From festivals to fashion to art shows and more, there are an array of great events on Norwich's cultural calendar for 2016. Arts correspondent Emma Knights looks at a few highlights.

Eastern Daily Press: Norwich Fashion Week, The Designers Show. Cocoon. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYNorwich Fashion Week, The Designers Show. Cocoon. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY

Manipulate

Norwich Puppet Theatre is hosting Manipulate, a celebration of visual theatre and animated film, from January 30 until February 7. The festival for older audiences highlights how puppetry and animation are not just for children. Manipulate is in conjunction with Puppet Animation Scotland. Visit www.puppettheatre.co.uk

A Viking's Guide to Deadly Dragons

Eastern Daily Press: Rod Stewart in concert at Carrow Road, Norwich.; photo by Adrian JuddRod Stewart in concert at Carrow Road, Norwich.; photo by Adrian Judd (Image: Archant Norfolk 2011)

This exhibition based on Cressida Cowell's How to Train Your Dragon books will be at Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery from February 6 until May 30. People will be able to see the author's notebooks and original illustrations and be transported to a world where Vikings rule and dragons roam. Visit www.museums.norfolk.uk

Norwich Fashion Week

The latest looks will take to the catwalk during Norwich Fashion Week from March 10 to 17.

NFW16 will promote Norwich's vibrant fashion scene with six shows at OPEN, the event's new official home. Visitwww.norwichfashion.co.uk

Norwich Phil

Norwich Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus is celebrating its 175th anniversary this season. Among the season's highlights are: a performance of Mahler's Symphony of a Thousand at the Norfolk Showground Arena on May 21 as part of the Norfolk and Norwich Festival; and an 175th Birthday Concert, including Tchaikovsky 1812 Overture, at St Andrew's Hall on March 19. Visit www.norwichphil.org.uk

Norfolk and Norwich Festival

A kaleidoscope of cultural delights will entertain audiences during the Norfolk and Norwich Festival from May 13 to 29. This year's line-up includes everything from circus cabaret White Nights in the Adnams Spiegeltent to the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra performing with the Festival Chorus at St Andrew's Hall to The James Plays trilogy being performed at Norwich Theatre Royal. More events to be announced soon. Visit www.nnfestival.org.uk

Rod Stewart

Rock legend Rod Stewart will kick off his Rod Stewart Hits 2016 tour at Carrow Road.

The singer – whose hits included Maggie May and Have I Told You Lately – will return to the city's football ground on June 4, having previously performed there in 2011. Visit www.rodstewarttour.co.uk

British Art Show

Norwich is one of four cities to host British Art Show 8.

It will be at Norwich University of the Arts and Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery from June 24 until September 4. Hayward Touring's British Art Show 8 will include 2013 Turner Prize winner Laure Prouvost, 2014 nominee James Richards and 38 other artists and collectives chosen for their significant contribution to art. Visit www.britishartshow8.com

Mary Poppins

The practically perfect nanny is flying into Norwich's Theatre Royal as the musical Mary Poppins takes to the venue's stage.

Based on stories by P L Travers and the Walt Disney film, the musical is bringing the supercalifragilistic adventures of Mary Poppins and children Jane and Michael Banks to Norwich from June 29 until July 30. Other shows coming to the theatre include: Matthew Bourne's Sleeping Beauty; the play King Charles III; the RSC's A Midsummer Night's Dream production featuring Norwich group The Common Lot; and The Bodyguard The Musical.

Visit www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk

Do you have an arts story? Email emma.knights@archant.co.uk