Make a date
9th April 2025
Houghton Hall photographed by Pete Huggins
Diaries at the ready! Here’s our guide to some of the leading cultural events and activities taking place in Norfolk in 2025
April
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.
25 April and 11 May: Cromer Uncovered
Paul Dickson takes guided walking tours across Norfolk. Sign up for ‘George Skipper in Cromer’ on 25 April (10.30am to 12.15pm), which looks at the Norwich-based architect’s legacy; while on 11 May (11am to 12.45pm) it’s the ‘Birth of Poppyland’, a deep-dive into the development of the seaside town as a tourist destination.
26 April: Music in the Burnhams
This popular series of concerts, held in some of our most beautiful churches, commences with pianist Peter Hewitt performing several Beethoven pieces at St Mary’s, Brancaster. On 10 May, the Victoria String Quartet performs at St Mary’s Church Westgate, Burnham Market.
26 April: Deepdale Live Music
Jason Borthwick continues to host live music events at Deepdale Camping and Rooms, Burnham Deepdale, and kicks off this year’s offerings with Wilswood Buoys, a duo from Mersea Island. Jacob & Drinkwater, a folk duo, are next on 17 May, with other acts following.
29 April to 5 May: Grimston Creative Arts Exhibition
This annual exhibition will feature 100 pieces of art ranging from photography, textiles and sculpture to paintings, mixed media and print, by 50 local artists. All the art is for sale and there’s a pop up cafe, too. Free entry and free parking at the venue (Norfolk Creative Arts, Church Hill School, 71 Gayton Road, Grimston, PE32 1BG), 10am to 4pm daily.
May
4 May to 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.
breccia. Installation Houghton Hall, Norfolk. Courtesy of Houghton Hall.
4 May: Stately Car Boot Sale
The ninth Stately Car Boot Sale, in aid of the Norfolk Churches Trust, takes place at Sennowe Park by kind permission of Virginia and Charles Temple-Richards, and Tom Cook. Expect more than 200 pitches with a selection of gorgeous antiques, furnishings, paintings and more from some of the finest houses in the county. Get there early.
www.norfolkchurchestrust.org.uk
7 to 10 May: Princess Ida, Maddermarket Theatre
Don’t miss the East Norfolk Operatic Society’s performance of this comic opera. Often described as the hidden gem in Gilbert and Sullivan’s crown, this lesser-known romantic operetta is packed with comedy, intrigue and toe tapping music as it tells the age-old story of the battle of the sexes. This twist on a medieval fairy tale is being staged by award-winning director Tim Hurst-Brown, with musical direction and a live orchestra conducted by Bernard Soper.
9 to 11 May: Folk on the Pier
Folk, rock and acoustic sets make up this popular event at the Pavilion Theatre, Cromer Pier, which sees six acts performing each day. These include Richard Digance, Eric Sedge and Brooks Williams. It’s the 25th anniversary this year so it promises to be extra special.
9 to 25 May: Norfolk & Norwich Festival, various venues
This annual event sees 17 days jam-packed with events ranging from talks to poetry, magic, dance, classical music and more. Look out for mezzo soprano Lotte Betts-Dean (a resident artist) at the Duke Street Theatre at the University of the Arts on 22 May and Upswing, a contemporary circus, who perform their new show, Showdown, in the Adnams Spiegeltent from 14 to 25. The Britten Sinfonia return to Norwich Cathedral on 24 May, and author Val McDermid talks about her latest best sellers at St Peter Mancroft, also on 24 May.
10 May: The English Anthem
The talented Sheringham and Cromer Choral Society present The English Anthem at St Peter’s Church in Sheringham on 10 May. The programme, directed by David Ballard, is a celebration of English anthems, from the 19th to 21st century. The choir is being joined by treble soloists from Norwich Cathedral choir and they will be accompanied by Philip Adams on the piano and organ.
www.sheringhamandcromerchoral.org.uk
14 May: La Bohème
Ellen Kent Productions presents a powerful new interpretation of this Puccini opera at King’s Lynn Corn Exchange, featuring the Ukrainian Opera & Ballet Theatre Kyiv. Expect colourful costumes, lavish sets and extensive special effects.
www.kingslynncornexchange.co.uk
16 May: Dracula in Space
Forget what you know about string quartets at a performance of Dracula in Space by Bowjangles, a group of classically trained musicians who have been touring together for more than 15 years. Their production on 16 May at Wells Maltings is described as a musical comedy and certainly sounds fun!
18 May: New Worlds, King’s Lynn Corn Exchange
The Norfolk Symphony Orchestra’s next concert will feature music from Joan Tower (Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman), Gerald Finzi (Clarinet Concerto with soloist Sarah Williamson) and Antonin Dvořák (Symphony No 9). The conductor is Steve Bingham. Look out for a number of free tickets for those aged 18 and under.
19 May: Anne Boleyn Walk
The Blickling Estate, which was the home of the Boleyn family from 1499 to 1505, commemorates the anniversary of Anne Boleyn’s death with a free walk on 19 May (11.45am to 12.30pm). There’ll be a costumed procession down the drive by the Living History Team, subject to good weather conditions.
20 to 24 May: Jane Eyre
Ballet lovers are in for a treat as the always superlative Northern Ballet brings Charlotte Bronte’s passionate classic to Norwich Theatre Royal. Expect great story telling alongside superb technical ability.
23 to 25 May: Outdoor cinema, Holkham
How better to enjoy the balmier weather than watching a film alfresco at Holkham Hall? Adventure Cinema has a weekend of outdoor screenings alongside the walled garden, kicking off with The Greatest Showman Sing-A-Long on 23 May; followed by Moana 2 and Mamma Mia! ExtrABBAganza on 24 May and The Gruffalo & Stick Man and Queen Spectacular on 25 May
25 May: Pageant of Motoring, Sandringham
Live Promotions is hosting the Pageant of Motoring in the Royal Parkland on 25 May. There’ll be seven decades of motoring on display including the Royal vehicles, plus live music, aerial displays, a craft and vintage fair and – new for this year – the Holt Sunday Market, with over 50 local traders in attendance.
June
1 June: Ladies Day, Fakenham Racecourse
It’s Ladies Day at England’s smallest racecourse so grab your hat and be prepared for a flutter or two. The Payne Crop Nutrition Ladies Day also includes best dressed competitions and dancing to a DJ in the evening.
18 to 21 June: Forest Live
This annual outdoor concert series at High Lodge, Thetford Forest kicks off with Rag’ n’ Bone Man on 18 June, James and Shed Seven on 19 June, The Script and Tom Walker on 20 June and Gary Barlow and Beverley Knight on 21 June. It’s the chance to grab a picnic, pray for good weather and enjoy some great sounds in the fresh air.
25 and 26 June: The Royal Norfolk Show, Norfolk Showground
The Royal Norfolk Show, the largest agricultural show in the country, returns for two days of non stop action. Expect a huge food hall, more than 700 trade stands, a Grand Ring with a packed programme of exciting events and more than 3000 animals including cattle, pigs, goats, poultry and rabbits.
28 June to 12 July: Festival Too
This free, unticketed pop festival runs over three weekends in King’s Lynn. It is in its 40th year and plans are being finalised for the line-up – which is always impressive.
28 June to 20 September: Cromer Pier Show
Head to Cromer for the only end-of-pier show in the country; it combines music, comedy, magic and plenty of slapstick fun to produce a fun-filled two hours. Ben Nickless is your host and you can expect a traditional variety show.
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.
13 July: Vanity Fair
The Moving Parts Theatre Company presents William Makepeace Thackeray’s deliciously gossipy Vanity Fair in the Creake Abbey ruins. Bring a picnic and dress according to the weather. The show is also performed at Hindringham Hall, on the East Lawn, on 25 July.
www.creakeabbey.co.uk; www.hindringhamhall.org
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.
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 are still in the planning process but promise a long weekend of literature, music and arts. Events will take place in Lion House Court, St Andrew’s Church and Holt Community Centre. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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: 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.
Please check websites for full details, prices and all up to date information.
