Cinema

Cinema screens abound in Norwich and some of the larger towns are well served too.

As well as the usual national mutlplex chains Norfolk has an independently owned local chain of cinemas (Hollywood) and a number of arts cinemas, including Cinema City in Norwich, where you can watch a refereshing mix of classic, art house and foreign films, as well as new releases, in a very comfortable setting.

Cinema City is a unique venue, housed in a beautiful building notable for its architecture, took almost 5 years to restore and is worth a visit for its architecture and ambience alone. Non film goers can experience the Cinema City building simply by strolling around, or dropping in for tea, coffee or lunch. The cinemas are licensed so drinks can be bought at the bar and taken to screenings.

Although Wymondham's Regal cinema, built in 1937, closed in 1993 the projection room remained largely undisturbed and, supported by a group of enthusiasts, the Regal cinema continues to hold one-day screenings of famous old films shown on the original 1930s projection equipment. Screenings have included a sell-out showing of Born Free, attended by Virginia McKenna.

Occasional film screenings also take place in the rather grand surroundings of the Assembly House in Norwich, where the former Noverre cinema acts as an additional venue.

Norwich is also the venue for Norwich Sound & Vision, a three day music festival, film festival and music and film industry conference featuring expert speakers from around the world. It’s a fantastic opportunity to see some amazing local, national and international artists, engage in some lively debate about the creative industries and learn from industry experts.

Also hosted in Norwich is Aurora, the International Animation Festival. As well as films long and short, Aurora includes installations, live performances, forums and intimate workshops.

The University of East Anglia is home to the East Anglian Film Archive, a film archive housing over 60,000 films and videos on subjects related to the East of England region. Particularly well represented are images of people at work, town and village life, farming and fishing, transport, holidays and family life. The Archive also collects the work of film and video makers in the region, amateur or professional. The oldest moving images date from 1896 and material can be seen at screenings or accessed at one of the archive's locations.

Cinemas within 30 to 40 minutes' drive of White Lodge Farm Cottages are:

• Vue Cinema, Norwich 08712 240240
• Cinema City, Norwich 0871 704 2053
• Hollywood Cinema, Norwich 01603 621903
• Hollywood Cinema, Dereham 08700 663119
• Hollywood Cinema, Fakenham 01328 856466
• Odeon, Norwich 0871 2244 007.

Also: East Anglian Film Archive 01603 592664.