07/09/22: Thousands turn out for successful Thetford Stage and Screen programme

A cinema and theatre programme has been hailed a success after it brought hundreds of people from across Norfolk to Thetford. Well over 2000 film and drama fans came to town to enjoy the four-day event, which saw theatre shows and free outside cinema screening held in the picturesque surroundings of Thetford Priory and alongside the River Ouse.

Breckland Council funded the Stage and Screen Summer 2022 programme, in partnership with Thetford Town Council, to bring together local communities, attract visitors to the town and support local businesses.

The series of events, which took place at the end of August, included free outside cinema for two days next to the beautiful river Ouse in the heart of the town. Cinema fans danced away to Mamma Mia! and the Greatest Showman, whilst younger audiences soaked up Disney's award-winning Encanto and Lion King. Over both days, a range of street food vendors were on hand, promoting local food producers including Roasty's and the Puddin Shack.

Following the outside cinema events at Thetford Riverside, Thetford Priory provided a magnificent backdrop for Chapterhouse Theatre company who presented two outside theatre productions of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet and panto family favourite Cinderella. Over 600 people attended the theatre performances over the two days.

Cllr Paul Claussen, Executive Member for Economic Development and Growth at Breckland Council, commented: "I am delighted to see how popular the Stage and Screen Summer events have been. The programme offered a fantastic opportunity for Thetford to welcome visitors from across the area and highlighted the very best the town, from picturesque riverside settings, fantastic local businesses and showcasing Thetford's rich history. This programme is part of the council's ongoing Thriving Places commitment, to support the district and its local businesses and ensure our towns are vibrant places to live and visit."