What an extraordinary evening! On Friday, 5th December, Norwich Castle opened its newly restored great halls for our inaugural Christmas at the Castle celebration, and it exceeded all expectations. This wasn’t just another festive gathering; this was Norwich history brought to life, an unforgettable night of elegance, entertainment, and exceptional company within one of Europe’s most spectacular Norman keeps.
To dine within the ancient walls of Norwich Castle, in the very halls where King Henry I once celebrated Christmas in 1121, was nothing short of spectacular. Yes, the medieval stone walls brought a chill to the air at times, but that was a small price to pay for the privilege of experiencing such a unique and memorable setting. The soaring Norman architecture and the sense of stepping back through centuries of history combined to create something truly magical that simply cannot be replicated in any modern venue.
But whilst the castle provided the breathtaking backdrop, it was the company that made the evening truly special. We were blessed with both an incomparable historic setting and wonderful guests who brought warmth, laughter, and festive spirit to every corner of the great hall.
Rory Bremner made a long-lasting impression
The evening’s entertainment was provided by the legendary Rory Bremner, and what a performance it was! Rory’s razor-sharp wit and masterful impressions had the entire room captivated. His take on Donald Trump was pitch-perfect, Sir Keir Starmer and Boris Johnson were equally brilliant, offering both comedy and commentary in that inimitable Bremner style. From political satire to cultural observations, Rory delivered a truly outstanding performance that perfectly complemented the grandeur of our setting.
Musical Magic from Kavolini
The evening was elevated further by the beautiful sounds of Kavolini String Quartet, whose exquisite performances provided the perfect soundtrack to our celebration. From the moment guests arrived in the Rotunda for the drinks reception, the quartet created an enchanting atmosphere that continued throughout dinner in the Castle Keep.
The quartet’s skill in blending classical elegance with contemporary favourites created a sophisticated yet accessible musical backdrop that perfectly suited the occasion.
Thanks again to our sponsors
We are immensely grateful to our sponsors – Mills & Reeve, Norwich Research Park, Price Bailey, Swarm, and the University of East Anglia, whose generous backing made this event possible. It was wonderful to see them hosting their guests throughout the evening, and their support has been instrumental in bringing this event to life. Thank you for believing in this celebration and for your continued partnership with Norfolk Chambers.
Salute to the Castle Team
A special thank you goes to the Norwich Castle team, for whom this was their first banquet in the newly restored keep – though certainly not the first banquet these walls have witnessed! Particular recognition must go to Yan Pitman, the castle’s in-house historian and medieval knight, who welcomed every guest with such enthusiasm and authenticity, immediately transporting us back to the Norman era. The entire team worked tirelessly to ensure the evening ran seamlessly, and their passion for this historic building shone through in every detail.
Memories captured in the Castle Keep
Thank you to Matt Brasnett from I Do Photography, who did an exceptional job capturing the elegance and atmosphere of the evening. Everyone looked absolutely stunning in their finery – the black-tie attire and beautiful gowns complemented the grandeur of the setting perfectly. This was an evening of true elegance, and Matt’s photographs have preserved those moments beautifully.
Please take a moment to browse through the full gallery below to relive the night. High-resolution photographs are available to purchase directly from the I Do Photography website, perfect for keeping your own memories of this special occasion.
A toast to our guests
To each and every guest who joined us on the night – thank you. You made Christmas at the Castle the success it was. Your presence, your laughter, your festive spirit, and your willingness to embrace something truly different created an atmosphere that will be talked about for months to come. It was a privilege to celebrate with you all.
