May is one of the best times to be in Norfolk. Not only is the weather starting to get warmer, but you can see the bluebells. It’s also time for the biggest event of the year, the Norfolk and Norwich Festival.
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May 2022 Norfolk Events
If you are looking for things to do in Norfolk in May, you have come to the right place. Here you will find events happening in May 2022 in Norfolk. It includes some events that are family-friendly and/or free.
Typically, we have two bank holiday weekends in May. For 2022, the late May bank holiday weekend has been adapted and moved to June for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
The biggest event is the Norfolk and Norwich Festival, which runs from 13 – 29 May.
Remember there can always be last minute changes, so it’s always a good idea to double-check the details with the organization hosting the event.
Please also make sure you follow all COVID guidelines. You should take a lateral flow test before meeting up with others and stay home if its positive or you have symptoms.
Pablo Picasso: The Legacy of Youth
Pablo Picasso: The Legacy of Youth looks at the early artistic development of Pablo Picasso, from his teenage years to his thirties (1896 – 1914). With over 20 works by Picasso including rarely seen paintings and drawings along with more familiar works, the exhibition at the Sainsbury Centre follows Picasso’s progress, from his childhood in Malaga to his rise in Paris.
Read our review of Pablo Picasso at the Sainsbury Centre.
Living Heritage Food, Craft and Wood Festival at Sandringham
When: 30 April – 2 May
The whole family can enjoy live music, craft demonstrations, along with plenty of food and drink! There will be an extended food market offering a selection of fine foods, wines and spirits from local and national food producers. You can also try out some specialist street food vendors.
Crafters will be doing demonstrations including vintage machinery and chainsaw wood carving. Foodies can watch cookery demonstrations too. There will also be a variety of live music performances including jazz bands and solo artists.
Save on admission by purchasing tickets in advance.
Get more information here.
The 2022 Bressingham Steam Gala
When: 30 April – 2 May
Traction engines and narrow gauge railway locomotives will be visiting Bressingham for the gala event. More details coming soon.
Get tickets here.
Normandy Food Tour in Chapelfield Gardens
When: 1 May
Normandy and all its delicious food and beverages is coming to Norwich. There will be demos where chefs from Normandy will show you how they make some traditional and innovative dishes. You will be able to sample some of Normandy’s best exports including cider, cheese, spirits, and sweets.
Get more details here.
Martham Scarecrow Festival
When: 1 – 2 May
Martham will turn into a village full of scarecrows, yarn bombing, and garden/garage Sales. It’s a family friendly event with a treasure hunt, scavenger hunt, and fairground.
Get more information here.
North Tuddenham Festival
When: 6 – 8 May
This Festival celebrates the renovations to the tower of St. Mary’s Church and the North Tuddenham community. The Grand Finale evening will feature a huge bonfire and party with music, food and fun.
Get ready for live music, a blockbuster cinema-screening inside the nave, presentations on church conservation and architecture by professionals in St Mary’s itself, specialised tours of one of Norfolk’s most progressive and diversified farms, and guided walks round the beautiful wooded Common. Children can join in a themed art and crafts competition.
Get more information and book tickets here.
Norfolk Fake Festival at Eaton Park
When: 7 May
Norwich Fake Festival is a tribute-based music event with six ‘fake bands’ – professional ‘touring-grade’ tribute bands that put on a superb performance. They look, sound and move like the real rock-stars – you have to see them to believe it! There will also be a licensed bar and food traders.
Get more information here.
Hunstanton Fun Dog Show
When: 7 May
This is not your typical dog show with some novelty classes and rosettes to 10th place. They will also have trade stalls, refreshments, and more. It takes place at the Glebe House School in Hunstanton.
Get more details here.
Norfolk and Norwich Festival
When: 13 -29 May
The Norfolk and Norwich Festival is the biggest event of the year in Norfolk. It’s the flagship arts festival for the East of England, and includes an exciting programme of music, theatre, literature, visual arts, circus, dance and free outdoor events.
Read our guide to the 2022 Norfolk and Norwich Festival.
Funderworld at Norfolk Showground
When: 13 May – 5 June
The UK’s largest mobile Theme Park comes to Norfolk. You pay once and get up to 4 hours of unlimited riding. It’s suitable for all ages with over 25 rides and attractions. They have a food court with a huge selection too.
Get more information here.
Mammoth Marathon & Half Marathon
When: 15 May
The Mammoth Marathon is the county’s first full road race marathon since 1990. The race gets its name because the largest nearly complete mammoth skeleton known in Britain was discovered on Norfolk’s Deep History Coast.
The course starts in Sea Palling and follows the coast road through many scenic villages and finishing in Sheringham. If you would like to run a shorter race, there is also a half marathon on the same day that goes from Mundesley to Sheringham.
Get more information about the marathon here.
Bressingham 1940’s Day
When: 15 May
Get ready for a 1940’s themed event with the Dad’s Army Appreciation Society. It’s a must for lovers of that time period and also a great way for young people to learn more about it by immersing themselves in the memorabilia, vehicles, fashions, music and more of the day. The museum will be open during the event too.
You can buy tickets and get more information here.
Spindrift by curious directive
When: 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28 May & 2, 3, 4 June
For just £20 you can enjoy a play, pizza, and a pint at the Botanical Garden Bar (49 Elm Hill). This is not just any play though it is put together by curious directive who have won awards for their theatre inspired by science.
Get more information and book tickets here.
Jarrolds Ladies Day at Fakenham Racecourse
When: 22 May
Time to get dressed up to the nines and enjoy a day at the races.
Get tickets here.
Twelfth Night at Pensthorpe
When: 25 May
Join The HandleBards at Pensthorpe Natural Park for a bicycle-powered, laugh-out-loud production of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. It’s an outdoor production, so please bring your own (low-level) chair or blanket to sit on, a picnic to enjoy, and dress appropriately for the weather!
Get more information and book tickets here.
Houghton International Horse Trials
When: 26 – 29 May
The Barefoot Retreats Houghton International Horse Trials offers exciting sporting action, entertainment for all ages, a range of catering stands, and a licensed bar! All in the spectacular setting that is Houghton Hall.
Get more information here.
Fairy Fair at Bradmoor Woods
When: 28-29 May
Celebrate the magic of spring with the whole family. There will be lots of activities to make learning about nature fun, plus local food and drink stalls on site, as well as the Corncockle Cafe and pub, The Good Elf with its unique magical decor. Local crafts, pre-loved clothing and eco supplies will be available at the Fairy Market.
You will need to book a ticket in advance. The event benefits the conservation charity, the Fairyland Trust.
Get more information here.
Bitesize Feast in the Park
When: 28 May – 5 June
Sample fare from some of Norfolk’s favourite food vendors at Holkham Park.
Get the details on which vendos will be on site each day here.
Crab & Lobster Festival
When: May 2023 (looks like this event won’t happen until next year unfortunately)
This festival celebrates the sea-faring heritage of Cromer and Sheringham.
It begins with the Grand Opening Variety Concert at the Pier Pavilion Theatre in Cromer and also includes heritage demonstrations, a street market, a cookery theatre, live music, street performers, crafts and activities for the kids, and the “Bootiful” Boat Art Trail and the Scrumptious Seafood Trail which includes more than 35 local restaurants, cafés, and pubs.
The Big Norfolk Sausage Bash
When: May 2023 (unfortunately this event has been postponed until next year)
Head to Aylsham for sausages, more Norfolk food and drinks stalls, and live music.
