Plan your Festival

Time to plan yourfestival!

There are festivals, events and activities throughout the year when you visit Norfolk.

Take a look at this lot… there’s something for everyone!

Yes, we know it’s Winter, but now is the time to plan your visit to Norfolk based around one or two of these beauties. As well as these look out for seasonal events at Cromer Pier, including the famous Summer Show, and at Great Yarmouth’s Hippodrome, as well as venues such as Sandringham and Blickling Hall.

Spring

NORFOLK & NORWICH FESTIVAL

Norfolk’s biggest arts event, held every May, offers a culturally diverse programme of music, dance, theatre and visual arts.

HOUGHTON INTERNATIONAL HORSE TRIALS

A four-day May festival of showjumping and eventing in the beautiful setting of Houghton Hall.

BURNHAM MARKET HORSE TRIALS

Gaining international status in 2003, this April event attracts some of the best national and international riders.

FAIRY FAIR

Two days each May that features workshops, live music, entertainment and lots more for a magical day-out where families with young children can connect with nature.

CROMER & SHERINGHAM CRAB & LOBSTER FESTIVAL

A long weekend of food, fun, art, music, heritage and entertainment every May.

FOLK ON THE PIER

Norfolk’s largest festival of its kind, you’ll find folk rock and acoustic acts at the Pavilion Theatre and across the town in May.

ROYAL NORFOLK SHOW

Two days in late June when it seems as if all of Norfolk descends on the showground outside Norwich.

NORWICH CITY OF ALE FESTIVAL

A ten-day celebration of beer straddling May and June. Norwich’s brewing heritage began with Benedictine monks making ales in Cathedral Close in the 11th century – and the city hasn’t stopped drinking since. 35

Summer

SANDRINGHAM FLOWER FESTIVAL

Set in the magnificent surroundings of Sandringham Park with Sandringham House and Sandringham Church as a backdrop, this one-day Show attracts around 20,000 visitors each year.

HUNSTANTON KITE FESTIVAL

As well as expert kite fliers, you can try it for yourself when you’re not looking at the fun dog show, the classic motor bikes and car rally at this great August event.

LORD MAYOR’S CELEBRATION

Four days in July when Norwich city centre is taken over by funfairs, processions, fireworks, outdoor theatre and more. Look out for the Snapdragon at the Procession.

HOLT FESTIVAL

An eclectic mix of international music, drama, comedy, visual art, street theatre, workshops and cinema in July in the gorgeous north Norfolk Georgian town.

HOLKHAM COUNTRY FAIR

Two days in July at this stunning north Norfolk estate, held every two years!

WAYLAND AGRICULTURAL SHOW

Livestock, motorcycle displays, sheepdogs, arts and crafts... you name it, it’s at this August show.

King’s Lynn Festival Too

WELLS PIRATE FESTIVAL

A-hah, me hearties! A three day festival with fun events including pirates on the park, boat trips to pirate island, a pirate fete and a smugglers ball. Get ready to swash your buckle.

KING’S LYNN FESTIVAL

In July you’ll find concerts, shows and events for all taste across the town.

FESTIVAL TOO

A more populist take on the above, and also in July, Too aims to provide free music for the people of West Norfolk and visitors.

WORSTEAD FESTIVAL

A weekend in July that grew from a village show into a celebration of traditional country pursuits, such as heavy horses and tractors, with fun for the kids, craft stalls, and the best of Norfolk food.

FESTIVAL OF BOWLS

Hosted by the Great Yarmouth Britannia Bowling Greens for four weeks every late-summer, August and September, more than 1700 bowlers compete.

SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL IN THE CLOISTERS

The GB Theatre Company perform The Bard in the beautiful surroundings of the Norwich Cathedral cloisters in July. Pack a picnic or order one from the Refectory.

WYMONDHAM MUSIC FESTIVAL

In July, the quaint market town and historic abbey hosts events of all musical varieties.

NORTH NORFOLK MUSIC FESTIVAL

Held in August, events include a gala concert at Holkham Hall and performances in many churches, including St Mary’s Church in the grounds of Raynham Hall.

Out There Festival

©JMA Photography

GREAT YARMOUTH WHEELS FESTIVAL

Head to Great Yarmouth’s seafront for two days in July when an array of bikes, classic and contemporary cars will be lining up to star in a seafront wheels festival.

GORLESTON CLIFFTOP FESTIVAL

Two days in July when family fun and activities take over the town’s seafront.

CLASSIC IBIZA AT BLICKLING

An open-air celebration of White Isle-inspired house music, reinvented by the Urban Soul Orchestra, live vocalists and headline DJs.

Autumn

OUT THERE FESTIVAL

An international two-day streets arts and circus festival bursts out onto the streets of Great Yarmouth in September, with lots of entertainment on the seafront, in St Georges Park and the town centre.

NORFOLK WALKING AND CYCLING FESTIVAL

A whole month of special activities brought to you by Norfolk Trails.

SHERINGHAM AND HOLT 1940S WEEKEND GREAT YARMOUTH MARITIME FESTIVAL

Takes place every September along the length of the historic South Quay, featuring tall ships, shanty music, and you’re likely to bump into Nelson and some pirates too.

NORWICH BEER FESTIVAL

CAMRA-organised festival in the Autumn at St Andrews and Blackfriars Halls. They like their beer in Norwich – it wasn’t that long ago the city had a pub for every day of the year.

THURSFORD CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR

What do you mean, ‘That’s not a festival’? It’s a festival of remembering everything you love about Christmas and is a fantastic reason to come to Norfolk in the winter. 37