We’re Anisa and Russell, the husband-and-wife team behind Norfolk Local Guide. Each week, we share what’s happening in Norwich and across Norfolk—from hidden gems and foodie finds to family fun and seasonal events. Join our community and make the most of every week in this beautiful corner of the England!
🥇 Cromer Pier Show + Summer Events Across Norfolk
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Hello Norfolk explorers 👋 It's been another hot week! We hope you've been able to make the most of it, whether that means heading to the coast, finding some shade, or finally treating yourself to an ice cream. We are so lucky to have so many fantastic beaches in Norfolk, but if you're heading out, remember to check the tide times and heed all warnings so everyone stays safe. Last night, we were invited to see the Cromer Pier Show and we really enjoyed it. The show has such a great energy and had us laughing throughout. The cast and production team have done a fantastic job, and the visual effects add something extra special. Our favourite part was the musical medley finale. With Cromer Pier celebrating its 125th anniversary this year, it feels like a great time to go and support this Norfolk gem and experience the world's only full season end of pier show. Looking ahead, this week's events calendar feels properly summery. From folk festivals in the woods and Morris dancing by the sea to beer festivals, carnivals and outdoor theatre, there are lots of excuses to get out and explore. Here’s what else is happening across Norfolk this week ⬇️ ✨ What's Happening Around Norfolk This Week?Dereham Blues Festival (1 - 5 July)A five-day blues festival spread across venues throughout Dereham, now in its 12th year in 2026. Over 50 bands play across the town, covering everything from acoustic to electric blues. Most events are free, with a ticketed opening concert on the Wednesday evening. Get more information here. Folk in a Field (2 - 5 July) Award-winning family-friendly festival set in a remote clearing in Bradmoor Woods, with folk music, activities, workshops, stalls, and locally sourced ales and ciders. Ticket price includes free parking and basic camping. Get more information here. Shakespeare Festival at Norwich Cathedral (3 - 4 July)The Lord Chamberlain's Men perform Othello as it would have been done in Shakespeare's day, with an all-male cast, Elizabethan costumes and live music. Picnics welcome. Hopefully you already got your tickets because it is sold out. Get more information here. Upton White Horse Beer Festival (3 - 5 July)Three days of real ale and cider, with more than 30 varieties available across the weekend, plus live music throughout. Bands performing across the festival include The Frozen Raspberries, Brad James, Skowa Kabala Ska Band, The Hunter Band, Alex Asher, and Messijoes. Get more information here. Wild West Norfolk FestivalA full day of live country music, family fun, food stalls, craft stalls, a Trading Post, and an American Car Show. Organised by KL1 Radio and Rotary Club. Dogs on leads welcome. Get more information here. Get more information here. The Gin & Rum Festival Norwich (4 July)The UK's biggest touring Gin and Rum Festival comes to Norwich for one day only. Sample over 120 gins, rums, and tequilas, with live music and a DJ throughout. Ticket includes a reusable cup, a guide, and a free exit drink. Get more information here. Watton Carnival (5 July)A community carnival day with a parade, live entertainment, dog show, dance show, funfair, food stalls, and a variety of stalls throughout the day. Get more information here. Thursford Gala Day (5 July)A one-day celebration of the Thursford Collection's 50th anniversary, with over 300 exhibitors including steam engines, vintage vehicles, and classic cars. The programme includes a Wurlitzer show, aerobatic display by The Starlings, vintage bus tours, steam parade, fairground rides, and family activities. Dogs are permitted onsite in outside areas. Get more information here. Cromer Pier Show (27 June - 19 September)The famous Cromer Pier Show is back for another year! It will feature singing, dancing, comedy, West End production values, specialty acts, and much more. Read my review of the 2021 Cromer Pier Show to find out what to expect. Get more information about this year’s Cromer Pier Show here. Festival Too in King’s Lynn (27 June - 11 July)Festival Too originated in 1985 when a collective of business people came together with the idea of hosting a music event to complement the King’s Lynn Festival. It is completely free to attend, with no need for tickets. Get more information here. Lynn Chadwick at Houghton Hall (2 May - 4 October) Houghton Hall will host a major sculpture exhibition by celebrated British artist Lynn Chadwick CBE. Featuring 30 works from the 1950s to the 1990s, the exhibition includes some of his best-known sculptures as well as rarely seen pieces, displayed across the house and grounds. It will be the UK’s largest exhibition of Chadwick’s work in more than 20 years. Get more information here. 🗓 Explore More Events There’s plenty more coming up: 👉 July Events | August Events Need a Recommendation? 💬 Not sure what to do this weekend? Hit reply and tell us what you're looking for. We love helping readers discover new places, whether that's a family day out, somewhere for a good walk, a great pub lunch, or something a little different. 🧡 Until next time, happy adventuring! PS. If you're heading to Cromer this summer, don't just stop at the pier. We've rounded up some of our favourite things to do in the town, from seaside classics to a few ideas you might not have considered. Check it out here.
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Norfolk Local Guide
We’re Anisa and Russell, the husband-and-wife team behind Norfolk Local Guide. Each week, we share what’s happening in Norwich and across Norfolk—from hidden gems and foodie finds to family fun and seasonal events. Join our community and make the most of every week in this beautiful corner of the England!
Hello Norfolk explorers 👋 September has arrived, and there's plenty happening across Norfolk this week, from heather walks and food festivals to cycling, running and live entertainment. We spent some of the bank holiday weekend checking out the heather before it fades, watching the sunrise from John Denver's bench at Dersingham Bog (pictured above). If you fancy planning a trip of your own, we've put together a full visitor guide,. This year's heather is patchier than usual after such a dry...
Hello Norfolk explorers 👋 The August Bank Holiday weekend is nearly here, and it's shaping up to be a busy one across Norfolk. Last week we made it to Cromer Carnival to catch the Red Arrows fly past (pictured above), which never gets old no matter how many times we've seen it. Beyond that there was plenty to enjoy: good food stalls, fairground rides, and a motocross show that turned out to be one of our favourite parts of the day. Cromer wasn't the only crowd we joined this week, we also...
Hello Norfolk explorers 👋 We hope you were able to get out and enjoy the eclipse. We had a picnic at St. Benet’s Abbey and watched it from there (see photo above). If you missed it, the next chance comes on 2 August 2027, but it won't be as big. The UK won't see one this size again until 2030. Between the eclipse and everything else, it's been a full week around here. We were invited to a popup Beef and Burgundy dinner at Raynham Estate (only on through 20 August), took a Bishy Barney Boat...