One of Europe's best-preserved mediaeval cities, Norwich has the most pre-reformation churches in northern Europe, two cathedrals and a Norman castle, still standing guard over the city to this day (and now a museum). The city's many ancient churches - many of them now used as arts centres and galleries - are still an imposing presence. Until the 18th century, Norwich was England's 'second city', a rich and flourishing centre with important trade links with the Netherlands, its closest continental neighbour.

Norwich is one of the UK's top five shopping destinations, with everything from the usual high-street stores in its two malls to an impressive and diverse selection of independent clothing, art and record shops which line its labyrinthine network of cobbled lanes. Having embraced 'café culture' long before it was just a useful marketing exercise for the coffee house multinationals, the city is awash with interesting, atmospheric cafés, bars and places to eat.

It's worth extending your stay after the festival in order to explore the Norfolk countryside surrounding Norwich, where narrow country lanes pick their way through rolling cornfields and remote hamlets, descending to some of the most beautiful coastline in the UK.

For more information about Norwich and the surrounding region, go to the Visit Norwich site or Visit Norfolk for more about the countryside and county of Norfolk.