3 October 2025
Spirits Stir as NO/WHERE Festival Returns
to North Walsham at the Black Swan Theatre
Something strange is coming back to life in North Walsham. From Thursday 23 October to Saturday 1 November, the long-dormant NO/WHERE Festival will rise again, filling the Black Swan Theatre and its courtyard with eerie stories, strange characters, live music, laughter and Halloween mischief for all ages.
Once a staple of the town’s cultural calendar, NO/WHERE disappeared for nearly a decade. Now it’s returning with a thrilling mix of events that promise to enchant, entertain, and occasionally unnerve.
Things kick off on Thursday 23 October with Pub Tales (7.30pm, £9.50), a raucous, true-to-life storytelling show from comedy-musician Chris Sainton-Clark, fresh from a sell-out tour of New Zealand. His tales from behind the bar are as hilarious as they are relatable—perfect for opening night laughs.
Then on Saturday 25 October, the theatre spills outdoors for the Smugglers’ Lantern Fair (3–9pm), a free family-friendly afternoon of live music, hot dogs, mulled cider, craft stalls, with a craft fayre 3-7pm and a lantern parade at 6pm. Pirate and smuggler costumes are strongly encouraged. Free lantern making workshops for children and their families take place on 15th October (4-6pm) and Saturday 18 October (2-4pm) in the theatre.
Joseph Ballard, director, said:
“It’s all about creating a magical atmosphere and the courtyard will be glowing with people dressed up, sea shanties from North Walsham People’s Choir at the Parade at 6pm. We want to encourage everyone to come along dressed up, to honour our town’s history of smugglers.”
On Monday 27 October, the Black Swan theatre transforms into a jazz lounge for Jazz Nite with SaxWorld (6pm, £12), showcasing the talents of local and regional saxophonists of all ages in a relaxed, wine-sipping, toe-tapping setting.
As Halloween draws near, the atmosphere intensifies. Families can join the Halloween Party on Thursday 30 October(3–5pm, £5 each), hosted by DJ Barrie Thornton and packed with games, dancing, and fancy dress competitions for the little monsters.
For those seeking real chills, the North Walsham Ghost Walks take place on Wednesday 29 and Thursday 30 October, delving into the town’s haunted past on foot. Walks are led by Joseph and start at twilight—check the website for times and booking.
Meanwhile, horror fans can step into a time warp at the VHS Horror Film Festival on Thursday 30 October, starting at 6pm and running late into the night. With a line-up of cult classics straight from the video store era—complete with dodgy tracking and buckets of fake blood—this free 18+ event invites you to grab a drink, settle in and prepare for a scream or two!
The spooky fun continues with a Halloween Karaoke Party in the pub on Friday 31 October from 7.30pm. This free event promises themed cocktails, costume prizes, and all the karaoke classics your haunted heart desires.
Finally, on Saturday 1 November, NO/WHERE ends on a high (and weird) note with the return of Covert Cabaret.
With a mix of professional performers, community contributors and plenty of local flair, the return of the NO/WHERE Festival has been long overdue.
Joseph continued: “It’s not just about Halloween, it’s about bringing people together, making memories, and letting imagination take over immersed in the quirkiness of live events and our town’s history!”
Tickets and full event details are on our What’s On page here.
Looking ahead to Christmas, this year’s family Christmas pantomime – Jack and the Beanstalk – runs 21–28 December, as voted by the public. Early booking is strongly advised for this popular Christmas tradition for the town.
Booking & More Info:
Tickets and full event listings are available online or in person at the Black Swan pub (no booking fees apply). Free What’s On brochures are available from the venue.
The Black Swan is a family-friendly, inclusive space run as a community interest company, with support from staff and volunteers. Landlord Joseph Ballard also volunteers his time as landlord and director of New Stages to help grow community spirit through arts and culture in North Walsham.
New Stages 