Norwich is home to the largest collection of medieval churches in Northern Europe, with 31 Grade I listed medieval churches.

Made possible by National Lottery players, the Flintspiration project run by the Norwich Historic Churches Trust (NHCT), will hold over 50 special events, encouraging visitors to explore Norfolk’s ecclesiastical treasures. The project aims to increase the sustainability of the city's churches by opening them up to a wider audience.

Taking place from Saturday 28 April to Monday 1 May, the festival’s medieval-themed events include drop-in circus workshops, exhibitions, demonstrations of traditional crafts, music and theatre performances, family activities and themed trails and guided walks – including Flintspiration and Perspiration, a guided run around some of the city’s historic churches.

Outstanding medieval heritage

During the medieval period, Norwich was England’s second largest city and it retains an extraordinary amount of its medieval heritage, including its street pattern, cathedral, castle keep, guild hall and city wall.

[quote=Robyn Llewellyn, Head of HLF East of England]“We’re delighted that money raised by National Lottery players can support Norwich Historic Churches Trust to promote and share the city’s outstanding medieval heritage.”[/quote]

Last year HLF awarded £68,400 to the NHCT for Flintspiration to raise public awareness of Norwich’s churches and to improve accessibility to them. The Trust has worked with a range of partners, including the Diocese of Norwich, Norwich Cathedral, a team of volunteers and the University of East Anglia, who will be carrying out research as part of their Medieval Churches Survey.

Robyn Llewellyn, Head of HLF East of England, said: “We’re delighted that money raised by National Lottery players can support NHCT to promote and share the city’s outstanding medieval heritage.

"This eclectic selection of events will introduce new audiences to Norwich’s wonderful churches, showing off the buildings’ many treasures and fascinating stories.”

The project will also explore the sites of the 27 lost medieval churches of Norwich.

To find out more, visit Flintspiration’s website.