Hello Norfolk explorers 👋

We hope you've been enjoying the sunshine this week, though it's been an extremely dry stretch for Norfolk, hosepipe ban and all. With too many fires reported locally, it's worth being extra careful with bbqs, cigarettes, or anything else that could catch. On a brighter note, the sea lavender is bloom right now (see photo of Thornham above), turning the marshes a hazy purple. We're not sure how long it'll last in this heat, so it's worth a visit sooner rather than later if you want to catch it.

Last weekend, we joined Norwich CAMRA's evening coach trip, one of those trips where you don't find out which pubs you're visiting until you get there. It took us to The Cap and The Swan in Harleston, The Green Dragon in Bungay, The Wherry in Geldeston, and The Angel in Loddon. They were all a lot of fun, and it's a good reminder of how lucky we are to have so many great pubs around here.

We also managed one of the new upper level tours at Norwich Cathedral, a fascinating look at parts of the building we'd never seen before. The view of the nave really gives you a sense of just how big the cathedral is. They've only just launched and are already sold out for August, with a few September dates gone too.

Plenty else is going on around the county this week, from the final days of Wells Carnival and Sheringham Carnival to Houghton Festival and the Pedal Norfolk cycling weekend.

Here's what else is happening across Norfolk this week ⬇️

✨ What's Happening Around Norfolk This Week?

🎪 Wells Carnival (31 July–9 August, Carnival Day 8 August)

Wells Carnival's ten days of celebrations continue this week, wrapping up with the Carnival Day Parade on Saturday 8 August, complete with themed floats, fancy dress and local music through the town. Most events are free, though a few individual activities are ticketed.

Get more information here.

🎡 Sheringham Carnival (1–9 August)

Sheringham Carnival's week of seaside fun and community celebrations reaches its final days, with the Carnival Parade on Wednesday evening among the highlights still to come. Some events may require tickets or have a small admission charge.

Get more information here.

🎧 Houghton Festival (6–9 August)

Houghton Festival brings four days of electronic music, live performance and contemporary art to a purpose-built site, with an intimate 18+ atmosphere and non-stop programming across the weekend. Tickets are sold out for 2026, though resale tickets are available via Resident Advisor.

Get more information here.

🍺 North Walsham Beer Festival (7–8 August)

Run entirely by volunteers from the Round Table, this two-day beer festival raises money for local good causes with a wide selection of ales, ciders, a gin and rum bar, live music and food. Kids are welcome on Saturday before 6pm.

Get more information here.

🚴 Pedal Norfolk Festival (8–9 August)

This two-day cycling festival is based at Holkham Hall, with road routes of 25, 50, 75 and 100 miles on the Saturday sportive and a gravel-based ride through quiet lanes and tracks on the Sunday.

Get more information here.

🎵 Reepham Festival (8–9 August)

Reepham Festival brings two days of live music across three stages, with a family-friendly atmosphere and a line-up mixing national and local acts. Any profit from ticket sales goes to charity.

Get more information here.

🚤 Cromer Lifeboat Day (9 August)

Cromer Lifeboat Day is a free, family-friendly celebration of the town's volunteer RNLI crew, with the D class and Tamar class lifeboats launching, demonstrations from the lifeguards and coastguard, and stalls along the promenade.

Get more information here.

🌲 Treehouse Festival (10–15 August)

Treehouse Festival is a small, week-long residential gathering in Mid Norfolk built around traditional and forgotten crafts, from blacksmithing to green woodworking and glass blowing. With only 100 tickets available and all meals included, it has an intentionally intimate, communal feel.

Get more information here.

🦪 Brancaster White Horse Oyster Festival (12–16 August)

Five days of oyster celebrations return to the White Horse at Brancaster, set in a marquee overlooking the tidal marsh and Scolt Head Island. Expect Brancaster oysters, local sparkling wine and a strong lineup of live music. No booking required.

Get more information here.

🎭 Cromer Pier Show (27 June–19 September)

Cromer Pier Show continues its run as the only full-season end-of-pier show in the world, at the Pavilion Theatre right through to mid-September. This year marks the pier's 125th anniversary, with comedian Jack Gleadow hosting a cast of singers, dancers and guest acts. Tickets from £24.

Get more information here.

🌊 Summer Circus & Water Spectacular (8 July–13 September)

The Summer Circus and Water Spectacular is still running at Britain's last surviving standalone circus building, the Great Yarmouth Hippodrome. International circus acts perform alongside the famous water spectacular, where the whole stage sinks into a giant pool for a synchronised swimming display.

Get more information here.

🗿 Raveningham Sculpture Trail (15 July–6 September)

Raveningham Sculpture Trail continues through the summer, set across three acres of semi-wild meadows, gardens and woodland at the Raveningham Centre in south Norfolk. This year's theme is Ritual, with 60 artists creating site-specific works.

Get more information here.

🎨 Fakenham Arts Festival (1–30 August)

Fakenham Arts Festival's month of creativity continues across the town, with artwork in shop windows and venues, a free family art trail and workshops running throughout August. The biographical arts films at the local cinema, covering Frida Kahlo, Caravaggio, and Turner and Constable, continue on Tuesday evenings.

Get more information here.

🗓 Explore More Events

There’s plenty more coming up:

👉 July Events | August Events | September Events​

Need a Recommendation? 💬

Not sure what to do with the family this weekend, or looking for a quiet spot for a coffee? Hit reply and ask, we love a good Norfolk recommendation request.

Until next time, happy adventuring!​
​
Anisa and Russell

PS. We're still a bit giddy about this, our Facebook page hit 10,000 followers this week! Thank you to every single one of you, we don't take it for granted. Our Facebook Community group is growing too, closing in on 2,000 members, come say hello here.

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