Norwich looks set to be a hive of activity for five days in early July, after Norwich City Council announced its full events programme for the Olympic Torch Relay and Lord Mayor's Celebrations.

Between Wednesday, July 4 and Sunday, July 8 there will be all manner of different events being held around the city, both Olympic themed and in traditional Lord Mayor's Celebrations style.

The Lord Mayor's procession, as always, will be held on the Saturday night, with a whole array of the usual accompanying events, plus a swathe of new fun family activities.

City council leader Brenda Arthur, pictured below, said: 'The city council is delighted to bring a packed programme of entertainment and events for residents across the city – and most of it is free.

'The 2012 events guide is crammed with something for everyone and with the added attraction of the Olympic Torch Relay in July, I really hope everyone will come out and join in the celebrations.'

The Olympic Torch Relay arrives in Norwich on the Wednesday and will be welcomed by a 'magical mechanical boat' as it winds its way along Aylsham Road towards the city centre, adorned with trees decorated in Olympic colours, all the way to a celebration event in Chapelfield Gardens.

The entertainment will then continue with street performers and an exciting new addition that is sure to grab people's interest, 3D projections on to the exterior of Norwich Castle.

As the Olympic Torch departs Norwich on the Thursday, the Olympic colours will be abseiled down the side of the castle, and Norwich Cathedral's bells will ring out while the flame is rowed across the River Wensum in a decorated old-style skiff.

It's not all Olympics though, as the city also has children's play days and theatre, summer band concerts and the new attractions such as the Norwich Six Bridge river swim.

As part of its new events guide the city council has also confirmed the Evening News-backed Sparks in the Park fireworks show will return to Earlham Park on Saturday, November 3.

Councillor Arthur added: 'We have magical mechanical boats, decorated trees, children's theatre and play days, band concerts and more.

'With entertainment across the city in local parks, open spaces and the city centre and we also still have our firm favourites with Sparks in the Park and the Lord Mayor's Celebrations. Have fun and enjoy – I can't wait!'

More than 60,000 of the event guides are being delivered to Norwich households this week.

For more information, go to www.norwich.gov.uk or search for 'Norwich City Council event' on Facebook.

- Are you organising an event in Norwich? Contact reporter David Freezer on 01603 772418 or david.freezer@archant.co.uk