Thank you

Thanks to everyone for being part of such a wonderful day on Saturday; the organisers, the stewards, the local businesses, the performers, the workshops, the musicians the artsists and everyone who came down to share in the day.  It was a truly heart warming spectacle, celebrating the streets we love so well.

If you couldn't make it, read about it in the EDP by Emma Knights or Chris Hull. And to listen to A Gentleman's Walk, the fantastic podcast of the day.

Citizens of Norwich, have no fear...

the weather forecast is cool and clear....

We're (almost) Open

Programmes and venue information will be available:

On Magdalen Street at: Anteros Arts/King of Hearts, the Flyover area, Anglia Square, EPIC Studios. 

On St Augustine's Street at the Stage Community Centre(no 52).

Keep warm with some Carribean food!

Hungry? Visit Carib Spice making delicious Carribean food from 10-5 on Saturday at St Augustine's Church Hall.

Kids, kids, kids

All-day kids' activities at St Augustine's: puppet-making, bead-making, story-telling, drama games! And don't forget to bring your dolls and teddies to the doll doctor in Epic Studios and make your own blue plaque. 11-5. 

Green fingers and food sharing goodness

Joining these green-fingered farmers are Norfolk Master Gardeners and Norfolk Master Composters, along with Norwich FoodCycle. For more details, see their websites, here and here.

We need you tomorrow!....

There's still time to get involved in Norwich's best festival! We're meeting under the flyover at 8am tomorrow  (Sat 13th Oct) and we'll be around all morning getting everything decorated and beautiful for the Celebration.

Call Stefi to get involved: 07964 494 836.

What's this!?

Is it a shopping centre? Is it a car sales venue? NO! IT'S AN AMERICANA STAGE COURTESY OF FUTURE RADIO. HORRAH! Live music from 12-5. With thanks to Ideal Events for the stage.

Here's a taste of what's to come! Listen to the The Johnny Jump Band and the Vagaband to get you in the mood! Click on the pictures to find out more.

WooHoooo
   

Do you know this man?

Do you know this man? Norwich is one of only 31 UK cities to appoint a Lord Mayor and we've been doing it since 1404. Come and meet this year's Lord Mayor Ralph Gayton in his full robes and chat with him as he tours around the Celebration. Arrival is rumoured for 1pm at the Flyover. Medieval costumes welcome!

You'd look sweet, upon the seat of a bicycle made for 2...

So get your bottoms on our tandem, rides on Boltolph street between 12&2pm. Come and celebrate cycling and remember the folk that have traversed Magdalen and Augustine streets on their fabulous bicycles for decades. 

Tai Chi. It's EPIC

Zone out from the buzz of Magdalen Street with some zen-tastic tai chi at Epic studios, 11.30 & 3pm.

ModOne

Visit the insanely trendy, hair-slicked wonder that is ModOne on Celebration day, and pick up a calendar or some scooter gear. 

Find out more here

It's woolly and unpredictable.....

It's Norwich's own yarn bombing extravaganza! Get creative and join in the fun. Between 12&2 on Magdalen and St Augustine Streets. Who knows where they'll hit!

Get those hips a-movin'

Wiggle wiggle: Anam Cara Belly dancers at 12 & 2pm. 

http://www.anamcaradance.co.uk/

So much to tell you, so little time!...

You'll just have to come to the festival to find our for yourselves! Less than 2 days to go! To find out more more read on, view our programme on the right or tune in to Future Radio tomorrow at around 10am!

And a massive thank you to Future for all their support. 

107.8FM orwww.futureradio.co.uk to get the latest news about the Celebration...

Look at our shiny new map!

We're very proud of our new map with thanks to local designer Jason (and a little help from our fantastic programme designer Andy)

The Programme has landed! Excited? We are!

 

[click on the programme image to view a bigger version]

Celebrate Vintage

Think Portobello meets Brick Lane! The best collection of vintage shops anywhere! Well, we think so... 

Fashion-tastic. One Touch Hair and Beauty Fashion Show

1.30pm & 4.30pm. Near the Flyover.

Rich Pickins at the 3rd Celebration

Don't Miss Our Pop-up Performance

Hale the Vagaband

We're very excited that the infamous Vagaband will be taking to the Americana Stage in Anglia Square. Get your dancing shoes on. 

Magdalen Street's First Pop-Up Museum

13th October, 11-5 at Epic Studios, 112-114 Magdalen Street.

It’s like a pop-up museum…LivingNorwich will be taking over the cafe at Epic with digital and traditional displays of old Magdalen Street and lots of ways to get involved and inspired:

A 1-day-only chance to view a real life John Thirtle painting from Gallery 1821. Thirtle was one of the famous Norwich School of Artists who had a framing workshop on Magdalen Street at No. 26 (Now the Big C charity shop).

A chance to locate yourself in the story of Magdalen Street by making your very own blue plaque.

Visit our onsite historians, who will be on hand to help you research your own past and engage with the exhibitions.

And finally, make sure kids to bring your poorly dolls and teddies to our Doll Doctor in memory of the Doll’s Hospital once at no.62.

With thanks to the Plunkett family via Heart who have supplied photos, to theRecords Office who have supplied copies of some fascinating documents, to Art 1821 for the amazing chance to have a real, live Thirtle painting and to Epic for having us. WE love MAC.

Anyone got a Marque?

We could really do with a marque or two for some of our lovely workshops. If anyone has one we could borrow for the day please get in touch! Thank you! magdalenstreet@gmail.com

Celebrate Vintage

The Celebration is a great to chance to come and visit the city's vintage hot spot, with new shabby chic shops popping up week on week, charity shops galore and retro fashion almost spilling on to the pavements, it's a trendy-bargain-shopper's day dream.

Junk & Gems, a charming and creatively laid out treasure trove, has recently opened at the north end of the street ensuring that vintage pervades the strip from north to south: starting with Oxfam near Colegate, then packed-to-the-rafters and flea market ridden Looses, stuffed animals and glazed bugs opposite, Retreat Vintage, the new Aladdin's Cave near the flyer over, the gingham and picnic basket-ed windows of Shades of Pale and furniture shops you can skip in and out of right up to Junk & Gems you'll be hard pressed to take in the Big Doodle, dancing, music, pop-up performances, Tai chi, Americana Stage and heritage activities in between. Make sure you do though! It's gonna be a great day.

Watch this space for the programme...

Posters coming soon....

Programme of Music at St Augustine's Church

St Augustine's Church will be alive with music on the day of the celebration and surrounded by kids activities, here's the music programme for the church...

A Concert of Music

in St Augustine’s Church

This concert is free.
All donations will go to The Churches Conservation Trust
in whose care St Augustine’s church, Norwich, is vested.

Music making at St Augustine’s
– a few historical notes

by Stuart McLaren

Qui cantat, bis orat (to sing once is to pray twice)Bishop Aurelius Augustinus of Hippo (354–430)

The Reverend Charles John Smyth, appointed rector of St Augustine’s in 1795, was a keen amateur musician and composer. He wrote an essay on the science of acoustics and in 1817 published Six Letters on Singing, from a father to his Son, which included the following piece of paternal advice:

When you are singing, stand erect; hold your head high;
do not tuck your chin into your cravat.

Programme

Part 1

1.00 – 1.45 p.m. Organ recital by David Berwick
David Berwick was organist at St Barnabas’s church, Heigham, Norwich, for many years and is a composer of music for the organ. He will be playing pieces today by J. S. Bach, Albinoni, Pachelbel, Haydn, Jan Sweelinck, Flor Peeters, Fauré and John Stanley.

Interval.

2.00 – 2.30 p.m. Baroque & folk music for cello, violin and organ
Performed by Jeanne Cooper, Frances Cooper & Nicholas Jackson.

Part 2

3.30 – 4.00 p.m. Vocal recital of light music from the last 500 years by the Red Steeplers.
The Red Steeplers are a St Augustine’s area-based singing group comprising Ruth Collings, Frances Cooper, Nick Jackson, Simeon Jackson &
Tim Jackson.

The Puppet Theatre Confirmed

Full programmes out soon but get your craftiness ready!

The amazing Puppet Theatre will be running puppet making workshops for children at St Augustine's Church Hall from 11-4, £2.50/child. 

Get in the party spirit...Free Belly Dancing Taster

 As a warm up to their appearance at the Celebration why not try Belly Dancing!

FREE TASTER - Tribal Style Belly Dance 

 Date: 12th Sept 2012

Time: 7 - 8pm

Venue: The Dance Studio, Sewell Park College, St Clements Hill, Norwich, NR3 5BX

If you enjoy dancing or are looking for a fun way to keep fit why not come along and join our lovely group of ladies and give Amercian Tribal Style Belly dance a try, although this dance is about more than a keeping fit, it's good for the mind, body and spirit too and is suitable for all ages, shapes and sizes.  The new term begins the following week 19th Sept and we will be enrolling for our Level 1 class but this week is your opportunity to try for it for FREE!

If you are interested, or know someone who might be, please get in touch to register your interest and reserve a space.

Anam Cara Dance - Instructors and Performers of

ATS (American Tribal Style) Belly Dance- Fat Chance Sister Studio

Modern Belly dance- JWAAD Affiliated NOCN Accredited

Email - anamcaradance@hotmail.co.uk

Website - anamcaradance.co.uk

Planning Meeting Tues 11th September

The next meeting's at The Stage at 52 St. Augustine's NR3 3AD at 7pm on Tues 11th Sept.  We will be putting together the programme which is looking increasingly exciting with large scale art work, bands, kids activities and more. Looking forward to seeing you. 

If you're not able to make do feel free to send any updates to this address and we will make sure they are shared.

Another Great Way to Get Involved

There are a myriad of ways that you can get involved in this year's Magdalen-Augustine Celebration - from running your own stall to being a steward on the day of the event.  Here's another opportunity for those of you who enjoy letting your creative side shine!

Below is a note from one of this year's event coordinators.  If it sounds like something you'd like to participate, please send her an email or give her a ring!

I am embarking on a project for the Magdalen Street festival 2012 and am looking for movers/performers/anyone who feels comfortable in moving in an outside space.  I am proposing to do three short 10-15 minute performance pieces that 'pop up' in three different locations around Magdalen street, Anglia Square and St Augustines ending up at the churchyard.

The piece will celebrate the spaces represented by a developing long line of stones which will link the spaces(TBC). The audience/passers by will be incouraged to walk along the line as a guided walk at the end of the pieces. At the moment I am using the shifting spaces and characteristics of the shoppers as movement inspiration. Movements which involve simple repetitive gestures, everyday movements, walking, sitting and standing. The movement material will come from both in studio and on-site workshops to take place in September and October.  

There will be a total of 5 rehearsals with an extra 6th rehearsal on the week of the performance. The dates are: Wednesdays 12th, 19th, 26th September and 3rd, 10th October with the last date TBC.

It would be great to see you at the First workshop on Wednesday 12th at St Thomas Hall, Earlham road. Please email me to confirm your interest in the project or phone me to discuss it further on 07525613398 This is a great opportunity to perform in a site specific project and I hope you can join me.... 

Best Wishes, Kayla St Claire  

07525 613 398 www.kstclaire.co.uk

Today in 1912

Do you recognize some of the buildings in the image above?  Who knew they were all waterfront property?

Today (27th August) marks the 100th anniversary of the Great Norwich Flood of 1912. So much rain fell that the River Wensum burst its banks and several square miles of the city, mainly in the Heigham, Oak Street and Fishergate areas in the north of Norwich, were inundated for several days. 

The photo above shows Magdalen Street during this great calamity!

Don't Miss Out - The Stage Open Day!

A new community resource is opening on St. Augustine's Street! St. Augustine's Gateway Enterprise is a not-for-profit venture providing a community space for the residents and businesses of north Norwich.  Also known as "The Stage", this space can be a meeting room, a gallery, a workplace, and information point.  It has been a tremendous resource for MAC as it is our new meeting space and will be the host of several activities during this year's celebration.

The group has transformed 52 St. Augustine's Street from derelict retail space to a beacon of enterprise an ingenuity for the neighbourhood!  Please join them in celebrating the grand opening this Saturday 18 August from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.  Come along to the Stage and find out how you could use it for your own activities.  Official opening at 1:00pm by The Lord Mayor of Norwich.

The Stage - a new community resource for north Norwich. You come up with the project. We provide the space.

For more information on how to use the space, email - info@stagenorwich.org.uk - or phone - 01603 926640.  

Check out the Expanded History!

Many thanks to Stuart McLaren for his help in putting together a wonderful write-up on St. Augustine Street!  The history section of the website has a whole new look.  And is much for more reflective of the evolution of our neighbourhood's festival!

Calling St. Augustine Street!

We've been canvassing opinion about the upcoming celebration and we understand that there's a little confusion about what's new this year from last year.  Namely, that difference is St. Augustine - the amazing jewel of a street just behind Anglia Square!

Due to popular demand, we've expanded the venue of this year's celebration and will be hosting several events along St. Augustine including such places as the St. Augustine Church and Community Hall and The St. Augustine's Gateway Enterprise (AKA "The Stage").

So, not only will this celebration take place along Magdalen Street as it did last year, but it will also be linked to St. Augustine Street!

If you are in that area or know anyone who is and might have interest, please let us know!

You will be missed, Roy!

MAC is saddened by news this week of the passing of a dedicated festival supporter.  Roy Ruggles, 64, died this week following a short struggle with cancer.  Since the first year of its inception, Roy, manager of Anglia Square, took a great interest in the festival, contributing a many spaces for the activities.

He will be remembered fondly and greatly missed!

Participant Form Available

Whether you are a performer, charity, or volunteer, there's a place for you!  Download a Participant Form now and make your interest known.

Not sure how you fit in? Join us one week from tonight - Tuesday 31 July - at our monthly meeting: Community Hall behind St. Augustine Church, beginning at 7pm.

Remember that this is YOUR festival!

Next Planning Meeting Tuesday 31 July

Come one and all!!!

We meet to discuss and arrange plans for this year's celebration every last Tuesday of the month. The next meet is Tuesday, 31st July 2012 at St. Augustine's Church Hall which is just behind St. Augustine's Church on the corner of St. Augustine's and Pitt Street.

All volunteers and curiosity seekers are welcome to join us. Come laden with ideas, talents, practical skills or simply your enthusiasm to make this year's event even more wonderful than the last!

7pm | Tuesday 31st July 2012
@ St. Augustine's Church Hall, Norwich NR3 1DS | Map

Calling All Community Members!

Did you know that the Magdalen-Augustine Celebration is the hard work of dedicated neighbors, enterprising businesses, and enthusiastic community groups?  It's true!  Unlike many other festivals around Norwich, MAC is put on without a major foundation or government host.

This is the third year in a row that the celebration will take place and it's reach is expanding due to popular demand; however, we absolutely cannot do it without community involvement.

If you are a business, property owner, and community group along Magdalen or St. Augustine, let us know how you would like to be involved.  What would you like to see at the festival this year?  How can we involve you to continue the reach and diversity of the festival?

Send us an email at magdalenstreet@gmail.com.  Or, better yet: join us this Tuesday night at St. Augustine Church at 7pm!

Next Planning Meeting Tuesday 26 June

We will be meeting to discuss and arrange plans for this year's celebration every last Tuesday of the month. The next meet is this Tuesday, 26th June 2012 at St. Augustine's Church Hall which is just behind St. Augustine's Church on the corner of St. Augustine's and Pitt Street.

All volunteers and curiosity seekers are welcome to join us. Come laden with ideas, talents, practical skills or simply your enthusiasm to make this year's event even more wonderful than the last!

7pm | Tuesday 26th June 2012
@ St. Augustine's Church Hall, Norwich NR3 1DS | Map

MAC Tweets!

Magdalen-Augustine Celebration now has a Twitter feed to keep everyone up to date on festival planning.  Follow us @MagAugCeleb to stay current!

Celebration 2012 - We Need YOU!

Yes, the Queen may be celebrating another anniversary and London may be hosting the Olympic Games but nevermind all that corporate sponsored shennanigans. Community and street parties are the way to go and down on the street, where the real people (that's you and me) live, the community event of the year, for Norwich anyway, will take place in October. Yes, the Magdalen Street celebration is back for a 3rd year of festivities, hoorah! And this time, we've expanded our horizons and joined forces with the lovely, creative folk of neighbouring St. Augustine's - so get ready for an extra special Magdalen-Augustine Celebration!

As usual, no party is complete without super-excited party-goers and top-notch entertainment; so dust off those dancing shoes, paintbrushes, song-sheets etc. and let us know how you, your shop, service, school, band, group of eager friends and family would like to be involved. Help us make this year's celebration the wonderful success you deserve it to be!

Contact us to get involved -
Email: magdalenstreet@gmail.com | Tel: 07964 494836 | Facebook Page
Complete the Participant Application Form here and email it back to us.

UPDATE! We will be meeting at The Stage [St. Augustine's Gateway Enterprise], 52 St. Augustine's Street, Norwich NR3 3AD this Tuesday 29th May [and every last Tuesday of the month] from 7pm. Come join us.