Writer to celebrate 900 years of city's market

13 hours ago

Neve Gordon-Farleigh

News image — Norwich Market is said to be one of the oldest open-air markets in the UK

Getty Images Coloured striped roofs of market stalls on Norwich market in the middle of the city. — Norwich Market is said to be one of the oldest open-air markets in the UK

A writer is hoping to capture the colour and vibrancy of a city's market as its 900th anniversary is celebrated.

Acclaimed poet John Osborne has been chosen as a resident writer in a project to celebrate Norwich Market's heritage and history.

The poems will run alongside theatre performances by The Common Lot, entitled On The Huh!: 900 years of Norwich Market, due to take place from 21 to 26 July, after the market has closed for the evening.

Osborne, from Norwich, said he was always struck by the market's beauty whenever he visited.

The city was recently hailed as the best place to live in the UK by The Sunday Times, receiving praise for its character and landmarks, including its castle and market.

With more than 190 stalls, the market is said to be one of the oldest open-air markets in the UK.

Norwich City Council has been working on plans to redevelop the space and revamp its "ageing infrastructure".

Proposals put forward have included a central court seating area for food and a covered arcade.

John Osborne John Osborne, who has curly ginger/brown hair, is smiling and looking thoughtfully away from the camera. He is seated and wearing a blue checked shirt. His right hand is partly across his face. — John Osborne said his poems would run alongside a week of performances by theatre group, The Common Lot

Osborne has been installed as resident writer for the project by the National Centre for Writing, also based in the city.

With his notebook, he has been visiting the market to find inspiration and write down everything he experiences.

Getty Images Photo shows Norwich Market between 1955 and 1965. There are many stalls with striped canvas canopies, and in the foreground several cars, bicycles and pedestrians are travelling past. — Norwich Market looks very different in this photograph, taken between 1955 and 1965

Stepping into the residency role "felt too good to be true", he said.

"I've always loved the market but I've never been one of those people who regularly uses the market so this is my opportunity to go there as much as possible," he said.

"I've been there three or four times in the last couple of weeks and every time I've been there I've written something interesting or overheard a really beautiful snapshot of conversation – the market is doing my work for me."

He said his poems would run alongside the theatre performances.

"Word will start to spread. I think the plan of The Common Lot is people will not be able to avoid hearing all about the market and their incredible show," he said.

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