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BBC News
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
McFly fans queue early in Norwich for Rock N Roll Circus
Festival-goers queued from as early as 05:00 BST to bag a front row space to see McFly headline the first day of new music and circus than 7,000 people descended on Earlham Park in Norwich for the start of the Rock N Roll began on Thursday, runs until Saturday and about 20,000 music fans are expected across the three days. Among those at the front was Jan Mulder, 30, who said: "It's nice to be able to come and enjoy something locally and not have to go miles." He said he had only faced a 30-minute journey to get to the festival, although he was not up as early as some dedicated McFly fans."I started queuing from 11 o'clock this morning... I like the barrier spot, I like to bring the energy to the front row and I like something to lean on."They've been around since I was a wee nipper... regardless if you're a fan or not, live they are just incredible," he said. Pop-rockers McFly - who are Tom Fletcher, Danny Jones, Harry Judd and Dougie Poynter - rose to fame in 2004 and had hits including All About You, Star Girl and Five Colours in Her Hair. Connie Stephens, 30, from London, was one of the first in the queue, arriving at 04:45. "This will be my 170th McFly gig."I've seen them since I was eight years old. I am really excited."They've helped me through some really tough times and they are just genuinely the most nicest boys ever." Some fans even travelled from abroad to see their favourite band. Laura Hadzopoulos, 28, a Miss Universe Switzerland finalist, donned her beauty pageant sash as she waited in the crowd. "I love the group and I wanted to see McFly in person... I travelled from Switzerland to be here... I loved it."We travelled yesterday and we are visiting with my sister. It's a lovely city here." It is the first time the festival, which also features internationally recognised circus performers, has come to Norwich. Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
BBC News
11-08-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Olly Murs 'looking forward' to Norwich city festival slot
Olly Murs says he is looking forward to headlining a new music and circus festival. Rock 'n' Roll Circus will take place from Thursday to Saturday at Earlham Park, Norwich. Over the weekend, Murs will take the stage alongside McFly, Sam Ryder, and Scouting For Girls. "I think it's been 10 years since I've done a show in Norwich, so I'm looking forward to it," he said. The festival, which director Ali O'Reilly says is based on a travelling circus, is also taking place in Sheffield at the end of August. Saturday's headline slot marks 10 years since Murs' last show in Norfolk. "I think I've done quite a few shows in Norwich, from my first theatre tour to Carrow Road with JLS, to Radio 1's Big Weekend... I've done it quite a few times," he said. 'Bit of a joker' Murs, from Witham, Essex, said his family would visit Norfolk on holiday when he was a child. "As I'm from East Anglia, I do feel like it's nice to come home really and do these sorts of gigs... I miss being round that neck of the woods," he said."We used to do staycations, particularly in Great Yarmouth... We used to go there quite a lot. I remember doing Norfolk quite a bit."On the festival, Murs said: "I don't think I'm rock, I don't think I've got any rolls underneath my top at the moment, but I'm a bit of a joker and a bit of a clown."I'm definitely going to bring the entertainment vibe to the circus." The festival will feature performances from internationally known circus acts, and workshops from Norwich's Oak Circus Centre. Ms O'Reilly said: "Norwich has a rich cultural heritage, a proven love for live music... We're really excited to be coming."It's not just a music festival; the circus element is integral to the show." 'Creating a community' Ms O'Reilly said organisers were excited to see the festival come to life in Norwich."Earlham Park is an incredible setting. We were blown away by how beautiful it was and the connections and proximity to the city centre," she said."It's hard launching a new event, in a new location, but how Rock 'n' Roll Circus has been received in Norfolk has been brilliant."We've invested a lot in creating a community in the region and we're excited to bring it back again in 2026, so watch this space." Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
