What's On in August
What’s On in August
by Katie Thompson
Five weekends, one bank holiday and the summer holidays, this August is set to be a memorable one. And believe us when we say there really is so much going on! In Norwich and Norfolk (look out for special bank holiday offers and events like Bure Valley Railway’s 25% off).
Expect exciting new exhibitions, celebrations of our county’s very best food and drink, captivating performances (whether you’re a lover of the Bard or live music) and special, one-off events. Not to mention, free entertainment with Norwich Summer Sessions every Sunday!
Here’s what’s on in August!
Norwich
‘Mata ni Pachedi: Narratives of Art and Social Justice’ at The South Asia Collection
23 June – March 2027, 9.30am – 5pm, FREE
Admire the detailed textiles of the Vaghri people in The South Asia Collection’s most recent exhibition
Translating to ‘Cloth of the Mother Goddess’, The South Asia Collection’s Mata ni Pachedi exhibition shines a spotlight on sacred textiles used to worship the goddess by people from the Vaghri community.
Mainly originating from Guharat in India, they were historically denied entry to worship in Hindu shrines, responding through art instead of acceptance. Rich in narratives depicting goddesses overcoming adversities and the power of divine intervention, admire the detail and storytelling of Mata ni Pachedi.
‘David Shenton: Kindly Ease the Tension’ at Norwich Castle
18 July 2026 – 10 January 2027, 10am – 5pm, included in admission (adults from £15.30, children from £13.05, pre-book online for the best prices, twilight ticket 1-hour before close £2.50)
See the works of cartoonist David Shenton at Norwich castle. © Bob Workman
Kindly Ease the Tension is the first major exhibition of pioneering British artist and cartoonist David Shenton. With over 150 works from across five decades, this is a bold and playful exploration of LGBTQ+ life in Britain, telling the story of his own life in tandem with changes in society, law and legislation.
Inspired and influenced by his life growing up in Ashton-under-Lyne, London and Norwich, Shenton tackles themes including the AIDS epidemic and LGBTQ+ discrimination through colourful, eye-catching and poignant cartoons, painting, textiles and installations. There’s Duvet of Love, a memorial crafted from thousands of button badges, a knitted vest with the lyrics of Bronski Beat’s Smalltown Boy and a fitting tribute to Norwich City legend Justin Fashanu- you can’t miss it!
NR3 Beer Mile
31 July – 9 August
Beer Hatch is just one of 17 venues taking part in this year’s NR3 Beer Mile!
As one of the city’s most popular summer events, the NR3 Beer Mile is a celebration of the postcode’s best loved pubs and bars!
Across 10 days, all you need to do is visit the 17 venues taking part, collecting stamps to receive a special prize- this year it’s a shiny, branded bottle opener keyring! With different trails to complete, this is the perfect excuse to support local- those involved often include the Playhouse Bar, Beer Hatch and The Whalebone. Along the way, you might stumble upon events like live music and tap takeovers!
Norwich Summer Sessions
Sundays in August, 12.30pm – 4.30pm, FREE
On four stages across the city centre, Norwich summer Sessions is back with free live performance!
Returning to Norwich on 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 August, Norwich Summer Sessions is bringing an exciting line-up of live music and entertainment to our city centre!
Taking place at stages across the city- Gentleman’s Walk, St Gregory’s Green, Westlegate and Hay Hill, to be exact, there’s no better way to while away your Sunday afternoon- in the sunshine, ice cream in hand, swaying to the sounds of local artists, cheering at captivating performances or even testing your skills at Latin dance. Make sure to keep your diaries free for the likes of LFay, Laurence Kingston Band and Swing Dance!
Norwich Riverside Walk and the Wherry Maud Tour
Sunday 2 August, 2pm – 4pm, £12 (includes £5 donation to the Wherry Maud Trust)
Join Paul Dickson on a special tour to see and learn about Norfolk’s traditional wherry Maud
Join Paul Dickson on this special tour, taking you along Norwich’s tranquil riverside walk and finishing with a visit to the historic Wherry Maud. Built in 1899, traditional Norfolk trading wherry Maud is one of only two left sailing the Broads National Park, having been restored and recommissioned in the ’80s and ’90s.
From Pull’s Ferry to the Ribs of Beef pub, absorb stories of Bishop’s Bridge, the Great Hospital, Cow Tower, the Adam & Eve and more with Paul as your knowledgeable guide.
All Norfolk Wine & Cheese Celebration at The Assembly House
Sunday 16 August, 1pm – 3.30pm, £59.50
Join Norfolk Local Wine School and Cheryl Cade to savour our county’s best wines and cheese!
Could there be a better pairing than wine and cheese? Especially when every sip and flavour comes from Norfolk.
For one night only, Norfolk Local Wine School is celebrating the Norfolk Wine Region, an area quickly becoming recognised for its award-winning vineyards and grapes. At this exclusive new tasting event, you can savour sparkling wines, fresh, dry and aromatic whites, fun rosés and bold reds!
In the beautiful interiors of The Assembly House, they’ll be accompanied by three Norfolk cheese, expertly sourced from Norwich Market and introduced by local cheese sommelier and tour guide Cheryl Cade.
Flat Venus at Norwich Arts Centre
Thursday 27 August, 8pm, from £10.50
Flat Venus are headlining Norwich Arts Centre with an anticipated hometown show!
Long a supporter of local talent, Norwich Arts Centre is playing host to Norwich’s own Flat Venus this August!
In honour of their latest single, this special hometown show is ideal for fans of The Cranberries and The Pixies. The quintet expertly blends dream pop and folk traditions from the ’90s with intimate harmonies, jangling guitars and atmospheric vocals.
Supporting are Norfolk-based, family four-piece Mama Oh No- inspired by Old Soul, blues and surf music, and Norwich singer-songwriter Liv, with her indie, alt-folk music.
Shakespeare in the Garden at Strangers’ Hall
29 – 31 August, 2.30pm & 5pm, from £10.50
Immerse yourself in Shakespeare from the Maddermarket Theatre in strangers’ Hall’s Elizabethan garden
All the world’s a stage… and that goes for Strangers’ Hall’s garden too! This summer sees the return of the popular collaboration between the Maddermarket Theatre and this ancient merchant house as a band of Norwich’s own players perform iconic scenes from Shakespeare’s folio.
Expect fully costumed passages ‘tragical, comical, historical [and] pastoral’ for a picturesque and engaging end-of-summer treat in the City of Stories. (Note the 31 August performance will take place in the Maddermarket auditorium.)
Norfolk
Feast in the Park at Holkham
Weekends from 25 July – 31 August, 11am – 4pm, FREE, parking £6.50
Who could say no to a selection of Norfolk’s best street food vendors?
Grab your picnic blankets and camp chairs- Feast in the Park is coming to Holkham for its 7th edition this summer!
Every weekend in August will welcome an array of mouthwatering, Norfolk-based street food to Holkham Park. Think fresh Brancaster mussels, moreish loaded fries and indulgent gourmet burgers, alongside Californian-inspired burritos, vegan Thai, and tempting sweet treats. All to the soundtrack of live music each day! So, sit back, relax and enjoy a summer’s afternoon with great food and good company.
