Norfolk & Suffolk Summer Events 2025

Summer in Norfolk & Suffolk means festivals galore – Over 300 of them! From beers and music in Norwich to family parades on the coast, there’s something for everyone from June through September. Here’s our lively run-down of some top summer events in 2025 for your calendar.

Norfolk & Norwich Festival, Norwich – 9 to 25 May 2025 – Various Events, Many Free or Ticketed

The Norfolk & Norwich Festival is the region’s largest and most celebrated arts festival, transforming the city and beyond each May with a vibrant programme of music, theatre, circus, literature and free outdoor spectacles. Running from 9 to 25 May 2025, this year’s lineup promises another bold mix of international talent and homegrown brilliance, drawing thousands to Norwich for a fortnight of culture, creativity and community.

At the heart of the festivities is the iconic Spiegeltent, a beautifully mirrored 1920s venue that pops up in Chapelfield Gardens. It’s here you’ll find everything from cabaret to late-night gigs, with a buzzing bar stocked by local Suffolk brewery, Adnams, making it the perfect festival hangout spot between shows.

A highlight for us this year is the Radio 1 Introducing Night, showcasing some of the best emerging local talent like PleasureInc. and Con & Milsky in an intimate and electric setting. Whether you’re a fan of spoken word, classical music, boundary-pushing theatre or just looking for a brilliant night out, there’s something to inspire and entertain, with many free installations, open-air events and family-friendly activities across the city.

Norwich City of Ale Festival, Norwich, 22 May to 22 June, Free

A month-long celebration of craft beer takes over venues across the city. The festival opens with a launch party (tickets about £12 for three pints plus a commemorative glass) and continues through late June. Sample unique Norfolk ales, enjoy pub events and beer trails in the heart of Norwich.

Diss Carnival, Diss, 8 June, Free

Join Diss Carnival’s colourful parade on 8 June. Costumed floats march through the town under the theme “Around Our World,” followed by food stalls, live music and family rides on the marketplace. It’s a vibrant celebration of community spirit.

Norwich Wine Week, Norwich – 19 to 29 June 2025 – Events from Free to £45

Raise a glass to Norfolk’s flourishing wine scene as Norwich Wine Week returns from 19 to 29 June 2025. This ten-day celebration turns the city into a hotspot of tastings, vineyard masterclasses and cellar-door charm, many championing English wine from outstanding vineyards like Flint.

On Thursday 19 June at one of our favourite spots in the city, The Wallow on Exchange Street, a Blind Tasting Challenge kicks things off. Guests are invited to test their palates by identifying six mystery wines, accompanied by a selection of curated nibbles. It’s a fun, informal night perfect for groups or solo adventurers wanting to sharpen their tasting skills.

Later that evening, delve into Britain’s most talked-about grape at the Bacchus tasting event at The Unthank Arms; great wine in unpretentious surroundings. Running at 7pm on Thursday 19 June (£45 per ticket), this session explores the journey of Bacchus from obscure German vine to award-winning English staple. Celebrated for its vibrant character and crisp style, Bacchus is often called “England’s answer to Sauvignon Blanc.” Expect expert insight into its cool-climate success and a chance to sample standout examples from the UK.

Great Yarmouth Wheels Festival, Great Yarmouth, 21 to 22 June, Free

Gearheads rejoice at Wheels Festival from 21 to 22 June on the South Beach. Hundreds of classic cars, muscle bikes and a monster truck fill the promenade. Catch daredevil motorbike stunts, ride the Red Dragon Monster Truck or groove to live rock music. It’s seaside fun for all ages.

Royal Norfolk Show, Norfolk Showground (near Norwich), 25 to 26 June, Adult ~£32.50

Norfolk’s biggest agricultural fair returns on 25 and 26 June. Over two days, the Showground plays host to 3,000 animals, 700 trade stands and country demonstrations such as cattle judging, tractor drills and falconry. Enjoy local food halls, craft marquees and live music. Advance tickets for adults are around £32.50 and for children 5 to 16, about £16.

Strawberries & Steam, Aylsham (Bure Valley Railway), early July, Normal fare applies (kids free)

All aboard for Strawberries & Steam in early July. Every adult ticket on the heritage steam train includes Norfolk strawberries and cream served on board. The gentle nine-mile ride between Aylsham and Wroxham winds through the countryside. It’s a delightful family treat all summer long.

Folk in a Field Festival, West Norfolk, 3 to 6 July, From ~£180

Escape to Folk in a Field from 3 to 6 July near West Acre. Set in a woodland clearing, this award-winning roots festival offers live acoustic music, craft workshops and local ales. Kids under 12 enter free. Adult four-day passes start around £180 for a truly rustic getaway.

Strumpshaw Tree Fair, Strumpshaw, 12 to 13 July, Adult £15 (under-12s free)

Discover local crafts at Strumpshaw Tree Fair on 12 and 13 July. Held at the Strumpshaw Steam Museum, it’s the largest artisan fair in Norfolk with over 100 stalls. Browse woodwork, pottery and jewellery while live folk bands perform. Storytelling tents and a children’s marquee add extra fun. Entry is £15 for adults; under-12s go free.

Norwich History Festival, Norwich – 17 to 25 July 2025 – Tickets from £4

Celebrate the stories, struggles and spirited past of Norfolk’s fine city at the very first Norwich History Festival, from 17 to 25 July 2025. With tickets starting at just £4, the programme features an engaging mix of walking tours, expert talks, live performances and family-friendly events. This year includes a spotlight on Norwich’s rebellious heritage with tours like ‘Rebels and Reformers’, immersive storytelling in historic spaces, and special family days at venues including The Forum and the Museum of Norwich. For those who like tracing the city’s medieval roots or uncovering its radical thinkers, the festival provides an interesting way to experience history where it happened. Browse the full programme and book tickets

Magic of Thailand Festival, Norwich (Earlham Park), 19 to 20 July, £6

Experience Thai culture in Earlham Park on 19 and 20 July. This festival features authentic street food stalls, classical dance, Muay Thai boxing and a colourful ladyboy show. There’s a Thai beer garden and massage zone to relax in. Admission is £6 per day; under-15s enter free.

Worstead Festival, Worstead, 26 to 27 July, From ~£12

Village life comes alive at Worstead Festival on 26 and 27 July. The village green hosts local arts and crafts, food and beer tents, and live music. Highlights include chef demos using Norfolk produce and a Brick-Con Lego display. Parking is free, and under-16s can enter for free. Weekend tickets start around £12.

Old Buckenham Airshow, Old Buckenham, 26 to 27 July, Ticketed

Norfolk’s premier air spectacle returns on 26 and 27 July. Watch the RAF Red Arrows, vintage warbirds, and modern jets perform precision fly-pasts. On the ground, there are flight simulators, military vehicle displays and fairground rides. Advance tickets are required, with concessions for children.

Fly High Festival, Seething Airfield, 1 to 3 August, Ticketed

Fly High Festival takes off from 1 to 3 August at Seething Airfield. Founded by Tindall Brewery, it combines live bands, craft beer and street food on the runway. Camping is available, and families are welcome. Advance tickets include day or weekend passes. Expect community spirit under open skies.

Wells Carnival, Wells-next-the-Sea, 1 to 10 August, Free

The traditional Wells Carnival runs from 1 to 10 August, climaxing on Carnival Day (9 August). A colourful procession of floats and fancy dress winds through the town. Family events include sandcastle contests, a Teddy Bear’s Picnic and charity fun runs. It’s a classic seaside week of free entertainment.

Bure Valley Railway Kids Go Free Day, Aylsham, 23 August, Normal fare applies (kids free)

On 23 August, Bure Valley Railway’s “Kids Go Free” day lets up to two children travel free with each adult ticket. Steam and diesel trains run the nine-mile line between Aylsham and Wroxham. It’s a budget-friendly family outing with scenic views and nostalgic fun.

North Norfolk Food & Drink Festival, Holkham Hall Walled Garden, 30 to 31 August, Free

Feast on local produce at Holkham Hall Walled Garden on 30 and 31 August. Over 60 artisan food and drink producers showcase cheeses, gins, cakes and ales. Live cooking demos and street-food stalls add to the feast. Admission is free; a small parking fee applies.

Out There Festival, Great Yarmouth, 28 to 31 August, Free

Out There Festival returns from 28 to 31 August on Great Yarmouth’s Golden Mile. This free street-arts extravaganza features acrobatics, giant puppets, live bands and interactive installations. Wander among circus acts, dance performances and creative workshops right by the sea. We’ve enjoyed this festival quite a few times and particularly enjoy its range of styles and themes; a great way to explore Great Yarmouth if you haven’t been there. Psst – Check out Lacons Brewery (a great local brewery, taproom and museum) while you’re there!

Balloons & Tunes Festival, Norfolk Showground, 12 to 14 September, From ~£20

Join Balloons & Tunes from 12 to 14 September at Norfolk Showground. By day, enjoy tribute-band concerts and children’s entertainment. At dusk, watch the hot-air balloon “glow” and evening fireworks. Stunt displays, monster trucks, and character meet-and-greets add to the fun of the festival. Early-bird tickets start around £20.

Norfolk Heritage Open Days, Countywide, 12 to 27 September, Free

Explore hidden heritage from 12 to 27 September. Heritage Open Days grant free access to historic houses, ruins and churches and industrial sites across Norfolk. Guided tours, exhibitions and special events bring the county’s past to life. All entries are free, though venues welcome donations.

What other events are there in Norfolk and Suffolk for Summer 2025?

That’s just a flavour of some of our favourites, but here’s a have overview of some of the other festivals, open days and events in and around Norwich and Norfolk over the next few months of 2025. Each entry lists the date, event name, location, and whether it is free or charged:

Date	Event	Location	Free/Charged
22 May to 22 June 2025	Norwich City of Ale Festival	Norwich	Free (some ticketed launches)
19 to 29 June 2025	Norwich Wine Week	Norwich	Free (some events paid)
8 June 2025	Diss Carnival	Diss	Free
21 to 22 June 2025	Great Yarmouth Wheels Festival	Great Yarmouth	Free
25 to 26 June 2025	Royal Norfolk Show	Norfolk Showground (near Norwich)	Charged
26 to 30 June 2025	Aldeburgh Festival	Snape Maltings, Aldeburgh (Suffolk)	Charged
3 to 6 July 2025	Folk in a Field Festival	West Acre (Norfolk)	Charged
5 to 6 July 2025	Strawberries & Steam	Aylsham–Wroxham	Charged
12 to 13 July 2025	Strumpshaw Tree Fair	Strumpshaw Steam Museum	Charged
19 to 20 July 2025	Magic of Thailand Festival	Earlham Park, Norwich	Charged
26 to 27 July 2025	Worstead Festival	Worstead (North Norfolk)	Charged
26 to 27 July 2025	Old Buckenham Airshow	Old Buckenham	Charged
1 to 3 August 2025	Fly High Festival	Seething Airfield	Charged
1 to 10 August 2025	Wells Carnival	Wells-next-the-Sea	Free
12 to 23 August 2025	East Anglian Beer & Cider Festival	Bury St Edmunds	Charged
23 August 2025	Bure Valley Railway Kids Go Free Day	Aylsham–Wroxham	Free for kids
30 to 31 August 2025	North Norfolk Food & Drink Festival	Holkham Hall Walled Garden	Free
28 to 31 August 2025	Out There Festival	Great Yarmouth Golden Mile	Free
12 to 14 September 2025	Balloons & Tunes Festival	Norfolk Showground	Charged
12 to 27 September 2025	Norfolk Heritage Open Days	County-wide	Free
13–29 June 2025	Aldeburgh Festival	Snape Maltings	Charged
14–15 June 2025	Norwich Cider & Music Festival	Earlham Park, Norwich	Charged
14–15 June 2025	King’s Lynn Hanse Festival	King’s Lynn	Free
26–31 May 2025	Norwich Games Festival	The Forum, Norwich	Free
28–31 May 2025	Out There Festival	Great Yarmouth	Free
6–8 June 2025	Woodbridge Beer Festival	Woodbridge RUFC	Charged
8 June 2025	Royal Norfolk Show	Norfolk Showground	Charged
13–15 June 2025	Barnfest	Stonham Barns	Charged
13–16 June 2025	Warner Motown & Soul Festival (Corton)	Lowestoft	Charged
21–22 June 2025	First Light Festival	Lowestoft	Charged
24 June 2025	Beccles Food & Drink Festival	Beccles	Free
25–29 June 2025	Felixstowe Book Festival	Felixstowe	Free
28 June 2025	Bury Folk Festival	Nowton Park, Bury St Edmunds	Free
3–6 July 2025	Maverick Festival	Easton Farm Park (Suffolk)	Charged
5 July 2025	Frontier Fest	Felixstowe Beach Street	Free
10–12 July 2025	The July Festival	Newmarket Racecourse	Charged
11–12 July 2025	Summer Soul Vibes	Venue 16, Ipswich	Charged
12 July 2025	Lowestoft Pride	Sparrows Nest Gardens, Lowestoft	Free
15–17 August 2025	FolkEast	Sotterley Estate, Suffolk	Charged
16–17 August 2025	Aldeburgh Carnival	Aldeburgh	Free
17 August 2025	Lowestoft Carnival	Lowestoft	Free
20–25 August 2025	East Anglian Beer & Cider Festival	Bury St Edmunds	Charged
22–24 August 2025	Maui Waui Festival	Elveden Hall, Thetford	Charged
23–25 August 2025	Beats & Eats – Suffolk Summerfest	Framlingham College	Charged
24–25 August 2025	Bury St Edmunds Food & Drink Festival	Bury St Edmunds	Free
29–31 August 2025	Woodbridge Festival of Art & Music	Elmhurst Park, Woodbridge	Charged
4–6 September 2025	Bungay Folk Festival	Bungay	Charged
5–7 September 2025	The Trip Out	Euston Hall, Thetford	Charged