There are festivals, events and activities throughout the year when you visit Norfolk. Just take a look at this lot… something for everyone!
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, Blickling Hall and the Holkham Estate.
Spring
Norwich Science Festival: A celebration of science! Exciting exhibitions, sensational shows and inspiring hands-on science. For all ages and all levels of knowledge, from February 11-18! Expect intriguing discoveries, inspiring talks, engaging exhibitions, deep dives and debates, cutting-edge research, and lots of hands-on family fun! Details
Sheringham Viking Festival: The Vikings once sowed terror in the hearts of those living on our shores, but their return to North Norfolk will be very welcome. The festival, on April 8, culminates in the burning of a model longship.
King’s Lynn Mart: Enjoy traditional fairground rides, food stalls and games in the historic market place. The fair, which has been pitching up in the centre of King’s Lynn for more than 800 years, was granted a Royal charter by King Henry VIII in 1537 and runs from February 11-25.
Norfolk & Norwich Festival: Norfolk’s biggest arts event, this year from May 12-28, offers a culturally diverse programme of music, dance, theatre and visual arts. Details
Houghton International Horse Trials: a four-day May festival of show jumping and eventing in the beautiful setting of Houghton Hall. Details
Burnham Market Horse Trials: Gaining international status in 2003, this April 16-18 event attracts some of the best national and international riders.
Cromer & Sheringham Crab & Lobster Festival: A long weekend of food, fun, art, music, heritage and entertainment in mid-May.
Folk On The Pier: Norfolk’s largest festival of its kind, you’ll find folk rock and acoustic acts at the Pavilion Theatre, Cromer and across the town between May 5-7. The Oysterband headlines this year’s 25th anniversary event. Details
Royal Norfolk Show: Two days in late June when it seems as if all of Norfolk descends on the showground outside Norwich. In 2023 iut’s June 28-29. Details
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. Details
Norwich City Ale of 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. Details
Summer
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. Details
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. Details
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.
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. Details
Wymondham Music Festival: In July, the quaint market town and historic abbey hosts events of all musical varieties. Details
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.
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. Details
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. Details
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. Details
Wayland Agricultural Show: Livestock, motorcycle displays, sheepdogs, arts and crafts… you name it, it’s at this August show. Details
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. Details
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. Details
Gorleston Clifftop Festival: Two days in July when family fun and activities take over the town’s seafront. Details
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. Details
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. Details
Holkham Festival of Sport: The ultimate family sports festival which is not to be missed and was founded by Ex England Rugby Stars Will Greenwood and Austin Healey. August 11-14. Details
Autumn
North Norfolk Food & Drink Festival: Now in its fourteenth year, the festival has grown into a highly successful event with visitors from across the county and beyond. Featuring an ever-growing team of local food and drink producers who grow, rear, produce, supply and sell food in North Norfolk. It takes place on September 2-3. Details
Out There: An international two-day streets arts and circus festival bursts out onto the streets of Great Yarmouth in September (in 2023 it’s 15-17), with lots of entertainment on the seafront, in St Georges Park and the town centre. Details
Great Yarmouth Maritime Festival: Takes place in 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.
Sheringham and Holt 1940s weekend: You’d be forgiven for thinking you’ve stepped back in town when these two towns are taken over on September 16 and 17.
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. Details
