Talented performers from around the world are starting to arrive in Norfolk as a huge 17-day festival returns with hundreds of events.

The Norfolk and Norwich Festival runs from Friday, May 12 until Sunday, May 28 in locations across the city and county.

Many of the events are free, including the Welcome Weekend programme on May 13 and 14.

Norwich Evening News: Dulce Duca will perform her comedy juggling act over the Welcome Weekend of Norfolk and Norwich Festival Picture: Denise BradleyDulce Duca will perform her comedy juggling act over the Welcome Weekend of Norfolk and Norwich Festival Picture: Denise Bradley (Image: Nesquest)

This includes comedy juggling from Dulce Duca in the NUA courtyard at various times and on Thursday she previewed her act at Norwich Station - with Greater Anglia the festival travel partners.  

READ MORE: 7 of the best free events to go to during the Norfolk and Norwich Festival

The main launch event this weekend is Gorilla Circus' Unity performance, with an aerial spectacular in Chapelfield Gardens at 9pm on Saturday. 

Norwich Evening News: Gorilla Circus will perform aerial stunts in Festival Gardens Picture: David Street Gorilla Circus will perform aerial stunts in Festival Gardens Picture: David Street (Image: David Street)

Chapelfield Gardens will be temporarily renamed Festival Gardens for 17 days and it boasts the huge Adnams Spiegeltent, bars and street food traders.

The main performance in the Spiegeltent this year comes from the Australian circus troupe Le Coup, who will perform from May 17 to 28 at various times. 

Norwich Evening News: The Adnams Spiegeltent lit up for the Norfolk and Norwich Festival Picture: Andi SapeyThe Adnams Spiegeltent lit up for the Norfolk and Norwich Festival Picture: Andi Sapey (Image: Andi Sapey)

The members will compete and challenge each other with amazing circus skills, fire breathing, daring aerial feats, tap dancing and acrobatics.

Daniel Brine, artistic director and chief executive of the N&N Festival, said: "There are so many great things, starting with the Welcome Weekend with free street arts taking over the city.

READ MORE: 9 major events at the Norfolk and Norwich Festival 2023

Norwich Evening News: Daniel Brine, N&N Festival artistic directive and chief executive, is promising an unforgettable 17 days Picture:Denise Bradley Daniel Brine, N&N Festival artistic directive and chief executive, is promising an unforgettable 17 days Picture:Denise Bradley (Image: Newsquest)

"New this year, we have a tiny secret venue tucked behind the Spiegeltent called the Speakeasy with spoken word performances.

"There is something for everyone in the programme - from families enjoying free events over the launch weekend to late-night Spiegeltent gigs for adults." 

See the full programme and book tickets at nnfestival.org.uk

If you are aged between 18-25, you can become a YoungNNF Member for free, which offers tickets for £7.50 to almost every event and free tickets to chamber music concerts.