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Explore, Embrace, Enjoy England’s Coast in 2023! We are very excited to launch the 2023 Best Escapes and Best...
by Georgia Beech / Events
While you enjoy your holiday on the east coast, why not get out and experience some of the festivals and events in Norfolk?
With a huge amount going on throughout the year, you’ll be sure to find something to suit. From foodie events, to live music in the forest, to family-friendly festivals in Norfolk, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Read on to discover some of the best festivals and events in Norfolk…
11–19 March
The Forum, Norwich
Whether you’re a dab hand at arts and crafts or a complete novice, The Norfolk Makers Festival welcomes you. Join in with their glorious celebration of personal expression, creativity, and artistic collaboration.
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As a free event, the aim is to encourage people of all ages and from all walks of life to engage with all they have to offer. Take part in free hands-on activities and demonstrations to express your imagination.
This year there will be painting, embroidery, printing, weaving, knitting, sketching, quilting, sewing, crochet, paper craft, wood craft, cake craft, modelling, digital animation, upcycling and more!
So why not head into the beautiful, historic city of Norwich to spend time exploring your creative side?
Here’s a link to The Norfolk Makers Festival website to find out more.
24-26 March 2023
Burnham Deepdale, Norfolk
Situated on the stunning and unspoilt North Norfolk Coastline the Deepdale Hygge celebrates the simple things in life. From live music to experiencing the wonders of nature (including star gazing with the Kings Lynn Astronomy Society), to yummy food and great company.
Sit back, relax and enjoy the special ambience of this corner of the world, helping you to reground and reconnect.
While you’re there why not take a walk along one of the beautiful sandy beaches? Here you can discover a delicious meal in one of the many restaurants dotted along the coast.
Or perhaps you’d like to try your hand at kite surfing, watch local wildlife, hire bikes and cycle the local lanes, paddle your feet in the sea or watch a sunset… the list goes on! To find out more about the Deepdale Hygge head to their website.
12–28 May
Norwich City
Incredibly this arts-based festival, which takes place in Norwich, is said to have begun over 250 years ago!
Historically focusing on classical music, in recent years the festival has moved away from this focus and diversified to include a variety of performance. Enjoy a mix of circus, contemporary music, visual arts, dance, and children’s events.
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Their vision is ‘to use the power of the arts to make our part of the world a truly great place to live, work, learn and play’. They aim to achieve this by collaborating with extraordinary local and international artists to create unmissable experiences.
Running for 17 days from 12-28 May 2023 there really is something for everyone – take a look at the Norfolk and Norwich Festival 2023 website for more information. Any why not extend your visit to the city with a stay in a cottage in Norwich?
May 28th & 29th
Bradmoor Woods, West Acre Estate, Norfolk
Created for children aged between 3-8 years in mind, this wonderful festival will fill the whole family’s heart with joy. With bookable activities including fairy crown making using real wildflowers and making elf sticks from native trees, not only children have lots of fun but also learn a thing or two about nature.
There will also be wandering musicians, craft stalls, food outlets, tea and beer tents, woodland walks and a performance tent amongst the other activities. Perhaps you’ll be lucky enough to spot the Fairy Queen and the King of the Fairies too!
The Fairy Fair is organised by the Fairyland Trust – take a look at their website for more information and how to book tickets to this magical event for kids.
15-18 June
Thetford Forest, Norfolk
If you love to watch live music, then you can’t go wrong with events at Thetford Forest. Tucked away in the stunning forest under its canopy of treetops, you’ll find Tom Grennan (15 June), Anne-Marie (16 June) and Jack Savoretti (18 June) performing.
Managed by Forestry England, Forest Live is a major live music series of events which raises money to help look after the nation’s forests sustainably.
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Guests can therefore help wildlife thrive – and with everything required for a great night out, you’ll be sure to have a wonderful evening in the relaxed atmosphere and spectacular forest backdrops.
For more information about the events and how to book, head to The Forestry England website.
30 June, 1 and 2 July
Bradmoor Woods, West Acre Estate, Norfolk
Set in a remote woodland clearing in the heart of Norfolk, Folk in a Field is a festival which brings together a diverse mix of performers from folk, roots, and the acoustic music scene.
This is an award-winning family festival with its list of activities and shows to enjoy. There’s also a host of workshops, treatments, stalls, locally sourced ales and ciders and numerous food outlets to discover.
Surrounded by stunning woodland, you will be able to relax and get away from it all in the laid-back environment and enjoy all the festival has to offer.
Day tickets are available so why not find out more and book your tickets (tickets are free to under 12’s!) by heading to the Folk in a Field website.
22nd to 30th July 2023
Holt, Norfolk
The annual Holt Festival boasts a range of events, from food and theatre to music, fine art and more will be back in July 2023 for another year of cultural nourishment and belly laughs!
The opening night is Saturday 22nd July and there will be a variety of performances throughout the rest of the week at different venues in Holt, culminating with The Vagaband outdoors on Saturday evening.
Artists appearing include Luke Wright, The Jefford Brothers and Holt-based poet and writer James McDermott. You will also get to see internationally known performers including Julian Bliss who will be performing a mixture of classical and jazz clarinet works accompanied by Robert Bottriell and Dom Joly with Holiday Snaps: Travel & Comedy in the Danger Zone and Bob Flowerdew and No Work Gardening.
To find out more about The Holt Festival head to their website.
19 August 2023
Earlham Park, Norwich
Take a trip back to the 80s as Let’s Rock Norwich is returning bigger and better than ever this summer! Earlham Park will be transformed into a retro music festival for one day only, hosting amazing performers including Tony Hadley, Happy Mondays, Bananarama, The Farm, Heaven 17, Midge Ure, Neville Staple, Johnny Hates Jazz, Five Star, plus more!
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This is a family friendly event with a kid’s area, interactive circus activities, face painting and inflatables, plus plenty of food and drinks stalls (you are welcome to bring your own picnic too) – what’s not to love!
Find out more and how to book tickets by heading to the Let’s Rock Norwich website.
Sat 2 – Sun 3 Sept
Holkham Hall Walled Garden, Holkham
For its 14th year running, the stunning Holkham Hall will be home to the wonderful foodie haven of the North Norfolk Food and Drink Festival. Featuring local food and drink producers, the festival takes place within the Walled Gardens, once filled with vegetables and flowers grown for the Hall.
There will be fresh meat and game, cakes, vegetables, bread, juices, artisan beer, chocolates and much more on offer on the stalls. Onsite entertainment is also included, with children’s activities, and the ever-popular cookery theatre. Dogs are very welcome too!
To find out more head to The North Norfolk Food and Drinks Festival website.
15-17 September
Great Yarmouth, Norfolk
During the weekend of 15-17 September Great Yarmouth on the east coast, will yet again be home to the highly acclaimed ‘Out there festival’. Regularly attracting 60,000 people each year, this free event has established an international reputation for its innovative and diverse programme.
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From comedy to breath-taking spectacle, to wonderful performances and of course a side dose of seaside silliness, this family friendly event has something for everyone. And did we mention it’s free! (Although donations are very gratefully received).
Take a look at the Out There Festival website to find out more about the event. If you like the look of this event, make the most of your stay with a cottage in Great Yarmouth.
October 2023
Returning in Autumn 2023 the area’s largest dining event, Norfolk Restaurant Week, will see a number of restaurants throughout Norfolk offering unmissable prices in order that people can enjoy their culinary delights!
For a list of restaurants taking part and how to book a table head to The Norfolk Restaurant Week website for more information.
8th Nov – 23 Dec
Thursford, Norfolk
Said to be the biggest Christmas show of its kind in Europe, people travel from far and wide to enjoy the extravaganza of non-stop singing, dancing, music, humour and variety. It’s a fast-moving celebration of the festive season featuring an eclectic mix of both seasonal and year-round favourites.
So if you are spending some time in Norfolk during November and December, why not get in the Christmas spirit by going to see this acclaimed production – tickets can be purchased from The Thursford website.
This year, attend one of Norfolk’s exciting events during a self-catering stay in Norfolk. Take a look at these holiday cottages in Norfolk to secure your dream stay. For more inspiration, read Things to Do in Norfolk: A Guide to the Best Attractions and Activities.
by Georgia Beech / Events
Hi, I'm Georgia and I joined the team in June 2021. I love travelling and finding hidden gems to explore. My favourite place for a...
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