SUNDAY 28 MAY, 10AM - 5PM

Please note: this ticket does not give you access to the House and Gardens, normal admission charges apply

Following its first successful year for the Platinum Jubilee, Live Promotions are delighted to bring back the Pageant of Motoring to the Royal Parkland on Sunday 28 May.

The pageant will showcase decades of motoring, live music and aerial displays alongside a variety of culinary delights and a craft & vintage fair.

Holkham Hall (Sun, Mon & Thurs only, 11am – 4pm)

Create in the Old Kitchen – the team from SchooDoodle Arts and Crafts will help you create your own toy from something funky like a wooden spoon!

Out of the Toybox – Can you name the toys that are hidden in each of the feely boxes? Have a feel, then head to the Old Kitchen for the reveal!

Mystery Munch – What tasty treat is being described by the rabbit?

Walled Garden (daily 10am – 5pm)

Performances of The Velveteen Rabbit (Friday 7th – Monday 10th April only) – Join Spinning Wheel Theatre for their adaptation of Margery Williams’ classic children’s story The Velveteen Rabbit. Performances at 11am, 12.30pm, 2pm & 3.30pm

Gnaw Chocolate Easter Hunt – We’ve teamed up with our pals at Gnaw to create a chocolate hunt through our 6-acre Walled Garden. Find all the letters, unscramble, and claim your chocolate treat!

The Cottontail Trail – Do you know your rabbit from your hare? Follow the trail to learn something new about these hoppy little animals.

Crafts in the Ed Shed – if you’re feeling creative, head to the Ed Shed for crafts, colouring and quizzes.

Games in the Events Room – burn off some steam and get competitive with the various lawn games and activities down in the Events Room.

Holkham Stories (daily 10am – 5pm)

Unscramble – Follow the boards to unscramble the scrabble tiles and reveal the name of a popular board game.

Guess What? — Can you work out which popular game is being described, just by using pictures? Simply say what you see.

Dress up! – Head to Room 4 and raid the dressing up box. Who will be your favourite character?

Holkham Park (daily 10am – 5pm)

Adventure Play Area – Open daily from 10am – 5pm, weather permitting.

Cycle Hire – Explore Holkham Park on two wheels. With a variety of trails, there is always somewhere new to discover. Open daily from 10am. Last hire at 2pm.

Nature Trail – Enjoy an amble around Holkham Lake and learn something new on your way. The nature trail starts just beyond the boat hire pontoon.

Take part in this wildly natural workshop brought to Holkham by Katie at Wild Oak Workshops, taking inspiration from how birds create their beautiful nests.

In this workshop, you’ll create your own natural willow wreath ‘nest’ by learning how to entwine silver birch, lichen covered twigs, moss, woodland treasures, blossoms, feathers and complete your wreath with a raffia ribbon should you wish to adorn your front door. Katie will guide you through how to entwine Nature’s seasonal offerings and share her love of nature and what magic is happening, all around us during spring. You can look forward to learning lots of ‘nesting’ fun facts to inspire you and enjoy a delicious chocolate Lindt bunny which is included!

If you would like to involve the little creatives in your family, then a mini wreath can be included too. Your home with be full of the joys of spring. Little ones will also receive a special bundle of bunny cookie cutters with some yummy chocolates for all the family to share. Children must be accompanied by an adult and be a minimum of eight years old to participate.

Please book via Wild Oak Workshop’s website.

Event details

4th April

£70 adult and £40 child

10am-1pm and 2pm-5pm

Meet at Visitor Reception

£5 per day

Warming refreshments and cake from the Courtyard Café are included

Norfolk Open Studios is a well-loved annual event which celebrates the creativity and talent of Norfolk makers and creators. Artists at all stages of their careers take part, from school and college students through to emerging artists and established and professional artists.

Each year artists welcome visitors into their working space – this might be in their own home, studio, garage/shed or garden – to share their work and skills and sell their art. Studios are free to visit and visitors don’t need to book in advance, unless they are a large group.

All Norfolk based visual artists are invited to take part – painters, sculptors, weavers, furniture and jewellery makers will be involved each year, to name but a few! Many will also offer events, demonstrations and workshops alongside their open studio, to share skills and offer people the chance to have a go themselves. For visitors, it’s a wonderful opportunity to get hands-on, as well as purchase original artwork direct from it’s creator.

Since 2021 the scheme has been held in the autumn in September/October, allowing people to explore the county to discover and meet artists during this often magical time of year. The Norfolk Open Studios website and brochure publishes details of all artists and schools taking part. The free brochure is made available in many venues across Norfolk and beyond in advance of the scheme, or you can view an online version via this website. Each artist and school is listed within a geographical district of the county.

Art Trails

An integral part of Norfolk Open Studios, organised by the artists themselves, Art Trails allow visitors to make a memorable day out of their open studios visits.

Events & Demonstrations

Many artists run special events and activities during the scheme, offering visitors the chance to get creative and have a go themselves!

Preview Exhibitions

Regional preview exhibitions are held throughout the county, to give people a chance to plan their studio visits. The central Preview Exhibition is held at the Forum in Norwich, which includes work by artists from all of Norfolk’s districts.

Spend an evening with award-winning British garden designer and Gardeners’ World presenter, Adam Frost, as he shares advice and amusing stories from a lifetime in the garden.

Best known for his successes at RHS Chelsea Flower Show, Adam will explore how his love for the great outdoors started from a young age when he helped on his grandparent’s allotment. His fascination with watching plants and vegetables grow, and the wildlife it attracted, has stayed with him ever since.

Sharing tales from working with Geoff Hamilton at Barnsdale Gardens, to going solo in 1996 for the rollercoaster ride of designing multiple award-winning show gardens, Adam will also detail why he remains passionate about inspiring adults and children alike to start their own horticultural journeys.

Enlightening and engaging, this event promises to leave you eager to head home and get your gardening gloves on.

Selfie of Ben Fogle with Sunset in Background

Ben Fogle’s new show WILD brings to life on stage, stories and tales of hope, possibility, and positivity. From his extraordinary encounters with the human and natural world; the wilderness of Northern Sweden to the jungles of Honduras; the hostile extreme environments of Chernobyl to the mountains of Nepal; Ben will take you on a journey with inspiring and uplifting tales of self-discovery, that will leave you enchanted, enlightened, and entertained.

In this brand-new show full of hope, simplicity, and harmony, WILD is a hair-raising, uplifting and wildly entertaining show that tells the extraordinary true stories of Ben’s amazing encounters with people and animals, and how they changed his life... and the discovery of helping you find your Ocean of Possibility.

EASTER EGG TRAIL IN AID OF THE EAST ANGLIAN AIR AMBULANCE.

EASTER SUNDAY 9 APRIL, 10.30AM - 2.30PM

SEPARATE FREE PARKING FOR THIS EVENT

Find hidden clues around the Royal Parkland and enjoy a chocolate egg at the end of the trail provided by Kinnerton Confectionery.

All proceeds will go to the EAAA.

Book Tickets - £3 per person or alternatively make a donation to the Air Ambulance for £5, £10 or £15.

Tickets also available on the day from the Rotary Club tent near to the play area.

About the East Anglian Air Ambulance

East Anglian Air Ambulance provides a helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) for the people of East Anglia.

The service exists to save lives by delivering highly skilled doctors and critical care paramedics by air or car to seriously ill or injured people in the region. They are a lifesaving charity that is only kept airborne thanks to their incredible supporters.

Since its launch in 2000 they have attended over 27,500 lifesaving missions, touching the lives of many thousands of people. The crew comprises specialist pre-hospital doctors and critical care paramedics, operating 24/7 across the region.

They are committed to delivering outstanding care, quality, and value to the community and constantly looking for innovative ways to grow and improve the service.

Kinnerton Confectionery Each Chocolate Egg will be provided by Kinnerton.

Kinnerton is an experienced chocolate manufacturer, they were the first brand to offer character chocolate in the UK, founded back in 1978 from humble beginnings. In 1988, the business expanded into a factory in Norfolk, which has now grown into a unique and pioneering ‘nut free’ environment. Kinnerton take great care to make all their chocolate, to get the balance right between knowing that the chocolate is both safe but also a treat for everyone to enjoy.

Have you got a DSLR, CSC or bridge camera? Don’t know your ISO from your aperture? Join our photography workshop and take control of your camera, learning to move off the auto setting and capture the shots you really want.

Led by Norfolk photographer, Andy Langley, this course for beginners and improvers will help you break down the science of capturing images, giving you the skills to handle your camera with confidence.

On this course you’ll spend the morning covering the three basic principles which work together to create an exposure: aperture, ISO and shutter speed. After lunch, you’ll head out and put your theory into practice in the park, there will be an opportunity to review your images afterwards.

LIVING HERITAGE FOOD, CRAFT AND WOOD FESTIVAL

SATURDAY 29, SUNDAY 30 APRIL AND MONDAY 1 MAY

A day for all the family with live music, craft demonstrations and food and drink!

The Living Heritage Food, Craft and Wood festival has an extended food market offering an array of fine foods, wines and spirits from local and national food producers and retailers. In addition see crafts and traditional working demonstrations including vintage machinery and chainsaw wood carving.

Chefs offer cookery demonstrations with specialist street food vendors and bars for you to enjoy whilst listening to various music from jazz bands to solo artists.

SNOWDROP GUIDED WALK

Tuesday 14, Thursday 16, Saturday 18 February, walks at 10am, 12pm, 2pm

Join one of our Gardeners for a guided walk around Sandringham Garden looking at the amazing display of Snowdrops and spring colour.

Tickets £18

2022 – 2023 RACING FIXTURES

Friday 17th February 2023

First Race 1.40pm – Last Race 4.40pm

St Patrick’s Day Friday 17th March 2023

First Race 1.00pm – Last Race 5.00pm

Easter Monday 10th April 2023

First Race 2.00pm – Last Race 5.30pm

West Norfolk & North Norfolk Point-To-Point Sunday 23rd April 2023

Independent to Fakenham Racecourse, and not included in the annual membership

Pony Racing 12.45pm Point to Point 2pm

Tuesday 9th May 2023

Race times TBC

Jarrold Ladies Day Sunday 4th June 2023

Race times TBC

Friday 20th October 2023

Race times TBC

Wednesday 1st November 2023

Race times TBC

Tuesday 21st November 2023

Race times TBC

Christmas Meet Tuesday 19th December 2023

Race times TBC

Racing first took place at Fakenham on Easter Monday after the West Norfolk Hunt took a committee decision to transfer their race meeting from East Winch, near King’s Lynn. The West Norfolk Hunt had run meeting since 1884 at East Winch but because of concerns over continual heavy going at the course, a more suitable, lighter soil site was identified at Fakenham.

This first meeting in 1905 attracted 37 runners and considering the travelling difficulties in those days, confirmed the excellent local support for the transfer to Fakenham. Just the one meeting per year was held on Easter Monday with racing continuing every year except for enforced breaks during war years.

In 1926, there was the introduction of a hurdle race as the steeplechase races had dwindled in numbers. The three mile steeplechase in those days started in the fields adjoining the Fakenham-Dereham road before joining and finishing on the racecourse proper!

After the 1939/45 war, racing resumed in 1947 and in addition to the Easter meeting there was now a second meeting allotted on Whitsun Bank Holiday Monday for which success was assured with no fewer than 208 entries for the six races.

In 1953, the original Grandstand was built with enlargements to the paddock and the Paddock and Parade Ring moved.

1965, saw the formation of Fakenham Racecourse Ltd, to continue to qualify for Levy Board support and fundamental to surviving the threat of closure. The financial support was enhanced when part of the racecourse was leased to develop a sports centre to include a golf course together with tennis and squash courts for the benefit of the local community with improved facilities at the racecourse.

Annual fixtures increased from two to five and the first meeting held under the new regime was on a very murky, misty, wet Saturday evening in the autumn of 1965.

Racing in West Norfolk had always been honoured with Royal patronage. Commencing at East Winch with The Prince of Wales later King Edward VII, through to Her Majesty the Queen who was Patron for almost fifty years before handing over the reins to HRH The Prince of Wales on January 1st 2000. It was particularly fitting therefore that Fakenham’s most extensive project, the £1million Members’ Stand was named “The Prince of Wales Stand” and officially opened by His Royal Highness on March 15th 2002. During his official opening speech, The Prince stated “he was enormously touched to have been asked to become Patron of the Racecourse” and “also to follow in the footsteps of my great-grandfather”.

Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother, often described as National Hunt’s most fervent, enthusiastic and loyal supporter, visited Fakenham racecourse in 1981 and again in January 2000, making the short trip from Sandringham. Sadly, the day’s racing fell victim to the weather but her visit, including lunch, still took place. It was a memorable day for the racecourse and the Chairman of the racecourse, at the time, Andrew Don reflected a true local view in a tribute on the news of the death of the Queen Mother in 2002. “We think the Queen Mother had a soft spot for us at Fakenham and we treasure the memory of her last visit here during her 100th year.”

Experience the Epic Sheringham Viking Festival 2023!

If you’ve never heard of the Sheringham Viking Festival, then you’re in for a treat. This unique festival brings together all sorts of Viking-era activities, from battles to boat-burning ceremonies. So, let’s get ready for a journey through time and all the excitement that comes with it!

When Is the Sheringham Viking Festival 2023?

The Sheringham Viking Festival 2023 is scheduled to take place on Saturday 1st April 2023. The date has changed from the original one. The Viking Festival is free to attend, and there is a voluntary collection to help fund future events.

Introduction to the Sheringham Viking Festival 2023

The festival celebrates the ancient Viking culture and its traditions and is a one-day event that takes place at two locations, on Sheringham’s seafront for the boat burning and on Beeston Common just east of the town near Beeston Bump where the Viking village and reenactments take place. The festival is attended by thousands of people every year, and it’s one of the most popular events in the area.

What to Expect, See and Do at the Sheringham Viking Festival 2023

If you’re planning on attending the Sheringham Viking Festival 2023, then you can expect a day full of fun and excitement.

The fun starts at 10 am on Beeston Common with the Viking Village as the base for creative and educational activities as well as battle reenactments; these will finish around 4 pm, to allow time for people to prepare for the evening activities, which start at 7 pm with the Viking Parade from the top car park in Sheringham.

This lively parade will proceed through Sheringham towards the sea for the finale of the boats burning beginning at 7:15 pm on the seafront below Leas (on the seafront near the building that was the Burlington Hotel).

There will be plenty of activities for people of all ages, from live demonstrations of Viking battles during the day to the finale of the evening boat-burning ceremony on Sheringham seafront at 7:15 pm.

Whilst visiting Sheringham, you’ll also be able to explore the local shops, sample the local delicacies, and take a trip on the North Norfolk heritage railway. Sheringham has amazing museums and attractions providing further insights into the heritage and history of the area.

The History of the Sheringham Viking Festival

The Sheringham Viking Festival was based on an idea for a Viking event formed by local artist Colin Seal and has been held annually (except during lockdown). It was initially started as a way to commemorate the arrival of the Vikings in Sheringham and the surrounding area. Since then, the festival has grown in popularity, attracting thousands of people yearly. It is also designed as a family-friendly way to learn about the history of the Vikings and for the youngsters to participate in creative educational activities. The Sheringham Carnival Committee help organise and coordinate the event as part of a wider events program for Sheringham.

The Sheringham Viking Festival Boat Burning Ceremony

One of the highlights of the Sheringham Viking Festival 2023 is the traditional boat-burning ceremony. This ceremony is held in honour of the ancient Viking culture, and it is a way to celebrate their spirit. The ceremony involves the burning of a Viking longship, which is a replica of an ancient Viking vessel.

The ceremony is a beautiful sight to behold. The ship’s burning is meant to symbolise the ending of one’s journey and the beginning of a new one. It is a powerful way to honour the Vikings and their culture.

Tom Allen is back on the road with his brand new show Completely. He has finally moved out of his parents' house, which has been great news for him, better news for department stores and even better news for his latest stand-up tour as he's eager to share his life updates, get your opinions on his vegetable patch and delve into the protocol of inviting friends with children for dinner.

PUCCINI LA BOHÈME

Starring Ukrainian soprano Alyona Kistenyova, Korean soprano Elena Dee and French soprano Olga Perrier.

Directed by Ellen Kent, this brand new production is traditionally staged and features beautiful sets and costumes. La Bohème is one of the most romantic operas ever written. It tells the tragic tale of the doomed, consumptive Mimi and her love for a penniless writer. The set reflects the Bohemian art of the period and will include, a local brass band, snow effects and Muzetta’s dog will also make an entrance.

This classic tale of Parisian love and loss features many famous arias including ‘Your Tiny Hand is Frozen’, ‘They Call Me Mimi’ and ‘Muzetta’s Waltz’.

“Authentic, tender and passionate” - Daily Telegraph

Sung in Italian with English subtitles

North Norfolk Music Festival

MEDEA QUARTET

The Polish/British/Italian Medea String Quartet from the Royal College of Music, who we heard all too briefly at an NNMF Friends event in April, will be back to present their first full recital in Norfolk with HAYDN’s String Quartet in D minor ‘Fifths’, BRITTEN’s String Quartet No.2 and BEETHOVEN’s 3rd ‘Razumovsky’.

Running time: 02 hours 00 minutes

The North Norfolk Railway offers far more than just a train ride! Grab your tickets, watch the guard wave his green flag, listen for the sound of the whistle and a whoosh of steam as you set off on a timeless journey through some of Norfolk’s most stunning coastal scenery and beautiful countryside.

Lovingly-restored steam trains transport passengers on an 11 mile return journey between the delightful Victorian resort of Sheringham and the smart Georgian town of Holt. Make a day of it with our great value rover tickets that are valid for unlimited travel allowing you to hop on and off all day! We recommend booking in advance and passengers doing so receive a generous discount on their fares.

The heritage railway is fondly known as the ‘Poppy Line’ after the 19th Century poet and theatre critic Clement Scott coined the term “Poppyland” referring to the unspoilt coastal area around Sheringham where poppies grow in abundance.

Visit over the Easter Bank Holiday Weekend and you can see and travel on three contrasting historic trains. Amongst the locomotives scheduled to be in action is 92203 “Black Prince” a mammoth 2-10-0 built by British Railways in 1959 to pull the heaviest goods trains and Y14 No 564, the railway’s oldest working steam engine. The loco dates from 1912 having been built at Stratford for the Great Eastern Railway and has spent almost her whole life in East Anglia.

SNOWDROPS AT WALSINGHAM

Carpets of snowdrops mingled with aconites have naturalised throughout our 18 acres of grounds and woodland, and along the banks of the River Stiffkey which runs through the Abbey Grounds.

Here in Walsingham snowdrops usually begin to come up by early January, begin to open by the end of January, are in full bloom in mid-February, and stay in bloom until early March when the flowers fade.

History

Snowdrops may have been brought to the British Isles by the Romans, but were first documented in English gardens much later. They began to become more common, and fashionable, in the 17th and 18th centuries. The ‘common’ snowdrop, galanthus nivalis, is not really ‘native’ although naturalised all over the UK. Like many bulbs, it can be found growing truly wild in the Caucasus, southern Europe and Turkey. They became very popular after British soldiers brought them home from the Crimean War in the 1850s.

There are plenty of ideas as to why there are so many snowdrops here in Walsingham and how they came here originally.

Conditions here are ideal for them, so it is natural for them to thrive here. Starting about 75 years ago, the Abbey owners and gardeners worked to extend the spread to the furthest reaches of the woods. In the 20th century when the railway still came all the way to Walsingham, snowdrop growing here became a cottage industry with bunches being sent down to London’s Covent Garden Flower Market by train.

We do think it possible that snowdrops could have been here since Roman times, as there was a Roman settlement. Snowdrops could also have been brought as offerings to the medieval Shrine.

Symbolism

The origin of snowdrops at Walsingham may be obscure: but snowdrops are commonly found growing at former abbeys and priories such as ours as well as in country churchyards. These are the first flowers of spring, reappearing when it seems still to be the depths of winter, so are symbolic of new life and rebirth and of Christian resurrection.

Snowdrops come into flower at Candlemas, 2nd February, which commemorates the ritual purification of the Virgin Mary 40 days after the birth of Christ, together with the presentation of the baby Jesus in the Temple at Jerusalem. St Luke’s Gospel says that Jesus was met by Anna and Simeon. Simeon held the baby Jesus and called him a Light to the World. Traditionally church candles were blessed on this day. Glowing white in the dark woods, folk names for snowdrops include Candlemas Bells, February Fair Maids or Mary’s Tapers.

Varieties

Snowdrop enthusiasts are known as galanthophiles: to enjoy their obsession, they must be happy to kneel or even lie down in cold wet leaves to appreciate the minute variations in these exquisite little flowers. There are a huge number of different varieties, some extremely rare.

Here at Walsingham Abbey our naturalised sheets of snowdrops are ‘common’ galanthus nivalis with some areas of the common double, galanthus nivalis ‘flore pleno’. We are developing a collection to show some of the less common types, chosen to show the snowdrop’s amazing range rather than rarity, from the huge early flowering ‘Colossus’ and chunky ‘Mighty Atom’ to the miniature ‘Tiny Tim’.

We have perfect conditions here in Walsingham for snowdrops to thrive: deciduous woodland with chalky, alkaline, humus-rich soil with good drainage, but which never dries out in summer. The open tree canopy lets through plenty of light in late winter and early spring.

Welcome to Walsingham Abbey, where the grounds surrounding our historic house are famous for the spectacular ruins of the mediaeval Priory of our Lady of Walsingham, as well as miraculous swathes of naturalised snowdrops in early spring. Later in spring the grounds fill with daffodils and the woods with wild garlic and bluebells. In summer the grounds offer a green leafy haven of peace.

‘Walsingham’ is two unspoiled, connected North Norfolk villages, Little, or ‘New’ Walsingham, and a mile away, Great or ‘Old’ Walsingham; both have a wealth of interest for the visitor with historic buildings, shops and places to eat and drink.

Walsingham has a long history of religious pilgrimage, dating back to the 11th century. Today we welcome visitors and pilgrims from all religious denominations, or none.

We will open for snowdrops from Monday 23rd January – Sunday 5th March.

Opening hours will be daily, 10am-4pm.

Preview Exhibitions for Norfolk Open Studios take place around the county, to help you decide which studios to visit. There are district exhibitions, which showcase the work of artists within that area, and a central exhibition held at the Forum in Norwich, which invites open studios’ artists from all the Norfolk districts to exhibit a work of art.

Events and demonstrations by artists are held alongside open studios each year. Many are free to attend, offering you the chance to find out about something new and creative. You may even get the chance to try something out for yourself!

Details for each exhibition, event and demo will be posted here, as well as in the printed brochure.