If you’re a fan of live music and looking for something new, Norfolk might just be the perfect destination for you. It has a thriving music scene, with a range of festivals that showcase everything from local talent to internationally renowned artists. From intimate folk gatherings to large-scale events that draw crowds from far and wide, Norfolk’s festivals offer something for everyone.
In this post, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most exciting music festivals happening in Norfolk, and why they’re worth checking out.
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Norfolk Music Festivals
Norfolk’s music festivals offer a diverse range of genres to satisfy any taste. Most of these festivals take place during the summer months, with many being held outdoors. While some events are family-friendly, very few allow permit dogs. With that said, let’s dive into the details of each festival and discover what they have to offer.
Deepdale Hygge Festival
When: March
Deepdale Hygge is a celebration of the North Norfolk Coast, inspired by the Danish concept of hygge (enjoying life’s simple pleasures). This intimate festival features live music, dancing, food and drink vendors, artisanal pop up shops, massages, guided walks and cycle rides, and stargazing, all set against the stunning coastal scenery.
Book a stay at Deepdale Hygge to make the most of the weekend. You can expect a cosy and community-oriented atmosphere that encourages attendees to slow down, connect with each other, and appreciate the natural beauty of the area. Whether you’re a music lover or simply someone who craves a little hygge in your life, this festival is not to be missed.
Get more information here.
Folk on the Pier Festival
When: May
Folk music lovers don’t want to miss the Folk on the Pier Festival, an annual event now in its 25th year that celebrates the best of English folk culture at the historic Pavilion Theatre in Cromer. With performances from top folk, folk-rock, and acoustic artists from across the UK, this festival is renowned as ‘the best gig on the North Sea’.
The intimate venue only holds 500 people, so don’t wait to get tickets. Discounted season tickets are available until they sell out, or you can buy tickets for individual concerts.
Get more information here.
Norfolk and Norwich Festival
When: May
The Norfolk and Norwich Festival, the largest annual event in Norfolk and flagship arts festival of the East of England, marked its 250th anniversary in 2022. Each year it features a 16-day program of music, theatre, literature, visual arts, circus, dance, and free outdoor events taking place throughout the county.
The festival showcases world-class talent and nurtures local artists. Attendees can enjoy performances by internationally renowned musicians, groundbreaking theatrical productions, and cutting-edge visual arts installations. Offering a wide range of events at affordable prices (and even some for free), the festival has something to suit all interests.
Read our guide to the 2022 Norfolk and Norwich Festival for information on last year’s event. Find out more about the 2023 Norfolk and Norwich Festival here.
Norwich Fake Festival at Eaton Park
When: Not happening in 2023, hoping it will come back in May, June, or July 2024
The Norwich Fake Festival is a tribute-based music event featuring six professional ‘touring-grade’ tribute bands that deliver incredible performances that look and sound like the real rock stars. With a licensed bar and food traders on site, it will be a fun-filled day of entertainment for music lovers.
Get more information here.
KISSTORY in Norwich
When: June
Kisstory Norwich is a highly anticipated music event that brings together fans of old skool and anthems from a range of genres, including electronica, dance, hip-hop, R&B, trip hop, acid house, and alternative dance.
With appearances from your favourite Kisstory DJs and special guests on multiple stages, this event promises to be a thrilling experience for music fans. While the 2022 event was held at Chapelfield Gardens, the 2023 event is set to take place at Earlham Park.
Get more information and buy tickets here.
Festival Too in King’s Lynn
When: end of June/early July
Festival Too originated in 1985 when a collective of business people came together with the idea of hosting a music event to complement the King’s Lynn Festival. With an initial budget of £5,000, local businesses sponsored the top musical acts of that time.
Over the years, the festival has grown in scale and popularity, now boasting a budget of £130,000. Generous support from local companies, private individuals, the Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk, and even national sponsors have contributed to its success.
The best part? Festival Too is completely free to attend, with no need for tickets.
Get more information here.
Folk in A Field
When: end of June/early July
Folk in a Field is a family-friendly, award-winning festival held in a remote clearing in Bradmoor Woods near the village of West Acre. This festival features a diverse range of music, including acoustic, folk, and roots music, as well as kids’ activities, shows, workshops, and stalls, and offers locally sourced ales and ciders along with numerous food outlets.
The rural setting surrounded by woodland creates a “get away from it all” vibe, perfect for enjoying great music, craft demonstrations, and local food. Dogs on leads are also welcome, and ticket prices include parking and basic camping, with the option to upgrade to glamping tents.
Get more information here.
Dereham Blues Festival
When: July
Over the last 10 years the Dereham Blues Festival has grown to become a popular fixture on the national blues circuit. You can expect a diverse range of blues music from acoustic to electric, solo artists to bands. All performances except the opening concert are free.
Get more information here.
Blakeney Harbour Room Folk Festival
When: July
The Blakeney Harbour Room Folk Festival offers a weekend filled with a variety of musical acts, poetry and songwriting workshops, as well as street food and drinks at the Harbour Room in Blakeney. Admission is free, making it an accessible and enjoyable event for all.
Get more information here.
The Legends Festival in Cromer
When: July
The Legends Festival, the UK’s largest celebration of pop and rock acts, takes over Cromer Hall with world-renowned tribute bands performing on a massive outdoor stage, promising an unforgettable experience for fans of all ages.
Get more information here.
King’s Lynn Festival
When: July
The King’s Lynn Festival is a two-week long event that offers a diverse programme of concerts, films, walks, talks, and exhibitions in various locations throughout the town. Visitors can enjoy a range of cultural events, from classical music performances to contemporary art exhibitions around King’s Lynn. Additionally, the festival offers discounted tickets for attendees who are 25 years old and under.
Get more details here.
Holt Festival
When: July
Holt Festival is a week-long celebration featuring performances from globally renowned musicians, poets, actors, dancers, and comedians, as well as fine art exhibitions in the charming town of Holt. For those seeking accommodations during the festival, Byfords is a recommended lodging option.
Get more details here.
Worstead Festival
When: July
This family-friendly festival, held annually the last weekend of July, features local art and craft stalls, food and drink, activities, workshops, demonstrations, and lots of live music. It’s run by volunteers and all the proceeds go to local charities.
Get more information here.
Gorleston Clifftop Festival
When: July
The Gorleston Clifftop Festival is a free-entry family-friendly event organized by a voluntary committee without council funding. Formerly known as the Gorleston Clifftop Gala, it has grown to attract over 100,000 visitors across the weekend.
Featuring live music, local dance and stage performances, a fun fair, a comedy tent, a dog show, a strongman competition, and more, there is plenty of entertainment for everyone. While visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks, there will be a variety of food stalls and bars on site.
Get more information here.
Reepham Festival
When: August
The Reepham Festival has been consistently delivering amazing music since its inception in 2008. Expect two days of outstanding headliners and incredible new talent in rock music. People come from all over the UK and Europe to attend this event. Additionally, the festival is a non-profit organization and donates any profit made from ticket sales to charity, while being organised and staffed entirely by volunteers.
Get more information here.
Bannaroo
When: August
Bannaroo, hosted by the renowned Crown Inn Banningham, showcases an outstanding lineup of tribute bands and talented local acts, promising an unforgettable celebration of music. You can also enjoy the Roo Market, a bustling marketplace where you can explore a delightful array of stalls offering a diverse range of goods. They also have a large selection of street foods from an assortment of vendors.
Get more information here.
Houghton Festival
When: August
Houghton Festival is a much-loved UK dance music festival set in the picturesque Norfolk countryside, showcasing a unique 24-hour license so the music never stops. Since its successful debut in 2017, the festival has become a highlight of the UK’s electronic music scene.
The event is strictly for those aged 18 and over, and standard camping is included in the ticket price, so make sure to grab your tickets before they sell out.
Get more details here.
Let’s Rock Norwich
When: August
Don’t miss out on this extraordinary festival at Earlham Park, specially curated for fans of retro music! Let’s Rock Norwich brings together a sensational lineup of popular and iconic artists from the cherished eras of the 1980s and 1990s.
Let’s Rock Norwich is more than just a music festival—it’s a celebration for the whole family! In addition to the mesmerizing musical performances, the event offers a plethora of family-friendly activities and entertainment options, ensuring that everyone, regardless of age, has a fantastic time.
Get more information here.
North Norfolk Music Festival
When: August
The North Norfolk Music Festival, now in its 18th year, presents a series of classical music performances and talks held in the 13th century St Mary’s Church in South Creake. The festival begins with the Festival Supper.
Get details here.
Maui Waui Festival
When: August
The Maui Waui Festival is a vibrant celebration of music, performance, and arts that takes place annually at Hill Farm in Gressenhall. With its 10th year coming up, the three-day event promises a diverse range of entertainment for all ages, including world-class bands, circus shows, small upbeat bands, acoustic acts, cabaret, comedy, and much more.
Get more information here.
Sundown Festival
When: September
The Sundown Festival, held at the Norfolk Showground, is a weekend-long celebration of pop and bass music featuring some of the UK’s top artists. In addition to the music, attendees can enjoy camping or glamping, and various parties throughout the weekend.
Get the details here.
Deepdale Festival – Burnham Deepdale
When: September
The Deepdale Festival, held at Deepdale Camping & Rooms, includes four stages of music along with food and drink stalls, pop up shops, and browsing opportunities in Deepdale businesses. In 2021, it was voted Norfolk Festival of the Year by the East Anglian Festival Network poll.
Get more information here.
Wild Paths Festival
When: October
Wild Paths Festival brings six days of live music to Norwich, featuring indie, hip-hop, neo-soul, post-punk, new-wave jazz, and more at various venues around the city. In addition to the music, festival-goers can enjoy after-parties, discussions, art fairs, and other events. For those visiting from out of town, there are many hotels in and around Norwich city centre to choose from.
Get more information here.
Norfolk’s Music Scene
As you can see,Norfolk is home to an abundance of music festivals that are definitely worth checking out. However, it’s worth noting that there are other options for seeing live music in the county as well.
For example, some of the larger carnivals, such as the Lord Mayor’s Weekend in Norwich, offer fantastic musical performances. Additionally, various stately homes in Norfolk, such as Blickling Estate and Sandringham, as well as Carrow Road, the home of Norwich City Football Club, host large outdoor concerts from time to time. There are also plenty of pubs and bars that have live music.
Whatever your musical preferences, you can definitely find it in Norfolk.
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