Nothing says festival time in Norwich more than the arrival of the Adnams Spiegeltent. As the venue prepares for opening night tonight, arts correspondent Emma Knights finds out what audiences can look forward to.

Eastern Daily Press: The Norfolk and Norwich Festival 2016 staking its claim in Chapelfield Gardens, with the nearly complete Spiegeltent and a new Dennis Design Center take shape. Photo : Steve AdamsThe Norfolk and Norwich Festival 2016 staking its claim in Chapelfield Gardens, with the nearly complete Spiegeltent and a new Dennis Design Center take shape. Photo : Steve Adams (Image: Copyright Archant Norfolk 2016)

From circus spectacle to music galore – the fun and revelry of the Adnams Spiegeltent is once again returning to Chapelfield Gardens for this year's Norfolk and Norwich Festival.

The curtain goes up tonight on the iconic festival venue's 2016 programme of shows, and over the next week-and-a-half audiences will be treated to a colourful array of entertainment.

'As always there is a stunning array of some of the best and boldest and brightest acts from across the globe,' said Sally Christopher, the Adnams Spiegeltent general manager.

'There is everything from circus to incredible bands to lovely community events, everything you could possibly want and it's in this beautiful setting.'

Eastern Daily Press: NNF16. White Nights is coming to the Adnams Spiegeltent. Photo: Adam Lloyd.NNF16. White Nights is coming to the Adnams Spiegeltent. Photo: Adam Lloyd. (Image: Adam Lloyd)

Top of her list is the venue's headline circus show White Nights which takes to the stage tonight.

'Race Horse Company is bringing White Nights to a Spiegeltent for the first time,' she said.

'I have seen some of the stuff they are going to be doing and it's amazing – you need to come and see it to experience it. They are just incredible.'

Other highlights include the tech-jazz band Moon Hooch, which Miss Christopher said would 'be absolutely rocking in the Spiegeltent', and the Ragroof Tea Dances.

Eastern Daily Press: The Ragroof Tea Dance, in the Mood 1940s swingtime special, in the Spiegeltent for the Norfolk and Norwich Festival. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYThe Ragroof Tea Dance, in the Mood 1940s swingtime special, in the Spiegeltent for the Norfolk and Norwich Festival. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant)

'I just love the tea dances. Everyone comes out in all their finery and they are really glamorous and beautiful events. It's literally like you are stepping back in time and it's always a hit at the festival,' she said.

As well as the main Adnams Spiegeltent entertainment programme there are also plans for some late-night DJ sets. The bar in the Spiegeltent Gardens will also be open for people with and without tickets for the spiegeltent shows – and there is also a second 'secret' bar planned to pop up in the garden. Food is also available in the Spiegeltent Gardens with the venue open at lunchtime as well as in the evenings.

Adnams Spiegeltent Events:

Race Horse Company: White Nights, May 18-28 (except May 19 and 24), 7.30pm, May 29, 5pm, £20.

Ragroof Tea Dance: Tutti Frutti, May 21, 1pm, £10.

Ragroof Tea Dance: Top Hats and Tails, May 22, 1pm, £10.

Irvine Welsh: The Blade Artist, May 24, 7.30pm, £14.

Penny Arcade: Longing Lasts Longer, May 23 and 24, 10pm, £15.

Moh! Kouyaté, May 20, 10pm, £15.

Broken Back, May 21, 10pm, £15.

Kneedelus, May 22, 10pm, £15.

Lera Lynn, May 25, 10pm, £15.

FB Pocket Orchestra, May 26, 10pm, £15.

Moon Hooch, May 27, 10pm, £15.

La Chiva Gantiva, 10pm, May 28, £15.

Voyage With Me, May 24, 2pm, free.

Bounce and Rhyme Time for 0 to 5-year-olds, May 25, 10am and 11am, free.

The Afternoon Social: Tea Party Dance for the young at heart, May 26, 1.30pm, £3.

For more details about the Adnams Spiegeltent and to book tickets, visit www.nnfestival.org.uk or call 01603 766400.