Organisers of one of the city's traditional Christmas Day dinners are expecting to be busier than ever amid the cost of living crisis.

Norwich Open Christmas has been offering lonely, homeless or people in need a day of traditional celebration on Christmas Day for more than 30 years and is expecting some 500 people this year.  

The event is free for anyone but geared towards those in need who would rather spend the day making new friendships, with transport even on offer.  

Norwich Evening News: Many people make friendships and its always a special day Many people make friendships and its always a special day (Image: Newsquest)

Bill Ashton, chairman of the charity's trustees, said: “In an ideal world, we would not need to do this, but it is not an ideal world and there are a lot of people who are sadly alone, homeless or in need.  

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“While there are a lot of charities who do this all year round, we want to ensure Christmas can be special for all.” 

Norwich Evening News: Bill Ashton, chair of trustees at Norwich Open ChristmasBill Ashton, chair of trustees at Norwich Open Christmas (Image: Newsquest)

Organisers will peel 90 kilos of potatoes and cook a minimum of 30 turkeys and 800 pigs in blankets.

The day begins at 11am as attendees are welcomed with tea and coffee, with each person offered a traditional Christmas lunch with turkey and all the trimmings.  

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The event even has entertainment throughout the afternoon including singers, musicians and bingo.  

Norwich Evening News: The day is ran by volunteers The day is ran by volunteers (Image: Newsquest)

People are offered free winter clothes such as coats and jumpers and leave with a goodie bag with several days' worth of food. 

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Bill added: “We are calling on the public to donate clothes to us, with the cost of living being what it is we expect people to be in great need of warm clothes.  

Norwich Evening News: There is entertainment throughout the afternoon There is entertainment throughout the afternoon (Image: Newsquest)

“By donating people can really help someone in need this Christmas.”  

This year's event will once again take place in St Andrew's Hall, but the location of the 2024 event is unknown as The Halls is due to be closed for crucial repairs.