North Norfolk Festivals & Carnivals

All year round there are carnivals and festivals in north Norfolk. Whether it's the arts, outdoors, family fun or events celebrating the area's heritage, there's something for everyone in north Norfolk. Check the what's on page for more information.

FEBRUARY. The Viking Festival in Sheringham, celebrates the historical viking links. Enjoy street battle re-enactments, torch light parades, boat burning and great family entertainment.

MARCH. Screen next the Sea is a community cinema in Wells-next-the-Sea with a varied programme of high quality films and live stream events. And it's the only cinema outside London which regularly screens the annual World Film Festival. Each March, they hold their Film Festival Day.

MAY. Folk on the Pier is held every year at the Pavilion Theatre on Cromer Pier and is a highly regarded showcase for the finest folk, and folk-rock acts from the UK and beyond.

Poetry-Next-the-Sea takes place in Wells-next-the-Sea each year and brings together the best poets and speakers to north Norfolk for a weekend of literary delight.

One of the most famous festivals in north Norfolk is the Crab & Lobster Festival, celebrating the sea-faring heritage of the seaside towns of Cromer and Sheringham. Enjoy a weekend of food, fun, art, music and heritage. Watch small boats launch from the beach and brave the North Sea in all weathers to bring home delicious crabs and lobsters.

JULY. During Holt Festival, the Georgian town of Holt becomes home to street performers, musicians, poets, actors, dancers, artists and comedians. Enjoy performances in venues all over town, including pubs, hotels, tents, the local church, theatre and school halls. 

At the end of July/beginning of August, there are many of the famous north Norfolk town carnivals. Wells Carnival brings family fun to this coastal town. Great entertainment for all ages with raft races, teddy bear picnics, funruns and sandcastle competitions. There are also history walks and workshops as well as live music and the ever popular Screen on the Green. The main carnival event, sees fancy dress competitions and a parade around the town.

Sheringham Carnival is another celebration of the area with plenty of family fun. Enjoy local food, events, parades and music.

Worstead Festival is a fun weekend for all the family with rural crafts, entertainment, food, music, plus lots of activities for the younger festival goers.

AUGUST. Cromer Carnival, is a week of festival family fun with children's entertainment, live music, rides and local food, culminating in a spectacular Carnival Parade.

The North Norfolk Music Festival brings an eclectic mix of music, talks and films over two weeks in South Creake.

The Hunstanton Kite Festival is a long-running annual event held each August, with fantastic colourful kite displays, a classic car rally, air displays, craft fair and stalls and childrens' activities.

Enjoy the famous World Pier Crabbing Championships on Cromer Pier, that usually takes place at the end of August over the Bank Holiday weekend. Enter as a team or individual and whoever catches the most crabs, wins a prize! There are lots of stalls and trails to enjoy and of course try out the famous Cromer Crab!

SEPTEMBER. The North Norfolk Food & Drink Festival celebrates local food and drink from producers who grow, rear, supply and sell food in north Norfolk. Taking place in the spectacular setting of the Walled Garden at Holkham Hall, there are tall holders selling fresh meat and game, vegetables, cakes, artisan beer, bread, tarts, juices, cakes and bakes, chocolates and much more. A dazzling array of concessions offer delicious food for eating on site and entertainment ranges from the ever popular cookery theatre to children’s activities and face painting.

The wonderful Wells Pirate Festival invites you to put on your best pirate garb and enjoy pirate-themed events for the whole family. The town will be filled with piratey activities including the Smugglers' Cove on the Quay, boat trips and weapon demonstrations. Meander round the pirate market or track down the living characters from history as part of a treasure trail. Visit the photography exhibition in the Sackhouse or settle down for some LIVE music around the town.

Heritage Open Days is England's largest festival of history and culture, bringing together over 2,500 organisations, 5,000 events and 40,000 volunteers. Every year for four days in September, historical venues in north Norfolk throw open their doors to celebrate their heritage, community and history. It’s your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences for free. 

Take a journey back in time with North Norfolk Railway's annual 1940s weekend. Enjoy steam train rides, live music and you can join the thousands of people who dress up in uniform or 1940s civilian dress to add to the atmosphere. 

OCTOBER. Coast Arts (Cromer and Sheringham Art and Literary Festival), incorporates a wide range of art forms into a local festival including painting, sculpture, dance, theatre, literature, film, poetry, music, photography, installations, workshops and many other diverse events.

At the end of October/beginning of November, Norfolk Restaurant Week takes place, north Norfolk’s largest dining event. This culinary celebration of the vibrant restaurant scene, fine food and the people who produce it, provides an opportunity to sample restaurants at unmissable prices.

During October, the Norfolk Walking & Cycling Festival includes an exciting range of events for all ages, abilities and interest. The festival provides the perfect chance to explore the best of Norfolk’s beautiful countryside through guided walks, bike rides and talks.