What's on in Norfolk this summer
Saturday 14th & Sunday 15th September
Baconsthorpe - NR25 6LW
Castle Wild Camp End of Season Gathering
Yoga - Foraging - Pilates - Sauna - Ice Bath - Dinner / Party Under The Stars - Camping
This is one of two of my own events on the list. I’m lucky to work with some incredible Norfolk businesses in my day job running our small business marketing agency, Coastal Media and I’ve always wanted a way to bring them all together and create something totally unique and special.
As we sat in the middle of one of the rewilded meadows at Castle Wild Camp back in May an idea formed in my mind that was just so exciting that I had to run with it. Luckily Castle Wild Camp were up for it (as were all the incredible small Norfolk businesses I hand selected to collaborate on it) and tickets have just been released.
This weekend event is everything I love about Norfolk rolled into one. If you love following our adventures, I absolutely guarantee that you’re going to love this weekend. It’s the lowest price you’ll ever see for an event like this too as I’m taking zero profit. Run don’t walk, this event will sell out fast. Only 15 tickets remaining.
Saturday 10th August
Trimingham - NR11 8AL
Teddy Bear's Picnic
The second of the two events that I've organised for this summer and this one is very close to my heart. We live in Trimingham. It's a stunning little village set right on the North Norfolk Coast. Wonderfully undiscovered yet with the most breathtaking walks.
It's a fantastic community in Trimingham. A village full of people who pull together and make things happen...and they've asked for my help with making this very important fundraising event happen.
The beautiful church building in the middle of the village needs some internal repair work totalling £1,500. Without this money, the church could face closure. To make sure that doesn't happen and this important community space can stay open, I've organised a fundraising event and it would mean the world if you could attend.
150 teddy bears have been donated for the events and you can win all of them across the day in various ways. There'll be a teddy bear hunt, a teddy tombola, a raffle and craft tables. A marquee will be set up in the church grounds and there'll be afternoon tea to purchase (£7.50 for adults and £3.75 for children). There'll be tables in the marquee but feel free to bring a picnic blanket and find a space on the grass to spread out.
Although this event is aimed at primary age children, there'll be lots for adults too. Just popping in for 5 minutes, saying hello and donating £1 would genuinely mean the world. There's even a gorgeous walk you could tie in to make it a dreamy day trip too.
Friday 26th July & Friday 30th August
West Barsham, Fakenham NR21 9NR
Street Food Fridays
Amazing evenings throughout summer of beer, music and food.
From 4pm on the last Friday of each month, in the Stackyard at Barsham Brewery will be Norfolk’s best Street Food vans and musicians.
Their new tap room has just soft launched too so if you're local and fancy popping down before 26th July, definitely nip down at check it out. It looks like such a gorgeous space and will be open Friday, Saturdays and Sundays.
No need to book for either Street Food Fridays or The Tap Room. There'll be plenty of seating at Street Food Fridays but you can bring your own. Dogs always welcome.
Friday 26th July, Thursday 1st August, Saturday 3rd August & Friday 30th August
Glandford - NR25 7JP
Dinner & Live Music
The Glaven Bistro have done a few live music events now and they've been packed out every single time.
This gorgeous place does exceptional food. All local and seasonal produce with a really interesting and considered menu.
Pair that delicious food with a live music evening and you couldn't get much better. This is going to be such a lovely way to spend a summer's evening.
Three weekends over summer
Brancaster Staithe - PE31 8BY
Marshside Events at The White Horse
Marshside at The White Horse at Brancaster is like a pilgrimage that everyone has to do at least once over summer. Time it so that one of their events is on too (there's three across summer) and you'll have an unforgettable day, enjoying everything that's great about Norfolk.
Norfolk Lobster & Fizz Festival
Friday 26th - Sunday 28th July
Annual Oyster Festival
Friday 16th - Sunday 18th August
End of Summer BBQ
Friday 30th August
Various dates throughout summer
Sheringham & Sea Palling
Sauna Box Beach Collabs
This summer, the amazing Sauna Box have a collaborated with some incredible wellness practitioners to bring you the beach event line up of dreams.
Think yoga/pilates, sea dips and sauna, all with a wonderful group of people on two of Norfolk's best beaches (and if you fancy travelling further afield for a Suffolk day trip, there's even some events on the beautiful Dunwich beach too).
Saturday 27th July & Sunday 28th July
Worstead - NR28 9WH
Worstead Festival
Another event that I'm beyond excited for. Worstead Festival began life as a one off village fête to fix a church roof, and has now become a fully blown weekend festival and has been running for over 60 years and raised thousands of pounds for local charities.
The Festival takes place at Queen Elizabeth Hall Worstead - in the hall, the playing field and adjoining Mill Hill field - and St Mary's Church Worstead. There is free parking a short walk away and tractor rides to and from car parks and Worstead train station.
There will be a display ring with shows going on for much of the day - you may get to see horses, BMX bikes, dogs or tractors. The Made In Worstead marquee will showcase local artisan crafts (including the amazing Christine from Tucked Away and all of the incredible makers that she showcases in her beautiful shop). There will also be a live music stage; food tent with chef demonstrations from local chefs; a licensed bar; over 100 stalls selling a wide variety of crafts, food and drink; a flower festival and music in the church; a petting farm; archery; activities for children; an art exhibition and a village hall full of LEGO®.
Tickets cost £10 for one day, £15 for both days, 16 and under (accompanied by a paying adult) go free.
Saturday 27th July & Sunday 28th July
Blakeney - NR25 7ND
Blakeney Regatta and Greasy Pole Challenge
I've been wanting to watch the Greasy Pole Challenge for YEARS. I've seen so many videos of it and it just looks like the most wholesome fun. The event is tide dependent so it's been midweek for the past few years and we've already had work commitments and not be able to make it.
Imagine my excitement when this year I saw that it was on a weekend! We'll be going on Saturday for the Greasy Pole Challenge and I literally can't wait.
Saturday at the Regatta is aquatic sports from 9/9.30am. There'll be crab catching, swimming races, the greasy pole challenge, duck races and sandcastle building.
On Sunday, everything moves to the playing fields near the village hall and it's all about 'rural sports' from 1.30pm and will include high jump, long jump, tilt the bucket and more.
I feel like this really is a must do in Norfolk this summer.
Various dates throughout summer
West Acre - PE32 1UD
Live by the Lake
A sensational summer of theatre and music all set in a stunning hidden away location in the beautiful Norfolk countryside.
There's some fantastic shows taking to the stage this summer at Westacre Theatre; either outside, under canvas or by their beautiful lake. You can even treat yourself to a 'Prosecco Picnic' put together by the amazing Rudham and Litcham Deli; just order in advance to enjoy while watching either 'A Slice of Saturday Night' or 'Bleak Expectations' and it'll be there waiting for you on arrival at the theatre.
Matt, Luna & I (yes they're dog friendly 🐶) can't wait to go and see their in-house production of 'A Slice of Saturday Night' which is a fun 1960s Musical and runs 18th July - 3rd August.
There's a whole host of amazing touring companies performing here across August too so check out the full programme for all of the different productions and dates.
13th July – 27th July
Various locations across Holt
Holt Festival
Each year Holt Festival brings together a programme of the finest and most eclectic arts entertainment, ranging from performers and musicians to comedy acts, literary events and talks and their art programme, which includes an important loan exhibition, art prize competitions and art in schools.
13th July – 11th August
Burnham Overy Staithe - PE31 8JD
Tideliners Art & Crafts Exhibition
Each year a group of East Anglian professional artists and crafts people stage an outstanding exhibition of their original art and fine crafts.
All the art and crafts made by the Tidelines artists are for sale and make excellent additions to any home or as a gift.
Tideliners was established over 30 years ago and the venue is the pretty Victorian Schoolhouse of Burnham Overy Staithe, which is now the Village Hall.
There's so much to do in Burnham Overy Staithe and tying this exhibition into this day trip would be an amazing way to spend a summer's day.
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Various date throughout summer across the whole of Norfolk
Open Gardens
The National Garden Scheme (NGS) gives visitors access to 77 of the best gardens in Norfolk.
Your visits and donations to private gardens near Norfolk raise important funds for Charitable causes across the UK.
Thanks to the generosity of owners opening gardens for free NGS was able to raise and donate over £3.4 million to charities last year. They hope to top this in 2024 with more beautiful gardens open in Norfolk for you to visit this summer than ever before.
Saturday 27th July from 3pm
Matlaske, - NR11 7AQ
Music & Pizza in the Park
Live music, wood fired pizzas (pre order at matlaskepizza@gmail.com) BBQ, desserts, bar and games.
Thursday 1st August - Saturday 10th August
Blofield - NR13 4AH
Sunflower Sundowner
Following the incredible success of last year’s food festival and sunflower patch, the amazing Jo & Tom from Haha Farm are combining the two for an incredible new event - Sunflower Sundowner.
We all know how incredible golden hour is in Norfolk but imagine that incredible light all while standing in the middle of a stunning field of sunflowers while enjoying live music and amazing food and drinks from our local vendors.
Dreamy summers evenings right here 🌻🌅
Friday 2nd August – Sunday 11th August
Wells-next-the-Sea - NR23 1DR
Wells Carnival
Wells Carnival is a gorgeous not-for-profit event run by a team of hardworking volunteers. The event has been taking place annually at the beginning of August for well over 100 years. The Carnival, which was originally known as the Wells Regatta was just a one day event. Over the years the event has grown and the carnival committee now organise more than 100 events over the 10 days of Carnival.
Wells Carnival is all about entertainment for all ages: a teddy bears picnic for the little ones, raft race and fun run for the energetic, plus painting and sandcastle competitions for the artistic. They also put on history walks and various workshops plus live music over 6 nights along with the ever popular Screen on the Green. The event culminates on Saturday 10th August with the main Carnival event, including fancy dress competitions, a parade around the town and a spectacular music event in the evening.
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Saturday 3rd August & Saturday 24th August
North Creake - NR21 9LF
Creake Abbey Summer Markets
Creake Abbey sits within beautiful water meadows just a few miles south of Burnham Market and the glorious north Norfolk coast.
A stone’s throw from the impressive ruins of an Augustinian Abbey, dating from 1206, you’ll find an array of independent shops and services including a co-working space, a boutique hairdresser and a dog groomer. The Barn Café on site is open within a newly re-styled space decorated by Kelling Home and adjacent to a wonderful, colourful emporium run by Kelling Home & Friends.
Over summer they've got two incredible events. The popular Creake Abbey Farmers' Market which will be on Saturday 3rd August. Having featured on the BBC, the market is incredibly popular and draws suppliers and shoppers from all across East Anglia.
Then on Saturday 24th August, Creake Abbey will host their Summer Gift Fair. Over 80 stands celebrating Norfolk’s creative prowess where you will find artists of all kinds including jewellers, painters, needlecrafters, felters and many producers of fine goods including candles and wax melts, garments, fashion accessories, food and treats for four legged friends.
There is ample free parking and both events are free entry.
Sunday 4th August
Holt - NR25 6BE
Holt Sunday Market
Holt Sunday Market is an award winning, destination street market. It showcase the best local independent craftspeople, designers, makers, food producers and street food traders on the first Sunday of each month from April to December.
One of our favourite ways to spend a Sunday is at Holt Market. With Holt Market Place pedestrianised especially for the event, it makes this busy Georgian Town a breeze to navigate and the streets become filled with joy.
So so many reasons to add this to your list this summer.
Sunday 4th – Sunday 25th August
Various locations across Norwich
Norwich Summer Sessions
Norwich Summer Sessions is back for 2024 for another year of free summer street entertainment across Norwich.
While you’re out and about in the city, expect open air music and performance with a variety of musical genres, comedy, theatre and more. Immerse yourself in a lively and entertaining atmosphere where all ages can enjoy a packed programme of live performances.
The festival brought to you in partnership with NORCA will be running on selected dates throughout July – August in four locations:
4th – 25th August: Sunday afternoons 12:30pm – 4.30pm
Stages are Westlegate, London Street, Gentleman’s Walk and St Gregory’s Green.
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Sunday 18th August, 3pm - 7pm
Thorpe Market - NR11 8UE
Suffield Arms Sunday Sessions
It may be little sister to The Gunton Arms but to me The Suffield Arms is by far the main character in this show. And my goodness what a show it delivers….
🍷 Cosy pub vibes at the front
🍽️ Relaxed restaurant at the back
🦐 Incredible tapas & Mediterranean style big plates
🍸 Secret cocktail bar upstairs
🎨 Stunning art adorning every wall
🌳 Amazing beer garden
🚆 1 minute walk from Gunton Train Station
When we first visited The Suffied Arms and realised we could walk there from the Norfolk forever home we’d just bought, I genuinely did a little dance. I don’t miss London for one second with places like this on our doorstep. Especially now they've added Sunday Sessions to their already amazing offering.
Set in their stunning walled garden, Sunday Sessions is set to be an afternoon of amazing live music, delicious food & drink, and great vibes.
No need to book, just turn up.
Friday 9th August - Friday 16th August
South Creake - NR21 9LX
North Norfolk Music Festival
A beautiful line-up of music, all set in the stunning Church of Our Lady St Mary in South Creake.
From string quartets to pianists and soprano singers, these are set to be cultured and emotive evenings which will leave lasting memories.
Partnering with Byfords, two course buffet suppers will be served from 5.45pm from 10th - 16th August (pre-bookable) at £40 per head. Or you're able to picnic in the church yard free of charge.
This is the 19th year this festival has run and I can 100% see why. It offers something immerse and different and I absolutely cannot wait to book our tickets.
Various dates across summer
Bungay - NR35 2AH
Events at Flint Vineyard
Fridays at Camphill became pretty legendary last year. These once a month, free and open-to-all events at Flint Vineyard with local street food, Flint wine, Ampersand Brew Co beer and live acoustic tunes are the perfect vibe.
New for 2024, Flint Vineyard have now also launched 'Sundays at Camphill'. Everything that's great about Fridays at Camphill, just a more chilled vibe and hosted in their beautiful barn.
Fridays at Camphill
16th August & 13th September 4pm - 10.30pm
Sundays at Camphill
4th August & 1st September 12pm - 4.30pm
Saturday 10th August, 10am - 1pm
Salhouse - NR13 6QG
Black Barn Farmers Market
These Farmers' Markets are fast getting a reputation for being the best in Norfolk. Since they started they've gone from strength to strength and now host over 50 local food, drink and craft stall holders, showcasing the very best of Norfolk.
I've heard a sneaky rumour that their cafe on the top floor of the building is pretty great too.
Free entry, plenty of parking.
Friday 9th - Sunday 11th August
Old Buckenham - NR17 1PP
Balloon Fest 2024
A three-day festival hosted at Old Buckenham Country Park. A fun-filled weekend for everyone full of activities from live music, street food, BBQ Grill, beer festival, children’s entertainment, ballooning equipment and memorabilia up close and much, much more. If the British weather allows you will also see morning and evening hot air balloon flights taking off.
Family and dog friendly, this looks like the most beautiful event and I'll be booking our tickets literally as soon as I've finished typing this!
Friday 16th - Saturday 17th August
Earlham Park - NR4 7TQ
Wild Fields Festival
Wild Fields is a celebration of some of the best and most progressive artists on the planet. With a host of delicious food vendors, live street art, talks and immersive performances.
The two day festival will pair music with industry talks and climate discussions, highlighting groundbreaking new acts alongside established names, hosting stage takeovers and collaborating with regional and national partners. There'll also be an amazing food offerings, cocktails, local beers and other beverages and an exclusive festival afterparty yet to be announced.
Sunday 18th August
Cley-next-the-Sea - NR25 7RP
Cley Harbour Day
Set in the picture postcard village of Cley-next-the-Sea, Cley Harbour Day returns on 18th August crammed with entertainment for all the family including shanty songs, competitions and prizes, Punch and Judy, a bar and BBQ, and fabulous local band "Knobs and Knockers" to round out the day.
Saturday 17th - Friday 23rd August
Cromer - NR27 9AU
Cromer Carnival
Cromer Carnival has been running since 1285 and is a week long event organised by local volunteers. Spread across a variety of venues in Cromer, there really is something for everyone. From craft stalls, to concerts, motocross cycle displays, horseshoes, quad bike stunts, air displays, parties on Cromer's famous lawns and a carnival procession.
A quintessential British Seaside town that 100% should be on any summer 'to do' list, Carnival Week is definitely the week to visit.
Check out our blog on all the best spots in Cromer to add to your day trip (it's the closest town to where we live so we've got insider information).
Saturday 24th August
Burnham Market - PE31 8DH
The Burnhams Market
Set in the most beautifully quaint church, this market is a masterpiece when it comes to perfect curation of small business creatives and producers. It really is the perfect place to support, share and shop small Norfolk business.
Friday 23rd - Sunday 25th August
Dereham - NR19 2NR
Maui Festival
Maui Festival is a 3 day & 4 night festival
of international music and performance arts.
Set on a wonderful site in the heart of Norfolk, with so much to do for kids and adults with world class bands, full circus shows in a dedicated circus tent, big bass dance tents, small upbeat bands and acoustic acts, cabaret, comedy, and walkabout acts.
Friday 30th August - Sunday 8th September
Norwich - NR2 3DB
Outdoor Cinema
Set in Norwich's breathtakingly stunning Plantation Gardens, Picturehouse have an incredible line up of outdoor screenings this summer and I so here for it.
From Jaws to The Lost Boys, Wonka Barbie and more, all tickets include a £5 credit towards food and drink on the night.
Tuesday 27th August
Kings Lynn - PE33 0RG
Pop Up Dining at Watatunga
After visiting Watatunga earlier this year, I falling head over heels in love (which you can read more about here), I've been stalking their events on the daily. You can imagine how excited I was when I saw they were doing a pop-up dining event.
Nestled within the heart of the reserve, "Pop Up Dining at Watatunga" will be a rare opportunity to savour amazing local cuisine in one of Norfolk's most unusual settings.
There'll be a gourmet feast curated by chef Lucy Cheyney of Wild Lulita. Known for her innovative approach to fine dining, Lucy will take you on a gastronomic journey that celebrates local flavours.
Set under their stretch tent canopy as the sun sets over the lake, this is going to be the most magical way to spend a summers evening.
Saturday 17th August & Saturday 24th August
Norwich - NR2 4LZ
Paddle Pilates
In collaboration with Norwich Paddleboard Hire, using their floating SUP dock, the incredible Victoria Rose is running two Paddle Pilates sessions over summer and I am desperate to book onto one.
Hosted at Gibraltar Gardens, you'll get 45 minutes of Pilates plus a self guided paddle after and I can't imagine a better way to start a summery Saturday morning.
Saturday 31st August - Sunday 1st September
Holkham - NR23 1AB
North Norfolk Food & Drink Festival
Coming into it’s 15th year, the North Norfolk Food & Drink 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.
The festival takes place in the spectacular setting of the Walled Garden at Holkham Hall. Historically filled with vegetables and flowers grown for the Hall, nestled within huge brick and flint walls that offer protection from the elements, they made for an ideal setting to celebrate the abundance of Norfolk.
Stall holders offer their products for sale including fresh meat and game, vegetables, cakes, artisan beer, bread, tarts, juices, cakes and bakes, chocolates and much more. A dazzling array of concessions offer delicious food for eating on site and entertainment ranges from the ever popular cookery theatre to children’s activities and face painting.