What's On In Norfolk - Summer 2025

As the long days of summer arrive, the historic county of Norfolk transforms into a vibrant hub of celebration. From world-class music festivals against the backdrop of stately homes to traditional seaside carnivals and spectacular airshows, there's a wealth of activities for every taste. Here is our guide to some of the unmissable events happening this July and August.  

Don't Miss: The Marquee Events

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Houghton Festival

When: Aug 7-10

Where: Houghton Hall

A premier, boutique experience blending cutting-edge music with high art in a breathtaking setting.

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Wells Carnival

When: Aug 1-10

Where: Wells-next-the-Sea

A vibrant, ten-day celebration of community spirit and seaside tradition with over 100 events.

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Old Buckenham Airshow

When: Jul 26-27

Where: Old Buckenham

A spectacular weekend of aerial displays with vintage warbirds, modern jets, and family fun.

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Sandringham Flower Show

When: Jul 23

Where: Sandringham Estate

One of the most prestigious horticultural events in the East of England, hosted on the Royal Estate.

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King's Lynn Festival

When: Jul 13-26

Where: King's Lynn

A major two-week festival with prestigious classical, choral, and cross-over events in historic venues.

🍽️

North Norfolk Food Festival

When: Aug 30-31

Where: Holkham Hall

The region's premier food festival, showcasing over 60 of the best local artisan producers.

More to See!

Folk in a Field Festival

When: 3rd – 6th July 2025 Where: West Acre This award-winning roots festival offers an enchanting escape into music and nature, held within a beautiful woodland clearing. The event celebrates authenticity, bringing together a diverse mix of performers from the acoustic, folk, and roots music scene. Beyond the music, the programme features craft demonstrations, local food stalls, and real ale bars, cultivating a wholesome, family-friendly atmosphere.

North Norfolk OPEN Studios

When: 12th – 27th July 2025 Where: Various artist studios, North Norfolk Celebrating its 30th anniversary, this cornerstone of the county's cultural calendar sees hundreds of artists across North Norfolk open their private studios to the public. The event turns art appreciation into an interactive journey, allowing visitors to meet creators in their own spaces while exploring the picturesque countryside.

King's Lynn Festival

When: 13th – 26th July 2025 Where: Various historic buildings, King's Lynn A highlight of West Norfolk's cultural year, this major two-week festival presents a prestigious programme of classical, choral, and cross-over events. It features performances from international stars and prize-winning young musicians, strategically using the town's most beautiful and atmospheric historic buildings as venues.

Sandringham Flower Show

When: 23rd July 2025 Where: Sandringham Estate Hosted on the private estate of the Royal Family, the 142nd Sandringham Flower Show is one of the most prestigious horticultural events in the East of England, attracting around 20,000 visitors each year. The show is a fixture in the nation's social and gardening calendar, featuring stunning display gardens and top-level horticultural trade stands.

Old Buckenham Airshow

When: 26th – 27th July 2025 Where: Old Buckenham Airfield Enjoy a spectacular weekend of aerial displays at one of the UK's premier aviation events. The programme features crowd-pleasers like the RAF Red Arrows and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight's Lancaster, alongside vintage warbirds and modern jets. With military vehicle displays and fairground rides on the ground, it's a comprehensive family day out.

Wells-next-the-Sea Carnival

When: 1st – 10th August 2025 Where: Wells-next-the-Sea A cornerstone of the North Norfolk summer, this vibrant, ten-day celebration of community spirit and seaside tradition culminates in the Carnival Day and Parade on Saturday, August 9th. Having run for over a century, the cherished event features over 100 individual events, including sandcastle competitions, a town crier competition, and a grand procession of floats.

Blickling Classic Ibiza Evening

When: 2nd August 2025 Where: Blickling Estate Set against the stunning Jacobean splendour of Blickling Hall, this event sees the Urban Soul Orchestra return for its 10th anniversary to perform classic Ibiza anthems. The juxtaposition of classical orchestration and dance music in such a grand, historic setting creates a truly unique and memorable open-air concert experience.

Houghton Music & Arts Festival

When: 7th – 10th August 2025 Where: Houghton Hall Estate One of the most anticipated events on the UK's electronic music calendar, Houghton is a premier, boutique experience that seamlessly blends cutting-edge music with high art. Set in the breathtaking grounds of the 18th-century Houghton Hall, the festival's broader cultural scope includes sculpture and visual installations placed throughout the historic estate.

Maui Waui Festival

When: 22nd – 25th August 2025 Where: Hill Farm, Gressenhall Celebrating its 12th year, Maui Waui is a vibrant and eclectic three-day international festival of music, performance, and arts. The festival is renowned for bringing amazing and diverse creative talent to the East Anglian countryside, spanning multiple genres and disciplines.

Aylsham Show

When: 25th August 2025 Where: Blickling Estate Held on the August Bank Holiday Monday, the Aylsham Show has been a major fixture in the county's agricultural and social calendar for over 70 years. It is a grand celebration of "fun, food and farming," with livestock competitions, trade stands, food tents, and entertainment that showcases the best of Norfolk country life.

North Norfolk Food & Drink Festival

When: 30th – 31st August 2025 Where: Walled Garden, Holkham Hall Now in its 16th year, this is the region's premier food festival. Held in the spectacular setting of the Walled Garden at Holkham, the free-to-enter event brings together over 60 local artisan producers. Visitors can enjoy live cookery demonstrations from top local chefs and sample the best of Norfolk's culinary abundance.   With so much to see and do, Norfolk is the perfect destination for a summer getaway. If you're planning a visit and looking for a place to stay, we offer a range of cozy holiday lets, like the beautiful Seagull Cottage. And for local homeowners, if you're considering letting your property to visitors, find out more about our Norfolk holiday rental management.