Bo Nanafana

What. A. Night!!

This was a couple of first's for me. The first time I'd shot in a nightclub (such hard work, hats off to Rod Penn, the resident Bo Nanafana photographer!), and perhaps rather ashamedly, my first ever Bo Nanafana!  If you've lived in or around Norwich long enough you've probably been to at least one in your time. If not, then let me tell you you're missing out.

Regularly held at The Talk, the nights are themed with titles such as Ju Ju Jamboree to Carry on Swinging. But always with one thing in common, dressing up and having fun!

Tonight's theme was Tropicana with a very Cuban rhythm.  Held in the magnificent Spiegeltent as part of the Norwich & Norfolk Festival tickets sold out months in advance and the doors opened to a long queue of festival goers and Bo regulars all decked out in feathers, flowers and fedoras.

Love this guy! This is the second time I've encountered magician Bob Percy, and he never fails to impress. Seriously, if you're having a party, hire him... you're guests will thank you.

Nights always start with a quick dance lesson dependant on the nights theme. So no excuse not to get down later...

Outside in the Spiegel gardens guests lounged under the stars while DJ's played all night and the Relish boys served up the most incredible gourmet burgers (my venison burger may have saved my life from the late night tequila session...).

And the highlight of the evening? The one and only Cuban Brothers! I caught them once years ago playing in Shoreditch, but they just get better and better. I've never seen so many smiles in one room. Love love love these guys x

Somewhere in here is Helen Stoneley, one of the Bo Nanafana directors and the lady who invited me and my camera along for the evening. Thanks Helen, I had the best night x

Keep your eyes peeled for the next Bo, back at The Talk. You can bet I'll be there... x

Clutter City

On a sunny Saturday in April I decided to take my camera down to Norwich Arts Centre and spend the day with Clutter City.  Having popped in on many occasions I knew what to expect, but this is the first time I spent an entire day there, and the first time I realised just how much talent there is under that little church roof.

Clutter City is a local arts and craft fair organised by Kelly Robb and this April saw it's 3rd Birthday (hence balloons... everywhere!).  Every corner from the grassy entrance, through the hallways, and right up onto the stage, is crammed with handmade goodness. From jewellery, to screen prints, cakes to clothing, stuffed puppets to, well you get it - pretty much everything.  

Many stall holders have now become regulars and it's not hard to see why. The place is buzzing all day, the atmosphere relaxed and almost that of a harmonious family. People come to browse, chat and shop. And when they've had their fill there's still the NAC cafe bar which hosts live music all day.  

I had the best day and stayed long after the last stall had packed up and gone home. In fact I had such a day I've decided to take part in the next Clutter City on 2 July.  'Doing what?' you say... well you'll just have to pop along and see :D

I came across Tawny Owl and the Birds Of Prey playing in the bar. You must hunt them down!

ps : Sadly I don't know every stall holder and didn't want to add a few random links.  But if you are a Clutter City stall holder, please by all means send me your link and I'll add  a list.  Hope to see you all on July 2 x