King’s Lynn Festival, Corn Exchange, Hunstanton Princess Theatre, Margery Kempe, Alfred Hitchcock, Roman Empire
That’s Entertainment column by Andy Tyler, Friday, July 28
For those travelling abroad this summer let’s hope the weather is not too hot and uncomfortable, and for those staying in the UK, not too wet and windy! Needless to say local events are always plentiful here, whatever the conditions, to keep us entertained.
Although another successful King’s Lynn Festival draws to a close, there’s still some exciting events to be held, a flute and harp recital tonight at All Saints Church, 6.30pm, and Tommy Blaize and National Youth Jazz Orchestra performing songs by Ray Charles, 7pm at Lynn’s Corn Exchange.
Tomorrow fun events are held between 11am and 3pm in Lynn’s Vancouver Quarter and in the evening The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra give a romantic orchestral concert, a programme consisting of music by Sibelius, Bruch and Dvorak. The concert starts at 7.30pm, the venue is Lynn’s Corn Exchange.
The Blast to Blitz exhibition continues at The Fermoy Gallery, 11am-4pm until Sunday, August 6. Entry is free. Exciting news is of a forthcoming Burney Festival being held this autumn - I can’t wait!
As promised last week, I give details of a Minster Vicarage Garden Party taking place between 4pm and 6pm tomorrow. There’s a finger food buffet, bring a plate/dish of food. Drinks provided and a quiz will be included. RSVP by TODAY! Contact: 01553 767090 now.
To celebrate the 650th anniversary of Margery Kempe, a free talks programme will be held weekly, at The Minster, on Mondays between September 11 and October 9, starting at 6pm. To book contact: 01553 767555.
Barry Tyler’s Jazz Band (no relation!) will play Dixie-land music from 12.30pm at the 14th annual Boughton charity jazz picnic tomorrow. Admission is just £10. Do take along a picnic if you’re thinking of attending and, apparently, real ale from The Norwich Brewery at Hindringham will be supplied!
What weather conditions were like in Rome around 69 AD I don’t know, but my book recommendation this week, is the bestselling history of The Roman Empire from 69 AD until the death of The Emperor Hadrian entitled Simply: PAX. Its author Tom Holland gives a fascinating and readable account of those far-off times and the book is now generally available.
From time to time I enjoy a series on Sky Arts entitled Alfred Hitchcock Presents. Usually shown weekdays from 6pm, it consists of two dramas (or stories as he calls them), lasting 30 minutes each. The stories are clever with twists in the plot, and are presented by Hitchcock himself. It’s therefore, of interest to me and others, hopefully, to see a new biographical film about Hitchcock by film critic Mark Cousins. This documentary is entitled: My Name is Alfred Hitchcock. Catch it if you can.
The King’s Lynn Society of Arts and Sciences recently celebrated its centenary and always runs an excellent and informative programme of lectures. The society’s new season starts in the Autumn so keep an eye on their website for future details.
It’s always well worth visiting our local museums and this week I notice an exhibition of artwork created by young West Norfolk people can be viewed at Stories of Lynn, in the Saturday Market Place. The project connected with the display is the first to be held in the town and is entitled: Change Minds, it connects those living with mental health issues to local heritage, historic places and archives. Recommended!
It’s also a good idea to regularly check what’s on at our main local entertainment venues. Rabbit Rabbit, a tribute to Chas and Dave, is held tomorrow at Hunstanton’s Princess Theatre, 7.30pm and on Sunday, at Lynn’s Corn Exchange, Herman’s Hermits appear from 7.30pm. All great entertainment.
Lastly, my focus is on bands! West Norfolk Council is organising with Radio West Norfolk a West Norfolk Battle of the Bands. August 14 is the deadline to enrol on-line. Another type of band is The King’s Lynn Town Band, extremely popular, its performances appeal to music lovers of all ages. Do visit the band’s website for further details!
