Wherryman's Way Festival of the Yare
The opening of the Wherryman’s Way long distance footpath is being celebrated with a grand Festival of the Yare taking place between Norwich and Reedham on Saturday May 28th 11am – 6pm.
A dynamic mix of art, culture, theatre, history and nature walks will lead the public to different points along the Yare, linked by a free mini bus service.
Broads Authority Countryside Ranger for the Yare and Chet, Lee Cozens, said:
“We hope that the events happening during the Festival of the Yare will entice the public along this beautiful part of the Broads.”
Festival Programme
At Whitlingham Country Park
Raindrop Kites Theatre
11am, 1pm and 3pm.
A specially commissioned story about wherrymen and wildlife performed through the medium of kites.
At Trowse
Live music and games on the Common
1 – 6pm.
Free.
Keith Skipper and Friends in the marquee in the evening. Tickets £7, conc £5. Tickets from Tony Johnson on 01603 633874.
At Bramerton Woods End
Waterskiing display and ‘have a go’ sessions.
12noon - 2pm.
Crude Apache Theatre Company present ‘Billy Bluelight’
2pm and 6pm.
The story of this eccentric, legendary, Norwich character is told in this outdoor theatre performance, touring as part of the celebrations to launch the Wherryman’s Way. Bring a rug to sit on.
Free.
Barbecue at the pub
Walk maps available from Broads Authority Rangers
At Surlingham
Wherry Trips at Coldham Hall Tavern
11am - 5pm
Half hour sailing trips on Wherry Yacht Olive, with a chance to look round pleasure wherry Hathor celebrating her centenary this year. Short trips cost £5, viewing free.
Free ferry service from Brooms Boatyard, Brundall to Coldham Hall Tavern.
Surlingham Ferry House pub – music and dance
Golden Star Morris Dancers will perform traditional dances
12 noon, 2pm and 3.30pm.
From 12.30pm the Red Herrings ceilidh band play tunes from Norfolk and further away!
Guided walks with the RSPB – 2.30pm-5pm
A circular walk incorporating Surlingham Church Marsh from the Ferry House pub. £5 adults and £3 children. RSPB members £3 and RSPB Wildlife Explorers £1.50. Booking essential. Ring RSPB Strumpshaw Fen 01603 715191
Surlingham Church
a film show of archive photographs of old Surlingham.
Ted Ellis Trust Nature Reserve at Wheatfen
Open Day – 10am-4pm
Displays in the cottage and refreshments in the garden.
Why not stop here for a picnic?
You may even see a swallowtail butterfly!
Walk maps available at Coldham Hall and Surlingham Ferry House from Broads Authority Rangers
At Rockland St Mary
Dawn chorus walk
Join Rockland Naturalists and the RSPB for an early morning walk around the broad 5.30am to 7.30am, followed by breakfast at the New Inn. £6 . Advance booking essential. Contact Peter Armitage on 01508 538069.
Guided Walk with the RSPB
11am to 1.30pm - A walk to Rockland Broad and marshes and back departing from Rockland Staithe. Booking essential. £5 adults and £3 children. RSPB members £3 and RSPB Wildlife Explorers £1.50.
RSPB Strumpshaw Fen 01603 715191
Two-hour canoe trail round Rockland Broad to see the remains of the wherries which were sunk here -11am, 1.30pm, and 4pm.
Qualified instructors from Active-8 will give you basic training and guide you on a tour of the broad. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
Cost £10 adults, £5 children under 16 and £30 for a family ticket for two adults and up to 3 children (immediate family only).
Book in advance on 01502 713196.
Children’s quiz along easy access path
Walk maps available from Broads Authority Rangers
At Loddon
Jazz and jive at the staithe
12 noon, 1.30pm and 3pm. Swervy World, ‘Gentlemen of Jive’ will be performing unmissable jazz, jive, swing and rhythm and blues. Free
Display of local historical photographs from Loddon Local History Society
11am - 2pm
Loddon Church open
Walk maps available from Broads Authority Rangers
At Reedham
Wherryman Mardler on the quay will tell local tales from times gone by.
Southern Belle
A 1925 steam boat being restored to provide a passenger service between Great Yarmouth and Reedham will be on display on the quay.
Walk maps available from Broads Authority Rangers
Barbecue and drinks on the quay will be provided by Reedham Community Association and the Parish Council.
Getting About
Free minibus service from Whitlingham Country Park to main events at Bramerton, Surlingham, and Rockland, continuing to Claxton. Landrover link between Loddon and Reedham. Or take the train to Brundall and catch the free ferry to the Coldham Hall Tavern at Surlingham, or continue your journey to Reedham.
Special riverbus service from Norwich Elm Hill Quay and Station Quay to Whitlingham Country Park and Bramerton. Telephone 01603 701701 for timetable.
For more information ring the Broads Authority on 01603 610734.
13/04/05
