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.
In this post, you will find information about May events in Norfolk so that you can make plans for the month.
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May 2024 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 2024 in Norfolk. It includes some events that are family-friendly and/or free.
In the recent past, we were fortunate to enjoy an additional bank holiday for both the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and the King’s Coronation. This year, we are back to having two bank holidays to look forward to in May.
The biggest event during the month is the Norfolk and Norwich Festival, which runs from 10 – 26 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.
*Details for some of the May 2024 events have not been announced. Events with TBC – meaning to be confirmed – next to them means they happened last year but have not been confirmed for this year. I will update the post as the information becomes available.
Time Horizons at Houghton Hall
Experience Antony Gormley’s monumental exhibition, “Time Horizon,” at Houghton Hall, featuring 100 life-size sculptures spread across 300 acres of the park. These cast-iron sculptures, each weighing 620kg and standing at an average of 191cm, create a striking visual impact, installed at a uniform level across the landscape. Some sculptures are partially buried, while others rise above the ground or stand on concrete columns.
Houghton Hall, a stately home built in the early 18th century by Sir Robert Walpole, boasts exquisite Palladian architecture and has been open to the public since 1976. The Houghton Arts Foundation continues to expand its collection of contemporary art, positioning Houghton as a premier destination for experiencing great art in a historic setting. “Time Horizon” follows a distinguished lineup of previous exhibitions, such as Tony Cragg and Chris Levine.
Get more information here.
Funderworld at Norfolk Showground
When: 3 May – 2 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.
Horning Boat Show
When: 4 May
The Boat Show is back in the charming village of Horning in the Norfolk Broads. It will be a fun family day out with marine exhibitors, entertainment, a food court, charity stands, classic cars, an auction, and more.
You will need to park at BeWilderwood and take a shuttle bus to Horning (£1 each way for adults and 50p for under-12s).
Get more information here.
The Bressingham Heritage Steam Gala
When: 4 – 6 May
Traction engines and narrow gauge railway locomotives will be visiting Bressingham for the gala event. They have a busy few days planned.
Get more information and purchase tickets here.
Living Heritage Food, Craft and Wood Festival at Sandringham
When: 4 – 6 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.
Martham Scarecrow Festival
When: 5 – 6 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.
Norwich Vegan Parkfest
When: 5 May
The Vegan Parkfest returns to Chapelfield Gardens in Norwich after its hugely successful events in 2022 and 2023. You can expect a huge variety of vegan street food vendors, artisan bakers, craft brewers, ethical jewellers, sustainable chandlers, local artists, zero-waste champions, environmental charities and much more.
There is no entry charge and well behaved dogs are allowed at the event.
Get more information here.
Find out about more food festivals in Norfolk.
Grand East Anglian Run
When: 5 May
King’s Lynn plays host to the Recipharm Grand East Anglia Run (GEAR) 10K! This popular event draws thousands of runners each year to its scenic route, which takes participants through the town centre, along the River Ouse pathway, and past famous landmarks like the Custom House and Greyfriars Tower. The course is flat and accessible to runners of all abilities, so don’t miss out on this fun and friendly event – be sure to book your place before it sells out!
Get more information here.
Folk on the Pier Festival
When: 10 – 12 May
Top names from the English folk scene will be performing at the Pavilion Theatre in Cromer. You can get discounted season tickets (until they sell out) or buy tickets for individual concerts.
Get more information here.
Norfolk and Norwich Festival
When: 10 – 26 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 and the 2023 Norfolk and Norwich Festival for information on previous years’ events. Find out more about this year’s festival here.
Eurovision Grand Final
When: 11 May
The Eurovision Grand Final is taking place in Malmö Sweden, but that doesn’t mean you have to travel there to join in the fun.
Check out our list of Eurovision events in Norfolk.
Hunstanton Fun Dog Show
When: 11 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.
Dereham Day
When: 11 May
Dereham Day returns with with loads of activities and entertainment for everyone to enjoy. The Dereham Memorial Hall will be at the heart of the festivities, hosting tons of fun stalls, workshops, and live performances throughout the day.
Get more information here.
Race for Life at Norwich Showground
When: 11 – 12 May
You can choose to run one (or more) race(s) to raise money for life-saving cancer research. They will be a 3K, 5K, 10K and Pretty Muddy.
Find out more here.
If you want to stay at a hotel close by, we recommend the Premier Inn A47 West.
Bressingham 1940’s Day
When: 12 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.
Cromer Crab & Lobster Festival
When: 17 – 19 May
This festival celebrates the sea-faring heritage of Cromer. 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 an art trail and the scrumptious seafood trail which includes many local restaurants, cafés, and pubs.
Get more information here.
Dereham Windmill Craft Fair
When: 18 May
Come along and support talented craftspeople and local charities in the extensive grounds of this Grade-II listed windmill. There will also be homemade cakes, drinks and tasty treats available from the Partea Hut.
Entry and parking are free.
Get more information here.
Stalham Fringe Festival
When: 19 May
Experience the vibrant talent of Stalham and beyond at the Stalham Fringe Festival – a free event featuring an array of fantastic performers and vendors. Discover an eclectic mix of dancers, singers, bands, instrumentalists, African drummers, shanty singers, choirs, and more.
Enjoy performances across three venues and the lively atmosphere of the High Street. With more than 30 stalls offering everything from delicious hot and cold food to plants, crafts, books, and more, there’s something for everyone.
Get more information here.
City of Ale Launch Party
When: 23 May
The City of Ale party launches a month-long celebration of pub and brewers with over 50 award-winning ales and craft beers available on cask and keg. Local ales and specially brewed guest beers will be available. The event will take place the Waterfront in Norwich.
Get more information here.
Great Yarmouth Beer and Circus Festival
When: TBC
The Beer and Circus Festival is back at the Drill House on York Road in Great Yarmouth. There will be a range of beers and ciders from breweries across the region including casks from Lacons along with a special international selection!
The festival will have live entertainment included in the entry fee which is only £3.
Get more information here.
Read about more beer festivals in Norfolk.
Wildfest
When: 24 – 26 May
Get ready for an exciting and enjoyable weekend that includes live music, camping, a craft bar, real ales, local spirits and cider, food stalls, a bouncy castle and entertainment for the little ones, plus more to be confirmed.
Get more information here.
Beer & Cheese Festival at the Brickmakers
When: 24 – 27 May
The Beer & Cheese Festival is back for a second year as part of the Norwich City of Ale 2024. With four days of festivities at the Brickmakers in Norwich and a mouth-watering selection of ales and cheeses, this is an event you won’t want to miss.
Get more information here.
Strumpshaw Steam Rally
When: 25 – 27 May
The Strumpshaw Steam Museum is hosting a Steam Rally. It will be a fun family day out with steam engines, stationary engines, classic cars, tractors, working demonstrations, craft and trade stands, ring events, and Harveys Shires Horse displays.
Get more information here.
Mini Feast in the Park
When: 25 May – 2 June
Sample fare from some of Norfolk’s favourite food vendors at Holkham Park.
Get the details on which vendors will be on site each day here.
Gray Brothers Fun Fair at Eaton Park
When: TBC
Prepare yourself for an exhilarating adventure filled with thrilling rides, delectable candy floss and popcorn, the anticipation of winning exciting prizes, and an electric atmosphere buzzing with excitement in Eaton Park. The Gray Brothers Fun Fair will help keep the kids entertained during half-term.
Get more information here.
Reepham Food Festival
When: 26 May
The Sixth Reepham Food Festival will take place in the Market Square and the Secret Garden with a wide range of local food and drink producers. You will be able to try new food and get ideas and tips from experts.
They expect to have more than 30 stalls, so there will be something for all tastes and budgets. Plus, schools, farms and other organisations will be joining in so there will be lots to do and see for all the family.
Get more information here.
Sandringham Pageant of Motoring
When: 26 May
The Pageant of Motoring is back in the Royal Parkland, following a successful debut for the Platinum Jubilee. This year’s event promises to showcase the evolution of motoring over the decades with spectacular live music performances, thrilling aerial displays, culinary delights, and a craft and vintage fair for all to enjoy.
Get more information here.
Fairy Fair at Bradmoor Woods
When: 26 – 27 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.
Take That at Carrow Road
When: 28 May
Carrow Road welcomes Take That as the iconic UK band visits Norwich as part of their ‘This Life On Tour’. This tour will feature the trio – Gary Barlow, Mark Owen, and Howard Donald along with special guest, Olly Murs – performing across 29 dates in 15 cities across the UK and Ireland.
Get more information here.
Something to Look Forward to Next May
Norfolk Fake Festival at Eaton Park
When: Not happening in 2024, hoping it will come back in 2025
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.
Read about more music festivals in Norfolk here.
Hanse Festival in King’s Lynn
When: Not happening in 2024, hopeful it will be back in 2025
The Hanse Festival includes events and activities around King’s Lynn to celebrate the town’s membership of the new Hanse. You can see the Hanse Festival Regatta which features boats from all over the country and has been organised by the Wells and King’s Lynn Coastal Rowing Club
Get more information here.
Mulbarton Festival
When: Not happening in 2024, hoping it will be back in 2025
Mulbarton Festival has a spectacular lineup of live music, delectable food, refreshing drinks, and an array of activities for all ages! Get ready to bounce and play on giant inflatables, immerse yourself in captivating storytime sessions, enjoy thrilling fun fair rides, and even adorn yourself with beautiful henna tattoos.
To secure your spot, we recommend purchasing tickets in advance, as capacity is limited. The festivities will take place at Mulberry Park, creating the perfect setting for a day of fun for everyone.
Get more information here.
Looking Ahead
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