Your North Norfolk Events Calendar 2026 From The Poplars, You’re Right in the Heart of It All
One of the great joys of staying at The Poplars is how perfectly placed you are to enjoy everything this extraordinary corner of England has to offer — not just in Cromer and Sheringham, but across the whole of North Norfolk. And in 2026, there’s more to get excited about than ever. Here’s your month-by-month guide to the highlights.
🌿 APRIL
Sheringham Viking Festival — Saturday 11 April The spectacular free event that transforms Sheringham’s seafront. Vikings, battle re-enactments, a torchlit parade and the burning of a longship. Not to be missed. 👉 experiencesheringham.com
Tulips at Houghton — 11 April until early May Houghton Hall near Fakenham opens its walled garden for a vibrant spring floral display. Stunning, and well worth the drive. 👉 houghtonhall.com
Norfolk Artisan Fair, Fakenham — 18–19 April Quality artisan food, drink, gifts and crafts at Fakenham Racecourse. A lovely spring day out. 👉 visitnorthnorfolk.com
🌸 MAY
Folk on the Pier, Cromer — 8–10 May 26 years in, this acclaimed folk festival at Cromer Pier Pavilion draws some of the finest names in acoustic and folk music. A very special weekend. 👉 cromerpier.co.uk
Sandringham Food, Craft & Wood Festival — 2–4 May The May Bank Holiday weekend at Sandringham Estate — craft stalls, food halls and beautiful surroundings. A brilliant family day out. 👉 sandringhamestate.co.uk
Cromer Crab & Lobster Festival — 15–17 May The celebration of Cromer’s most famous export. Seafood, live music, street food and a spectacular opening concert at the Pier on the evening of 15th May. 👉 visitnorthnorfolk.com
☀️ JUNE
Fakenham Races Ladies Day — 7 June Fashion, fun and a flutter at Fakenham Racecourse — one of the most popular racing days in the Norfolk calendar. 👉 fakenhamracecourse.co.uk
🌻 JULY
Sheringham Potty Festival — 4–5 July Morris dancers from across the country take over the streets of Sheringham for a free, joyful weekend of folk dancing and music. A proper Norfolk tradition since 1993. 👉 pottyfestival.com
RHS Sandringham Flower Show — 22–26 July ⭐ BIG ONE Brand new for 2026 — the RHS brings its world-famous flower show to Sandringham Estate for the very first time. Show gardens, floral displays, expert talks and a great food market, all set within the royal estate. King Charles III and Queen Camilla are expected to attend. An unmissable event and a real piece of history. 👉 rhs.org.uk/shows-events/rhs-sandringham-flower-show
🏖️ AUGUST
Wells-next-the-Sea Carnival — 31 July–8 August A beloved North Norfolk tradition that has been running for over a century. Live music, a fete, family activities, the crowning of the Carnival King and Queen, and a grand parade on 8 August. 👉 wellscarnival.co.uk
Classic Ibiza at Blickling Hall — 1 August An open-air stage, a 32-piece orchestra, headline DJs and live vocalists bring White Isle energy to one of Norfolk’s most beautiful National Trust estates. 👉 classicibiza.co.uk
Cromer Carnival Week — 15–21 August One of the great British seaside traditions. A full week of fun, with the famous illuminated parade and fireworks display on Carnival Day, Wednesday 19 August. 👉 cromercarnival.co.uk
Worstead Festival — 25–26 July (just outside North Norfolk) Norfolk’s biggest village festival celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2026. A fantastic community event with live music, arts and entertainment. 👉 worstead.co.uk/festival
🍂 SEPTEMBER
Brancaster Staithe Sea Shanty Festival — mid-September A celebration of maritime tradition and community spirit, with shanties and performances across multiple venues in Brancaster including The Jolly Sailors pub and the village hall. 👉 visitnorthnorfolk.com
Sheringham 1940s Weekend — 18–20 September ⭐ BIG ONE The event that draws over 20,000 visitors to North Norfolk every year. The whole of Sheringham, Holt and Weybourne transforms into a living 1940s experience — vintage music, dancing, classic vehicles, wartime re-enactments and the iconic People’s Parade. Ride the Poppy Line steam train between all three towns for the full experience. 👉 experiencesheringham.com
North Norfolk Food & Drink Festival, Holkham — September Now in its 17th year, over 12,000 visitors descend on the magnificent Walled Garden at Holkham Hall for two days of the finest local food, drink and produce. Live cookery theatre, artisan stalls and one of the most beautiful settings in England. 👉 holkham.co.uk
🎃 OCTOBER / NOVEMBER
Halloween at Holkham and Pensthorpe — late October Half term brings family-friendly Halloween trails, crafts and seasonal fun at both Holkham Hall and Pensthorpe Nature Reserve near Fakenham. Dates to be confirmed — check individual websites.
Norfolk Artisan Fair at Christmas, Fakenham — 7–8 November The best of Norfolk’s food, drink, gifts and crafts to kick off the festive season. Doors open 9.30am–4pm both days. 👉 visitnorthnorfolk.com
🎄 CHRISTMAS
Cromer Pier Christmas Show — early November to late December The award-winning festive spectacular at Cromer Pier Pavilion. Matinee and evening performances, and suitable for all ages. Book early — it sells out every year. 👉 cromerpier.co.uk
Illuminated Steam Train, Sheringham to Holt One of Norfolk’s most magical Christmas experiences — riding the Poppy Line at night through a landscape lit with enchanting displays. Dates to be confirmed. 👉 nnrailway.co.uk
Holkham Hall Candlelight Tours — late November to late December As seen on Channel 4. The magnificent state rooms dressed in spectacular festive décor by talented creatives. Utterly magical. 👉 holkham.co.uk
Father Christmas Arrives by Boat — Wells-next-the-Sea A wonderfully unique Norfolk tradition. Father Christmas arrives by boat on the quayside at Wells, with lights switched on, entertainment and fireworks. Date depends on the tide — check wellscarnival.co.uk nearer the time.
All dates are correct at time of publication. Always check individual event websites for the latest information and ticketing. We’ll keep this page updated throughout the year!