Happy faces and festive cheer at Norwich Open Christmas' outdoor event

Turkey sandwiches, hot drinks and winter clothes were being handed-out at in the car park of St Andrews Hall today.

Lord Mayor of Norwich Kevin Maguire, Carol Lunney, trustee of Norwich Open Christmas, and Caroline Jarrold, Sherif of Norwich, at Norwich Open Christmas' charity event outside St Andrew's Hall. (Image: Archant 2021)

This comes after the originally planned in-door event was cancelled due to the spread of the Omicron coronavirus variant.

Carol Lunney, trustee of Norwich Open Christmas, said they have served close to 150 people and volunteers also delivered around 100 food packages.

Tony Bown working hard at Norwich Open Christmas' charity event outside St Andrew's Hall. (Image: Archant 2021)

“It has been great. We have allowed people to sit in the hall to eat their takeaways and that’s worked really well. People seem to have had a nice time,” she said.

“It's our 30th year this year and we would have liked to have done our normal Christmas but the fact we have served over 100 people means that was worthwhile.

Members of the public coming to enjoy hot food and drink at Norwich Open Christmas' charity event at St Andrew's Hall. (Image: Archant 2021)

“We only address these problems one day a year, we don’t want to be needed. But while there is a need, we will be here.”

Volunteer Tony Bown (centre) handing out goody bags to Lester Ward (left) and Michael Bradley (right) at Norwich Open Christmas' charity event at St Andrews Hall. (Image: Archant 2021)

Michael Bradley with his goody bag from Norwich Open Christmas' charity event outside St Andrew's Hall. (Image: Archant 2021)

Gary Lee serving hot food at Norwich Open Christmas' charity event outside St Andrew's Hall. (Image: Archant 2021)

Lord Mayor of Norwich Kevin Maguire, Carol Lunney, trustee of Norwich Open Christmas, and Caroline Jarrold, Sherif of Norwich, at Norwich Open Christmas' charity event outside St Andrew's Hall. (Image: Archant 2021)

Tony Bailey playing some music at Norwich Open Christmas' charity event at St Andrew's Hall. (Image: Archant 2021)

Volunteers Natalie Fricker and Jamie Taylor serving food at Norwich Open Christmas' charity event outside St Andrew's Hall. (Image: Archant 2021)

A volunteer serving hot drinks at Norwich Open Christmas' charity event outside St Andrew's Hall. (Image: Archant 2021)