Chapelfield Gardens will once again host the Norfolk and Norwich Festival this year, after the organisers were granted a premises licence by the city council's licensing sub-committee yesterday.

Leading companies, performers and visual artists from across the world will descend on Norwich and Norfolk to take part in the multi-artform festival, which runs from May 11 to 26.

The premises licence allows for the provision of regulated entertainment facilities, late night refreshments and the supply of alcohol at the park for the same hours as last year.

The opening hours of the festival will be from 10.30am to 1.30am from Monday to Thursday, 10.30am to 2.30am on Friday, 10am to 2.30am on Saturday and 10am to 12.30pm on Sunday.

Representations objecting to the application were received from two people with concerns relating mainly to the licensing objective of the prevention of public nuisance, and there was one letter of support.

Afterwards, Mikey Martins, associate producer, outdoor and circus arts, said: 'We are very pleased to be granted the licence, and are very grateful for the continued supported from the city council.

'We are looking forward to the festival and are very excited about this year's programme.'

The international arts festival for the East of England will take in a mix of music, theatre, dance, circus, literature, outdoor performance and visual arts.

The full programme will be announced on March 1, but one of the highlights already revealed will be a unique show celebrating the county, called 100pc Norfolk, which will share personal stories and insights into county life. The show will be at Norwich Theatre Royal on May 18 and 19. The Nigel Kennedy Quintet will also be performing at the Theatre Royal on Tuesday, May 22, as part of the festival.