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Although I am not from Norfolk, I have lived here for 11 years now and cannot imagine living anywhere else. We always have so much going on, great events and it’s just a beautiful county to explore. Over the summer, researchers found out what the most memorable things in Norfolk have been so far in 2024!
Take That playing at Carrow Road, Norwich Airport extending its flights to Malta, Alicante and Faro and Anglia Square Shopping Centre going up for sale are the top stories people in Norwich have enjoyed reading about so far this year according to research by Readly, the digital magazine and newspaper app.
Other top moments involved the first East Anglian football derby between Norwich City and Ipswich Town since 2019 (24%) and Steve Coogan – otherwise known as Alan Partridge – spotted smelling cheeses at The Cheeseman stall in Norwich market whilst filming for his latest TV series (18%).
The generous £50,000 that was raised to protect Norwich’s hidden street with 15th century architecture at The Shoebox appeal also made the top list of 2024 as did Aussie soap star Toadfish from Neighbours appearing in ‘Toad on the Road’ in Norwich this September.
Nine in ten people from Norwich or Norfolk (84%) consider themselves to be up to date with local news and events. Almost half of those surveyed prefer to read something funny (43%), a third enjoy reading something heartwarming or inspirational (34%), 32 percent read for educational reasons and 22 percent read something nostalgic.
Janet Street-Porter, broadcaster who recently moved to Norfolk said, “I have spent my fifty year working life in journalism so finding out what the locals are interested in reading about tells me a lot about the character of a place. Norwich people have a very good sense of humour with funny, heartwarming and positive stories ranking highly in the survey but there’s also a healthy appetite for literature, culture and nostalgia.
Whether it’s reading something that makes you smile, learn a fascinating bit of local history or something to cry or cringe at, these local memorable moments spur on conversation and help to build local pride. As a Norfolk resident I want to know about places to visit, where to swim, surprising museums and secret gardens, special concerts and farmers’ markets. I also enjoy feuds and planning disputes as I originally trained as an architect!”
The topics Norfolk residents most like to read about are hobbies (33%), national or regional news (31%), politics (28%), money and the economy (28%) and food (27%), showed the research by Readly, the app with over 7,000 magazines and newspapers.
The top 20 moments according to Norfolk residents so far in 2024 are:
- 1. Take That playing at Carrow Road – 35%
- 2. Norwich Airport now flies to Malta, Alicante and Faro! – 32%
- 3. Anglia Square Shopping Centre in Norwich goes up or sale – 30%
- 4. Norwich Castle reopening the Norman Keep in Summer 2024 – 25%
- 5. First North Anglian derby (Norwich v Ipswich) since 2019 – in Norwich, April 2024 – 24%
- 6. Royal Arcade celebrates 125 years – 18%
- 7. Alan Partridge spotted filming and smelling cheeses at a stall in Norwich Market – 18%
- 8. Norwich City appoints Johannes Hoff Thorup as manager – 18%
- 9. £50k raised to protect Norwich’s hidden street at The Shoebox with architecture from the 15th century – 16%
- 10. 650 XL bullies are living in Norwich – 16%
- 11. Norwich Beer Festival cancelled for 2024 as The Halls is being repaired – 14%
- 12. Norwich wins City of Literature for 2024 – 13%
- 13. Norwich Games Festival returns 4 years after the pandemic – 12%
- 14. Namaste Village wins East Anglian restaurant of the Year – 11%
- 15. E-scooter trial in Norwich – 10%
- 16. Sir Antony Gormley iron men pop up at Houghton Hall – 8%
- 17. Arminghall Car Boot Sale at Ole Stoke Road returns – 8%
- 18. World’s biggest chicken wing festival comes to Norwich – 7%
- 19. Aussie soap star Toadfish from Neighbours brings Toad on the Road to Norwich in September – 7%
- 20. Tofurei vegan cafe named by National Geographic as a leader in plant-based dining – 4%
Janet Adds, “The list did make me smile. It encapsulates all the local area has to offer and indicates what type of readers local people are. From foodies to football fans, to culture, literature and comedy, Norwich has it all and don’t we love to read about it!”
*The research for Readly was carried out online by Opinion Matters throughout 03.07.2024 – 09.07.2024 amongst a panel resulting in 500 respondents in Norwich & Norfolk aged 16+.
Readly, the digital magazine and newspaper app, is offering Norwich and Norfolk residents 2 months of free reading! For more information, visit www.readly.com/nw (subscription continues at £12.99 per month but you can cancel at any time)
Want to win a year’s subscription to Readly? We have 2 chances to win below!
*Ends 5th October. UK entrants only.