Every year, there are certain events in Norwich that we get very excited about and always try to attend. Things get quite busy in the summer but there are a few celebrations in the winter too. Let me share some of the best festivals in Norwich.
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Annual Events and Festivals in Norwich
If you are looking for a fun time in Norwich, these events will deliver. Most are great for kids and free! You won’t want to miss these Norwich Festivals!
The festivals are listed chronologically as they would fall in the calendar.
Norwich Science Festival
The Forum presents the Norwich Science Festival which includes family-friendly events that are inspirational, educational, and insightful. It’s a fun way to learn the fascinating science of the world around us.
In the past, this event has taken place in the Fall, but starting in 2023 it will take place during the February half-term. They also host some smaller events throughout the year.
Get more information here.
Love, Light Norwich
Love, Light Norwich is a big undertaking so it only happens every other year in February. This exciting light festival themed around love and belonging transforms much-loved Norwich landmarks into vibrant artworks. There are also performances from renowned artists, a city centre procession, and interactive installations.
It’s free to attend. Read about Love Light Norwich 2022. The next Love Light Norwich was scheduled to take place in 2024, but has been cancelled due to funding issues. Hopefully it will return in 2025.
Norfolk Maker’s Festival
Each March or April, the Norfolk Makers Festival brings together tens of thousands of people in a celebration of creativity and making heritage. Inside the The Forum in Norwich, there will be inspirational exhibitions, demonstrations, hands-on activities, conversation, talks and workshops where you can engage with local crafters, hobbyists, and small businesses.
It’s free to attend. Get more information here.
UPDATE: Unfortunately it has been announced that the Norfolk Maker’s Festival will not happen in 2025.
Norfolk & Norwich Festival
photo credit: JMA Photography
The Norfolk and Norwich Festival is the biggest event of the year in Norfolk. Taking place for 17 days in May, it’s the flagship arts festival for the East of England. Many events take place in Norwich including lots of music, theatre, literature, visual arts, circus, dance and free outdoor events.
Read our guide to the 2022 Norfolk and Norwich Festival.
Read our guide to the 2023 Norfolk and Norwich Festival.
Royal Norfolk Show
It’s the largest two-day agricultural show in the country. It’s held at Norfolk Showground each June and will have 700 trade stands, over 3000 animals, a packed Grand Ring Programme, Norfolk’s biggest food and drink experience, and more.
Learn more in my Royal Norfolk Show review.
RELATED: Best Food Festivals in Norfolk
Lord Mayor’s Celebration
This is one of the most best weekends in the city calendar. For three days in early July, the city centre is like a giant carnival with with free music, performance, entertainment and a parade to feast your eyes on. The main event is Saturday’s Lord Mayor’s Procession fill with dancers and performers.
Read our guide to the 2022 Lord Mayor’s Weekend and the 2023 Lord Mayor’s Weekend.
Run Norwich 10K
Every July, this popular 10K takes you by some of Norwich’s most iconic landmarks including Norwich Castle, The Forum, Norwich Cathedral, Norwich City Football Club’s Carrow Road and many more. It’s no surprise that Run Norwich has been voted as the ‘Best 10k in the United Kingdom’, according to the Running Awards.
Get more information here.
UPDATE: Run Norwich will take place in September in 2024.
Norwich Pride
Norwich celebrates Pride at the end of July with a Pride March and entertainment in the city centre. The first Norwich Pride was held in 2009 with 3,000 people taking part. It has continued to grow each year with an estimated 10,000 people joining in 2019.
Get more information here.
Heritage Open Days
Heritage Open Days (HODs) is England’s largest festival of history and culture, held for two weeks each September. Select venues, organisations, private homes and gardens in Norwich open their doors for free to celebrate the very best city’s rich history and heritage. You can find more places participating in Heritage Open Days throughout the county.
Read our guide to Norfolk Open Heritage Days 2023.
Norwich Film Festival
Photo credit: Lesley van Dijk
Filmmakers from around the world come to the Norwich Film Festival each November to showcase their engaging and ground-breaking short films. The festival is a BAFTA and BIFA qualifying event and features a total of six award categories with cash prizes.
Get more information here.
Traveling to Norwich for a Festival
When a festival is on, the masses head to Norwich. While the city has a small airport, most people travel to Norwich by car, bus, or train.
You can read our full guide on how to travel from London to Norwich. If you are coming from another location, you can use google maps for driving directions, National Express for bus service, or Trainline for rail information.
During festivals, it is best to avoid driving in if you can. Traffic will be bad and parking in the city centre is limited and expensive. You can use park and ride or it might be easiest to book a hotel so you don’t have to worry about commuting especially if you want to attend multiple days.
Norwich has hotel options to suit all budgets. Check out our recommendations for the best hotels in the Norwich city centre. If you are attending an event at Norfolk Showground, consider the Premier Inn Norwich West.
More Ideas For When You Are in Norwich
If you need more suggestions for things to while you are in Norwich, check out these posts:
Things to Do in Norwich at Night
Things to Do in Norwich When it Rains
Romantic Things to Do in Norwich
Unusual Things to Do in Norwich
Fun Things to Do in Norwich for Adults.
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