Emma Knights With unicyclists, musicians and circus tricks galore, this year's Norfolk and Norwich Festival got off to an exhilarating start at Norwich Train Station today .

Emma Knights

With unicyclists, musicians and circus tricks galore, this year's Norfolk and Norwich Festival got off to an exhilarating start at Norwich Train Station today .

Commuters could be forgiven for thinking that they had stepped into a big top as the NoFit State Circus treated onlookers to an exclusive preview of their new show for the festival launch.

NoFit is the leading UK contemporary circus company and the festival has co-commissioned the world premiere of their show Tabu which will be at Earlham Park throughout the two-week arts festival.

At the train station today the circus entertainers wowed the crowds with their antics on unicycles and penny farthings, as well as impressive tricks on the German wheel and dancing to the sounds of the accordion, double bass and saxophone.

And the Norfolk and Norwich Festival's artistic director Jonathan Holloway also joined in the fun by cycling along the platform with one of the performers.

He said this year's festival was going to be the biggest and best yet because of increased funding, more acts from across the globe, and huge public support.

“In 25 years time people will look back at this festival as being a landmark festival. They will either say that was the greatest festival we ever had or look back and say it was the beginning of a golden age for the Norfolk and Norwich Festival.

“We have already broken all box office records by a long way. We have so far sold £200,000 of tickets, which is more than 15,000 tickets.”

Jonathan Denby, head of corporate affairs for the festival's main sponsor National Express East Anglia, said the company was delighted to be involved in the festival which brings fun and excitement to the county as well as supporting the local economy.

He said it was an inspirational event providing a fantastic two weeks of wonderful entertainment.

t The festival runs from May 2 to 17. For more information on the festival visit www.nnfestival.org.uk

t To book tickets call 01603 766400.

t Don't miss the EDP's comprehensive coverage of the Norfolk and Norwich Festival. Every day, for the duration of the Festival, we are running Ian Collins' Diary, reviews and a selection of exclusive ticket deals for our readers. See Saturday's main jacket for the first instalment.