Norwich is set for a summer celebration of live music, circus and entertainment as Rock N Roll Circus returns to Earlham Park from Thursday 20 August to Sunday 23 August 2026.
Bringing together major live acts with high-energy circus performances, the four-day event offers something a little different from the traditional music festival. At its heart is a huge Big Top, where audiences can expect arena-style performances alongside aerialists, acrobats and spectacular circus displays.
The 2026 Norwich edition features a strong line-up of established names, with each evening offering its own headline performance. The combination of live music and circus is at the centre of the experience, creating an atmosphere that is designed to feel more theatrical than a conventional outdoor concert.
Four Nights of Live Music
The festival opens on Thursday 20 August with James taking to the stage. Known for songs including Sit Down and Laid, the Manchester band will headline the opening night and bring decades of alternative rock and indie music to the Big Top.
Friday 21 August sees The Streets take centre stage, with the group performing their acclaimed album A Grand Don’t Come For Free. The album, which was originally released in 2004, helped establish The Streets as one of the defining British acts of the era.
Saturday night belongs to The Kooks, bringing their distinctive indie sound to Earlham Park. The band rose to prominence during the mid-2000s with tracks including Naive and She Moves in Her Own Way and remain a popular fixture on the British live music circuit.
The festival closes on Sunday 23 August with Madness. The legendary British group will headline the final evening, joined by special guests including The Wailers and The Selecter.
With such a varied line-up across the four days, the festival is set to appeal to different generations of music fans, from those returning to the sounds of their youth to younger audiences discovering the acts for the first time.
Circus Meets the Concert
While the music is a major attraction, Rock N Roll Circus is designed to be more than a series of live gigs.
The event combines its headline performances with professional circus entertainment, including aerialists, trapeze artists, acrobats and other gravity-defying acts. Performances take place around the Big Top, adding a visual spectacle to the live music programme.
The circus element is what gives the festival its distinctive identity. Rather than simply watching a band perform on stage, visitors are surrounded by a wider production designed to keep the atmosphere lively throughout the event.
There will also be opportunities for visitors to get involved themselves, with interactive circus skills workshops taking place during the festival. These sessions offer audiences the chance to try their hand at some of the skills used by professional performers.
Food, Drink and Festival Atmosphere
Away from the main performances, Earlham Park will become a festival destination in its own right, with a curated street food and drink village providing plenty of options throughout the day.
Multiple bars will be available, giving visitors places to meet friends and take a break between performances. There are also general admission tickets alongside VIP upgrade options for those looking to make their visit a more premium experience.
The event has been designed to welcome a broad audience, with family-friendly elements included during appropriate hours. Under-16s must be accompanied by an adult, making it possible for families and younger music fans to enjoy parts of the festival together.
A Summer Highlight for Norwich
Rock N Roll Circus brings a different kind of festival experience to Norwich, combining the energy of a major live music event with the spectacle and unpredictability of a circus.
Taking place at Earlham Park, the festival also offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy one of Norwich’s larger green spaces while experiencing four days of entertainment.
With James, The Streets, The Kooks and Madness leading the headline programme, alongside The Wailers, The Selecter and a host of circus performers, the 2026 event promises a packed few days for music and entertainment fans.
From live performances beneath the Big Top to aerial displays, circus workshops, street food and festival drinks, Rock N Roll Circus is set to bring something distinctly different to Norwich this summer.
For anyone looking for a weekend of music with a theatrical twist, Earlham Park will be the place to be from 20 to 23 August.
Location: Earlham Park, Norwich NR4 7TQ
Website: https://www.ueaticketbookings.co.uk/event/rock-n-roll-circus-james/