Local and major international artists alike make a spectacular line-up for the Norfolk & Norwich Festival 2005. The festival got off to a flying start on Wednesday 4 May with a performance from Transe Express, a French company featuring aerial acrobatics and airborne musicians on a huge mobile dangled above the crowd! The programme will include performances from some of the world's most talented and renowned artists including Lhasa, who has just won the highly acclaimed BBC Radio World Music Award and the accomplished folk singer June Tabor. Classical and jazz  | | Joshua Redman |
The highlights for classical music fans include appearances from Emma Johnson, Alexander Balanescu, the Festival Chorus with the Britten Sinfonia and a gala concert featuring the Russian State Symphony Orchestra and special guest Nikolai Demidenko. The jazz programme is headlined by singing sensation Clare Teal, it features saxophonist Joshua Redman and includes a performance from Jacques Loussier. Famous around the world for his jazz adaptations of the works of Bach, Loussier has also composed more than a hundred scores for the cinema and television, including the famous Hamlet cigar advert. More than just music Keen to offer more than just a musical line up, this year's festival programme also includes a number of events led by performance, video and installation art. "I am delighted to have been able to continue with a strong music programme featuring the best in jazz, world, classical, contemporary and chamber music," said new festival director Jonathan Holloway. "However I also really wanted to add a new element of outdoor spectacle, work in unusual spaces and free events to enable the festival to be enjoyed by all... and hope that it gives new and energizing experiences to the people of the region," he added.  | | Gob Squad |
The so called 'left field' events include the Berlin-based video artists Gob Squad who will be making a film created in the streets of Norwich an hour before the film is aired on stage! Other highlight include Canadian artist Janet Cardiff. She will be installing her sound sculpture Forty-Part Motet, a work based on Tallis’ Spem in Alium, at St Peter Parmentergate Church. Stephen Mottram presents The Seed Carriers, his award-winning work of adult puppet theatre at the Norwich Puppet Theatre and the Luminarium, a massive inflated sculpture, will be erected in Chapelfield Gardens. Norfolk's Nimmo Twins are performing in a three night run at the Norwich Playhouse, celebrating a decade of comedy based on poking fun at Norfolk and Norwich - and the acclaimed Highland Fling by Matthew Bourne can be seen at the Norwich Theatre Royal. The Norfolk and Norwich Festival 2005 runs until Sunday 15 May, when it culminates in a free family day down St George's Street and the Tombland Area. | 
