Iona Goodall

Las Gidi, a new two-floor Afro-lounge restaurant, will open at 114 Timberhill in Norwich's Castle Quarter on August 22. The venue will offer small plates and tapas-style dishes from across West, East and Southern Africa, along with regionally inspired cocktails, private-hire spaces and a balcony. The opening is expected to create around 20 jobs and add a distinctive African food and hospitality option to Norwich.

Norwich-based First Bus driver Gareth Hughes has reached the finals of the 2026 Bus Driver of the Year awards. He was selected among 10 drivers from First Bus depots in the East of England and the Midlands following assessments of driving performance, technical skills, customer interaction and feedback. Hughes will compete against 106 finalists from across the UK in Blackpool on September 6.

An amber heat health alert covers Norfolk from 9 a.m. Monday, August 3, to 9 a.m. Wednesday, August 5, with temperatures expected to reach 30–31°C in areas including Norwich, Thetford and Diss. The UK Health Security Agency warned of heightened risks for older people, those with health conditions and other vulnerable residents, as well as possible power demand increases, travel disruption and water-related incidents. The alert comes amid a flash drought caused by low rainfall and high temperatures, while Anglian Water's hosepipe ban remains in effect.

Norfolk Constabulary is searching for 18-year-old Ronnie Godden after he failed to appear at Norwich Crown Court and allegedly breached his bail conditions. Godden has links to Norwich and King's Lynn and is believed to have travelled to the West Midlands. Police are asking anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact them.

Norfolk Police are searching for 43-year-old Lee Mallett, who has links to Norwich, South Norfolk and Lowestoft, after he allegedly breached the terms of his licence and was wanted on recall to prison. He is described as 5ft 11in, stocky, with brown hair and a beard. Police are asking anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact them, quoting reference 36/7431/26.

A car overturned in the Chantry Place underground car park in Norwich, prompting police, firefighters and multiple ambulance units to respond. One person was taken to hospital for assessment, and crews worked to secure the scene and arrange vehicle recovery.

Members of the British royal family made several visits across Norfolk in 2026, with Queen Camilla visiting the homelessness charity Emmaus Norfolk and Waveney, Princess Anne attending the Royal Norfolk Show, and Prince William touring mental health and hospital facilities. King Charles III made multiple appearances at the Sandringham Estate, supporting community events such as Parkrun and preparing to attend the estate’s first Royal Horticultural Society show with Queen Camilla. The visits highlighted local charities, community initiatives, and longstanding royal traditions.