A Very Merry Norfolk Chirstmas

You might think that festive traditions are similar wherever Christmas is celebrated. But, writes ROWAN MANTELL, from the traditional turkey and crackers to the modern tunnel of light, lots of the fun which makes up Christmas has a Norfolk flavour

- Rowan Mantell

BLACK MAGIC

The traditional centrepiece to the festive dinner table was a Norfolk Black turkey. These are the turkeys which were brought to Europe, from America, by the Spanish conquerors, and arrived in Britain in the late 16th century.

They thrived on Norfolk farms and by the 18th century a quarter of a million blackfeathered turkeys, by now known as Norfolk Blacks were herded to London for Christmas every year. Their feet were protected during the three-month staged journey by being dipped in tar – or even encased in little leather boots.

For 300 years the Norfolk Black turkey reigned supreme, but by the 1930s the heavier bronze breed of turkeys was taking over. They were virtually extinct when Norfolk farmer Frank Peele hatched a few Norfolk Black eggs, saw the potential and decided to specialise. His grandson, James Graham, still breeds Norfolk Blacks at Rookery Farm, Thuxton, near Dereham.

Every year around 2,500 of his free-range turkeys are the focus of Christmas dinners across the country – many of them black, but also a virtual rainbow of other festive colours including lavender, ginger, bronze and speckled.

And other people have spotted the magical potential of his Norfolk turkeys. The feathers have been used in costumes featured in Poldark - and to make official Harry Potter quills.

MAJESTIC

A tunnel of light gleams and glitters in the heart of Norwich. This festive tradition is only in its second year, but is the longest of its kind in Europe and brings a hint of the majesty of the northern lights to the festivities. As well as the sparkling tunnel itself, waves of green-blue colour pulsate across the arched walkway – which is this year crowned with a glowing tiara too!

The tunnel is open from November all the way through to January 5.