ece Temelkuran, alongside Dr Rachel Clarke delivering the Harriet Martineau Lecture.
From interactive children’s storytelling and a regional publishing fair to Page Against the Machine – a global shared reading moment – the weekend offers rich opportunities to listen, reflect, engage and connect through stories.
SUNDAY, MAY 24
Norwich Book Nook (Romantasy Book Club)
- Bar Marzano, Norwich
- 12.30–2.30pm
- Free, book via Eventbrite
Join Norwich Book Nook for a cosy afternoon of romantasy discussion and reader chats at their second in‑person book club meeting.
This month’s pick is Starside by Alex Aster, with plenty of space for shared theories, favourite moments and lively conversation.
THURSDAY, MAY 28
Matthew Worley: No Future – Punk, Politics and British Youth Culture, 1976–1984
- The Book Hive, Norwich
- 6.30pm
- Free (suggested £2 donation), book via The Book Hive
Join historian and author Matthew Worley to celebrate his definitive history of British punk culture, No Future.
Exploring the years 1976 to 1984, Worley examines punk as a musical movement, political force and youth subculture shaped by social fragmentation, unemployment and protest.
The evening will include a talk, audience Q&A and a chance to get copies signed.
FRIDAY, MAY 29
Specialist Book Tour: Blickling Estate
- Blickling Estate, Aylsham, Norfolk
- 10.15–11.15am
- £25, book via National Trust
Enjoy a behind‑the‑scenes tour of Blickling Estate’s remarkable historic library, home to more than 12,000 books, led by property librarian Dr Rebecca Feakes.
With rare access to the Long Gallery and a focus on the estate’s global literary connections, this intimate tour offers fascinating insights into the stories, collectors and treasures celebrated far beyond Norfolk.
The tour runs monthly until October, with limited spaces available.
This article has been published as part of Born & Read in Norfolk – a year-long initiative highlighting the importance of reading and writing, delivered in partnership with the National Centre for Writing, headline sponsor RWE and sponsor YouGarden.
Follow the campaign throughout the year in our coverage and on social media using #BornAndRead2026 or get in touch at readingmatters@newsquest.co.uk
Share