Writer and comedian Arthur Smith speaking at the UEA City of Interculture weekend. Photo: Bill Smith

Comedian and Grumpy Old Man Arthur Smith made his first of two appearances in Norwich yesterday as part of an event celebrating the city’s multi-culturalism.

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The former University of East Anglia student did a 45-minute performance in The Curve in The Forum, covering subjects from the importance of comedy in Britain and the role of cultural stereotypes.

It was part of the Norwich City of Interculture two-day event, which continues today.

It aims to celebrate the many different cultures living side by side in Norwich and Norfolk.

During his talk, Mr Smith, who will return for another performance today, said: “Different countries cherish different things. In France, they cherish the intellect.

“We cherish comedians in a way they’re not cherished abroad. There’s a huge industry in comedy.

“Comedy is big money. It’s sexy.”

To prove his point, the comedian went on to tell a series of jokes, prompting two members of the audience to cry out: “Arthur, we love you.”

Mr Smith’s appearance was one of a number of talks, activities and events taking place at The Forum to celebrate culture in Norwich.

Organised by the UEA’s school of language and communication studies, it features a host of free public lectures, exhibitions and language taster sessions.

Edward Acton, the university’s vice chancellor, said Norwich’s cultural-diversity was not always fully recognised.

He said the city’s rich history owed much to the many different people who have lived here.

“In the past, Norwich received waves of refugees. They had a big impact on the way we think and our architecture. Norwich Cathedral’s construction was largely by people from other countries.”

The UEA itself is contributing greatly to city’s ever-growing mixture of cultures with students from more than 100 countries currently studying at the Norwich campus.

Prof Acton added: “Norwich is a very welcoming city, from the taxi drivers to the landlords.”

Today’s programme of events include a lecture by Hazel Marsh called “What have the Gypsies ever done for us” at 2.30pm in The Curve, a workshop on subtitling at 10.45am in The Cube, and Mr Smith’s repeat performance at 4.45pm in The Curve.

In the main atrium of The Forum, there will be activities including origami and language taster sessions throughout the day. Organiser Ilse van der Velden, a language lecturer at the UEA, said all the events and activities were free.

She said: “We wanted to make sure it was a community oriented project.

“There is a series of lectures, creative workshops and even free language tasters – it’s not something that happens often.”

To see a clip from Arthur Smith’s talk, visit www.iwitness24.co.uk.

Are you hosting an unusual event in Norwich? Email newsdesk@archant.co.uk