Norfolk voters will go to the polls on May 7 to elect 84 county councillors and 14 Norwich city councillors.

And ahead of that, Norwich Theatre has organised a hustings, so representatives from parties can explain their policies - and the public can ask questions about them.

Norwich Playhouse (Image: Norwich Theatre)

The event, which will be held at Norwich Playhouse in St George's Street, will be a panel discussion moderated by Eastern Daily Press editor Richard Porritt.

Audience members will be able to ask questions, facilitated by Stephen Crocker, chief executive and creative director of Norwich Theatre.

Confirmed participants are Jan Davis (Green), Andrew Jamieson (Conservative), Steve Morphew (Labour), Nick Taylor (Reform UK) and James Wright (Liberal Democrats).

Jan Davis (Image: Jan Davis)

Andrew Jamieson (Image: Denise Bradley)

Steve Morphew (Image: Denise Bradley)

Nick Taylor (Image: Nick Taylor)

James Wright (Image: James Wright)

Issues likely to be discussed include the major shake-up of local government, which will see all councils scrapped and replaced, financial pressures on councils, transport, social care and the role of arts and culture.

The moderators will prepare a number of questions to put to the panel to begin the debate, but there will also be an opportunity for audience members to put their own questions to the panel directly,

Mr Porritt said: "It's really important that people get the opportunity to question the politicians who are seeking their vote in these elections.

"Local councillors are the people who decide how and what our money is spent on and which services matter.

"So holding them to account, allowing them to state their positions and quizzing them about what they would do if elected is crucial."

Mr Crocker added: "As one of Norfolk’s most significant cultural institutions, we believe we have a duty to open our doors to the wider community as the region prepares for local government reorganisation and the introduction of a new regional mayor.

"Hosting this hustings is an extension of our mission to serve Norfolk’s communities.”

The event will take place on Monday, April 27, starting at 6pm.

Tickets, available to anybody aged 16 or over, are free but must be booked in advance at https://norwichtheatre.org/whats-on/norfolk_hustings. They are limited to two per booking.

© Eastern Daily Press