Rock N Roll Circus Norwich has expanded to four days, in August 2026, with James confirmed for the NEW Opening Night, along with Razorlight and The K’s.
For 2026, Rock N Roll Circus Norwich is expanding in spectacular fashion, with organisers confirming the festival will now open a day earlier – transforming the August event into a full four-day celebration at Earlham Park from 20th to 23rd August.
The newly added Thursday opening night on 20th August will be headlined by Manchester legends James, joined by indie favourites Razorlight and chart-topping Merseyside four-piece The K’s. Headlining the new date, James remains one of the UK’s most enduring and beloved live bands. With a career spanning more than four decades, their catalogue includes era-defining anthems such as Sit Down, Laid, She’s A Star and Come Home. Known for emotionally charged performances and a deep connection with their audiences, the band continue to sell out arenas and headline major festivals across the UK and Europe. Their
appearance at Earlham Park marks a major moment for our Fine City and sets the tone for what promises to be a landmark weekend of live music in Norwich.
Joining them are Razorlight, whose breakthrough hits including Golden Touch, America and Somewhere Else helped define mid-2000s British guitar music, and The K’s, who arrive in Norwich with serious momentum. Their debut album I Wonder If the World Knows? entered the UK Albums Chart at number three in 2024, while follow-up Pretty On The Internet secured a UK number one. Having supported Liam Gallagher and Blossoms, and played to more than 250,000 fans in 2024 alone, The K’s have rapidly established themselves as one of the most exciting young bands on the live circuit.
Further artists across Thursday – and the rest of the four-day weekend – will be announced too.
This expansion strengthens what is already shaping up to be one of the standout live music weekends in East Anglia this summer. Across the festival, audiences can expect major headline performances from The Streets, The Kooks and Madness, and album celebrations, alongside the immersive circus experience that has quickly made Rock N Roll Circus one of the UK’s most distinctive live events.
Festival Director Ali O’Reilly said: “Bringing James to open our expanded four-day weekend in Norwich feels incredibly special. They are one of the great British live bands. Their songs are timeless and their back catalogue means a lot to so many people. To have a band of that stature launching the festival sets the bar high from the very first night. Paired with Razorlight and The K’s, it’s a brilliant mix. Norwich embraced Rock N Roll Circus in a huge way last year, and 2026 is going to be bigger, louder and more immersive than ever.”
Rock N Roll Circus continues to offer far more than a traditional festival experience. Alongside the world-class live music, audiences can expect immersive circus entertainment throughout the site, from aerialists and acrobats to fire performers and theatrical pop-up moments. The main stage sits beneath the festival’s signature Big Top, creating an intimate, high-energy atmosphere while ensuring performances remain weather-proof.
VIP upgrades are available, offering fast-track entry, exclusive viewing areas, private bars, premium food options and upgraded facilities.
With four days now confirmed and further announcements to follow, Rock N Roll Circus Norwich 2026 is set to deliver one of the biggest live music weekends in the region this summer.
Rock N Roll Circus Norwich takes place at Earlham Park from Thursday 20th to Sunday 23rd August 2026.
Want to see what other festivals are happening in Norfolk this summer? Check out our guide to festivals in Norfolk.
