Make a date
28th May 2025
Gone Wild Festival
Diaries at the ready! Here’s our guide to some of the leading cultural events and activities taking place in Norfolk in 2025
June
Now until 3 August: Sainsbury Centre, Norwich
The Centre continues its series of investigative exhibitions which examines: ‘Can the Seas Survive Us?’ Featuring contemporary art, historical paintings, ancient atlases and maps from across the globe, the three concurrent exhibitions include A World of Water which brings together works by British and international artists from the last 250 years including Maggi Hambling and George Vincent, while Darwin in Paradise Camp sees the British premiere of Yuki Kihara, who is of Samoan and Japanese descent, and Sea Inside is a mixed media exhibition looking at humanity’s interconnections, interrelationships and immersion in oceans.
Now until 28 September: Houghton Hall
A major exhibition by the acclaimed British sculptor Stephen Cox will run across the park, gardens and interiors. It represents the largest and most comprehensive group of work the artist has ever shown. Spanning more than 40 years, it includes work conceived and produced all over the world from India to Egypt, Italy and the UK.
Around 20 sculptures in marble and stone will be placed in the landscape, while smaller works will be installed in the State Rooms on the first floor of the house. A modern gallery space in the south wing of the house will show a group of works on paper together with the large marble and porphyry sculpture, Shrine.
Photo: Pete Huggins © Houghton Hall
Now until 30 August: GoGoSafari
Have you spotted a brightly coloured elephant in Norwich, or maybe a giraffe adorned with animals and birds at Holkham? Your eyes haven’t deceived you – it’s time to go on safari in Norfolk and follow the roar-ingly good GoGoSafari art trail, comprising more than 50 magnificent animal sculptures thoughtfully decorated by local and national artists.
The event is raising funds for local charity Break, which supports children and young people in, around and leaving care. There are rhinos, lions, giraffes, gorillas and elephants, each representing a different aspect of Break’s work.
Much of the action is in Norwich (there are more than 60 mini giraffes to find too), but there’s a herd of splendid sculptureson our patch – ‘The County Five’.
We won’t give all the fun away but its designed as a day trip, taking you to Reepham and Whitwell Station, Reepham (with Prince the lion by artist Mik Richardson, channelling Purple Rain), Jarrolds Letheringsett, Holkham Hall (we love Woody the Giraffe, decorated by Jina Gelder to celebrate British wildlife) and Sunny Honey the gorilla in Hunstanton, pictured, by Hilary Sanderson, posing midframe of sunsets over the sea.
Pick up a trail map (£1) at Safari HQ at The Forum in Norwich, from select Break shops or Jarrolds book department or download the app for £1.99, complete with competitions and more, you’re good to go.
Until 7 December: ‘Sea State’ an exhibition of new work by Maggi Hambling and Ro Robertson at Wolterton Hall
This 18th century Palladian hall is open to the public for the first time in a generation, with its inaugural Arts & Culture Programme. Expect a contemporary art exhibition – ‘Sea State’ – a site-specific show featuring the work of Maggi Hambling and Ro Robertson; an artist residency for Dutch artist collective De Onkruidenier in collaboration with the Sainsbury Centre, as part of the latter’s Can the Seas Survive Us? season. Wolterton is also hosting the Norwich-based Clay Research Group, a collective of artists, lecturers, potters, and researchers dedicated to exploring locally sourced ceramic materials. Both groups will create new artworks from materials found onsite. Alongside enjoy visiting the house (there’s a Breadsource café in the library) and grounds, plus workshops, musical and theatrical events over the summer.
28 June to 20 September: Cromer Pier Show
The annual summer variety show bursts into life on 28 June and runs until 20 September. It brings a touch of the West End to the seaside with a packed programme of magic, comedy, dancing, singing and general mayhem! It’s a terrific family show and spiced up with great special effects including the eight-metre video wall. The host is Ben Nickless, pictured, who excels at keeping everything on track, while the specialist act is Duo Douell who promise thrilling stunts!
July
4 to 5 July: Twelfth Night
The Lord Chamberlain’s Men, a theatrical company who celebrate their 21st anniversary this year, present Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night at Norwich Cathedral Cloisters; it’s one of his most popular romantic comedies where there is much mistaken identity! The production also calls into Holkham Hall on 5 August.
www.cathedral.org.uk; www.holkham.co.uk
9 to 13 July: Five Churches Festival
Glaven Valley churches are taking part in the annual Five Churches Festival, curated by pianist Brenda Blewett and Chaos Collective, a Norfolk-based string quartet. Wiveton Church hosts the launch with the duo of Lotte Betts-Dean (mezzo-soprano) and Dimitris Soukaras (guitar), both pictured, whose programme Time Stands Still fuses the music of John Dowland and Nick Drake as well as other goodies. Other acts appearing in the festival include the Chris Cooper Trio, cellist Robert Cohen, legendary jazz singer Barbar Gough, and the London Central Brass Quintet.
9 July to 14 September: Summer Circus & Water Spectacular
If you’ve never seen the summer show at the Hippodrome, Great Yarmouth, then you’re in for a treat. Running from 9 July to 14 September, the annual Summer Circus & Water Spectacular, hosted by Jack Jay and Johnny Mac, offers the best international circus acts including trapeze artists, acrobatics, slapstick comics, and, of course, the amazing water routines.
12 July: Sense and Sensibility
It’s the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth, and Dot Productions presents one of her classics, Sense and Sensibility at Wells Maltings on 12 July. Five actors take part in the two and a half hour show which explores that old debate of head versus heart as the two sisters, Elinor and Marianne, look for love in Regency England.
13 July: Vanity Fair
Moving Parts Theare Company is bringing its brand-new adaptation of Thackeray’s novel Vanity Fair to the ruins of Creake Abbey on 13 July, transporting audiences to a world of Regency salons and ballrooms, and the battlefield of Waterloo. With stunning costumes and original score of live music, this alfresco production is one not to miss. The open-air show is also coming to Norwich Plantation Garden on 11 July, Stow Hall Gardens on 12 July, Hindringham Hall on 25 July and Hoveton Hall on 26 July.
Pictured: Becky Sharp from Moving Parts Theatre Company’s Vanity Fair © www.jasonharris.co.uk
13 to 26 July: King’s Lynn Festival
Running for a fortnight, this event features an eclectic mixture of talks, walks, films, exhibitions, concerts of jazz, folk and classical music and more. One of the first events to be announced is Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra who perform on 25 July at the King’s Lynn Corn Exchange.
14 to 19 July: Chicago
Strictly sensation Janette Manrara takes on her first acting role as Roxie Hart in the dynamic musical Chicago, coming to Norwich Theatre Royal from 14 to 19 July. It’s packed with terrific songs such as Razzle Dazzle and All That Jazz but we all just want to see Janette dance! The legendary Bob Fosse’s choreography is dazzling.
19 July: Sheringham and Cromer Choral Society
Sheringham and Cromer Choral Society’s July concert at Cromer Parish Church is titled ‘With the Voice of Joy and Praise’. Featuring soloist Alice Platten, twice finalist in BBC Young Chorister of the Year, expect a programme of uplifting European anthems including Hear My Prayer by Mendelssohn and Five Childhood Lyrics by Rutter. 7pm.
www.sheringhamandcromerchoral.org.uk
20 July: Activities and Open Day, Veterans Central West Raynham SHQ
This annual event at West Raynham SHQ supports the work of the Veterans Central charity and has a packed programme. Tour the Grade II RAF Station Headquarters and its three acres of gardens; see a flypast by the RAF’s Memorial Flight Lancaster and view various military-themed displays, from aircraft cockpits and military vehicles to memorabilia stalls. There will also be a craft, food and drink fair plus children’s activities, classic cars, military and local history museum displays and much more. Free entry, 10am to 4pm at West Raynham Business Park.
Facebook West Raynham SHQ – Veterans Central
Until 7 September: Summer programme at Maritime Heritage Centre, Stiffkey
Rescue Wooden Boats are playing host to a series of monthly events this summer from talks and workshops, to demonstrations, all with some link to North Norfolk’s maritime heritage. 20 July: ‘Life on the Edge – important objects on Norfolk’s coast and their historical importance’ talk by Dr John A Davies, archaeologist and former Chief Curator of Norfolk Museums; 17 August: ‘Inshore fishing North Norfolk Coast’ – local history researchers Dr Robin and Linda West illustrate their talk with film clips from the 1960s -1990s; 24 August: ‘Knots and more’: knot maestro Andy McBride holds a drop-in demonstration and workshop; 7 September: ‘Sunsets Sea and seagulls’ – intensive felt making workshop for adults with Connie Flynn.
20 July: Carmina Burana
King’s Lynn Festival Chorus will perform Orff’s sweeping cantata Carmina Burana at St Nicholas’ Chapel, King’s Lynn at 4.30pm, for two pianos and percussion. Based on medieval poetry and opening with the iconic O Fortuna, the performance will be conducted by Ben Horden and feature guest artists.
www.kingslynnfestivalchorus.co.uk
25 July to 31 August (select dates): War of the Worlds
Local theatre company Strange Fascination will be bringing HG Wells’ popular sci-fi novel to life on their summer tour, with eight open-air performances across the region. Expect handmade puppets and high drama – in fact, it will be out of this world! Suitable for older children, the show runs for 75 minutes. Venues are Broadland Country Park (25 July), Ladybelt Country Park (26 July), The Dove Inn Alburgh (1 August), The Plantation Garden (2 August), West Stow Saxon Village (8 August), Hoveton Hall Estate (16 August), Firecrest Theatre, Brandon (23 August) and Whitlingham Country Park (31 August).
www.ticketsource.co.uk/strange-fascination-theatre
26 July: A Complete Unknown (15)
New York, 1961. An enigmatic 19-year-old from Minnesota arrives with his guitar, destined to change the course of American music. He forges relationships with music icons of Greenwich Village on his meteoric rise, culminating in a groundbreaking and controversial performance that reverberates worldwide. This is the true story of the rise of Bob Dylan, one of the most iconic singer-songwriters in history. Starring Timothée Chalamet and Ed Norton. Bookings via syderstonecinema_arvh@outlook.com. Amy Robsart Village Hall, Syderstone, 7.30pm; £4 on the door.
August
1 to 3 August: Holt Bookshop
While there’s sadly no Holt Festival this year, Holt Bookshop is staging a big fifth birthday celebration. Owners Pam Horrocks and Keith Britten promise a long weekend of literature and music, with authors including Lucy Mangan, Marian Keyes, Nick Achesob and Ben Garrod taking part, plus afternoon tea with Erica James on the Friday afternoon.
Events will take place in Lion House Court, St Andrew’s Church and Holt Community Centre, the latter the venue for Sunday’s party night, with live music from NightTrain. As ever, the town’s galleries will be brimming with art and Holt Market takes place on the Sunday, too, so the town will be buzzing!
2 August: Classic Ibiza at Blickling
Bringing a little bit of the White Isle to us here in Norfolk, Classic Ibiza returns, for the 10th year, to entertain with cool sounds from Stephen Hussey’s 32-piece Urban Soul Orchestra, the London Community Gospel Choir and headline DJs. The Big C has been chosen as this year’s charity so hopes are running high for plenty of fundraising – look out for one of their shops at the site, for example.
6, 13, 20 and 27 August: The Great British Seaside Special Variety Show
The Great British Seaside Special Variety Show returns to the Princess Theatre, Hunstanton in August, with shows starting on 6 August and running every Wednesday until 27 August. They are performed at 3pm each week, with an extra 7pm show on 27 August. Expect a great mix of traditional variety acts including juggler Chris Marley, illusionist Michael Diamond and Ultra Vibrancy with their UV puppet spectacular. Bobby Dazzler is the host and look out for Dersingham-based Rollason Dance School stars!
7 August: Robin Hood
The Pantaloons bring their open-air version of Robin Hood to Dalegate Market’s pretty Deepdale Orchard setting and return with Hamlet on 23 August. Both shows are family friendly and promise a few surprises!
7 to 10 August: Gone Wild Festival
After a very successful debut last year, Bear Grylls’ Gone Wild Festival returns to Holkham, promising much for all ages. Think wellness activities, survival skills sessions, inspirational speakers and so on. There’s also a decent music line-up which includes Blue, Lucy Spraggan, the Lightning Seeds and Clean Bandit. You can camp or glamp.
8 to 16 August: North Norfolk Music Festival
The North Norfolk Music Festival, now in its 20th year, sees a series of classical concerts in the beautiful setting of St Mary’s Church, South Creake. Soprano Rosa Feola, the Carducci String Quartet and Ensemble 360 are just some of the acts performing.
www.northnorfolkmusicfestival.com
15 August: Mariah Carey
There’s a stellar line-up at Heritage Live’s outdoor concerts at Sandringham. Mariah Carey plus special guests Nile Rogers & Chic and Eternal will perform on 15 August. Stereophonics with Blossoms and Jake Bugg as support, take to the stage on 16 August while on 17 August, Michael Bublé performs his only UK date this year. Special guest acts are due to be released, too, and, for the first time, you can glamp.
23 August: The Ultimate Pop Show
This family-friendly event is coming to the Princess Theatre in Hunstanton with the casts performing hits from artists including Taylor Swift, Girls Aloud, Ariana Grande, Harry Styles, Miley Cyrus, Beyonce, Justin Bieber, Little Mix and many more, with some fantastic dance routines. It’s a great first concert experience for children and teens, and there’s a ‘Meet & Greet’ the cast stars for an after-show photoshoot. The fun starts at 3pm.
25 August: Aylsham Show, Blickling Park, Aylsham
The Aylsham Show, attended by more than 18,000 people, once again takes place in the glorious setting of the National Trust’s Blickling Hall and offers a truly traditional agricultural show. Expect heavy horse displays, a children’s tug-of-war, stunt quads, falconry displays, a food market, flower competitions and more.
September/ October
12 to 21 September: Heritage Open Days
Heritage Opens Days offers you the chance to look behind the scenes or visit rarely open places in some of the region’s most spectacular historic buildings. It’s the chance to learn more about the history of your area, and you can expect accompanying exhibitions and activities for young ones. In Aylsham, for instance, the town’s Heritage Centre will host eight events, including two trails round the town which will run throughout the event.
16 September to 25 October: Hamilton
At Norwich Theatre Royal for a massive six weeks is Hamilton, the smash hit hip hop musical from Lin-Manuel Miranda. It is the first time the production has toured, and it tells the story of America’s Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, an immigrant from the West Indies who became George Washington’s right-hand man during the Revolutionary War and helped shape the very foundations of the America we know today.
26 September: Nik Kershaw – Musings and Lyrics
Enjoy an evening of songs, stories and silliness with singer-songwriter and instrumentalist Nik Kershaw at the Princess Theatre in Hunstanton, part of a nationwide tour coinciding with the release of Nik’s new book. He’ll be looking back over his career, which saw him explode onto the UK pop scene in 1984, have a string of global hits including ‘I Won’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me’, performing at Live Aid in 1985, and writing and producing, including penning Chesney Hawkes’ ‘The One and Only’ and collaborating with the likes of Elton John, Lulu and Gary Barlow. In 1998, Nik returned to performing and has been creating critically acclaimed albums ever since.
26 to 28 September: The King’s Lynn Literature Festival
King’s Lynn Town Hall is the venue for this annual festival, now in its 40th year. 2025’s event will see 17 well-known writers and poets gather, including Rachel Hore, DJ Taylor, Sir Anthony Seldon, Sophie Hannah, Sarah Perry, as well as the writing family Lisa St Aubin de Teran, son Alex Macbeth and daughter Iseult Teran.
Wide ranging topics will be discussed, think ‘The Good, the Bad and the Ugly: 300 Years of British Prime Ministers’; ‘ ‘Living in an Age of Uncertainty’; ‘World War II and Literary Culture’; ‘Unusual Storytelling’; ‘Different Approaches to a Life’ plus the fascination of being part of ‘A Family of Writers. Find out more at kllitfests.com. Tickets will go one sale on 1 July via www.kingslynncornexchange.co.uk
24 October: The Magic of The Beatles
This tribute to The Fab Four by UK-based band BEATLEMANIA is currently on a nationwide tour with its sensational cast performing hit after hit; from She Loves You, A Hard Day’s Night, Help!, I Feel Fine, Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band to Hey Jude, Here Comes the Sun, Get Back, and many more.
November and December
8 November to 23 December: Thursford Christmas Spectacular
The biggest and brightest Christmas show in the region, the Thursford Christmas Spectacular attracts thousands of people from all over the country who simply love the full-on music and dancing extravaganza.
6 December to 4 January 2026: Aladdin
Wishing for some panto fun? Join Aladdin, Widow Twankey, Wishee Washee and the crew at the Princess Theatre in Hunstanton for a magical pantomime. Expect amazing dance routines, special effects, musical numbers, fun audience participation, and lots of laughs!
6 December to 4 January 2026: Cinderella
This year’s panto at Norwich Theatre Royal is Cinderella and promises all your favourite ingredients from a baddie to boo and hiss at to those naughty ugly sisters. It’s perfect all round family fun. Wicked Sisters, Anderella and Binderella, will be played by Norfolk’s Nimmo Twin, Owen Evans, and Norwich’s Kenny Moore from drag act The Squirrels, alongside Joe Tracini as Buttons. There will be a range of accessible performances, including captioned, audio described, BSL interpreted, relaxed, sensory adapted, and an over-15s performance.
Please check websites for full details, prices and all up to date information.
