August is prime time on the Norfolk coast with carnivals, festivals and adventures to be explored. Here’s what’s happening, along with a sneaky peek at Searles’ summer entertainment – if you haven’t already done so, book your stay today!
Roll up, roll up, it’s carnival season
Floats, food, festivities, what’s better than a summer carnival? If you’re heading to Norfolk this August, there are plenty taking place beginning with Wells Carnival, which kicks off at the start of the month and takes place over ten fun-packed days with live music, fancy dress, town crier and sandcastle competitions, culminating with a Carnival Parade on 9 August.
Smaller in size, but no less special, the Sheringham Carnival takes place from 3-7 August with the main parade through the seaside town on 6 August and the usual round-up of activities, entertainment and street fun for all ages.
Don’t worry if your stay falls later in the month, as Cromer Carnival Week takes place from 16-22 and, although at the other end of the coastline, it’s worth heading over on 20 August as the Red Arrows are confirmed to soar overhead as part of the celebrations – an unmissable experience!
Summer 2025 festivals in Norfolk
It’s also festival season and there’s something for every appetite (including foodie fans!) taking place in Norfolk this August. If house music is your groove, Classic Ibiza at Blickling is marking ten years with a shimmering line-up of White Isle-inspired music, which takes place at the stunning National Trust venue on 2 August.
And for classical music buffs, the North Norfolk Music Festival sees more than 50 artists perform at Church of Our Lady St Mary, South Creake from 8-16 August – the festival is relocating to Wells Maltings with two new events in December and March 2026, so if you are a fan of the classics, watch out for further details as they are announced.
For full-on family fun, don’t miss Bear Grylls’ Gone Wild Festival which takes place at Holkham on 7-10 August. With activities from abseiling, fire walking, paint balling, quad biking and survival skills sessions, plus fitness sessions with TV PT Joe Wicks and music from Clean Bandit, Professor Green, Blue and The Lighting Seeds, you can buy day and evening tickets to join in the action.
Though not strictly a festival, one of the summer’s biggest dates is the Aylsham Show which takes place on Bank Holiday Monday on 25 August. A celebration of Norfolk rural life, it’s a fantastic day out for the whole family with livestock, food, entertainment and market stalls to explore, plus horse jumping, classic car and flower displays.
Rounding out the month, the North Norfolk Food and Drink Festival takes place in the Walled Garden at Holkham Hall, a foodie’s paradise with artisan producers and makers offering a taste of the county’s finest food and drink. Once you’ve sampled and sipped your way around the stalls, several of Norfolk’s leading chefs will be sharing their favourite recipes in the cookery theatre and there are children’s activities and face painting to keep little ones entertained.
Searles summer entertainment
If the thought of venturing too far afield during the dog days of summer leaves you feeling decidedly cold, Searles’ entertainment is just footsteps away. We have plenty of fantastic events taking place all month long with kids’ fun, superstar production shows, bingo, karaoke and theme nights – the perfect way to enjoy your stay without having to leave the resort. Check the Searles Park in Your Pocket app for full details of what’s on.
New for this year, the Searles Summer Fun Day 2025 takes place on 16 August and is set to be great fun! With entertainment from Cecil Farayi and the Searles Superstars, inflatables, food and drink, there’s even a new Searles Scrufts Dog Show, so pamper your pooch and see if they catch the judges’ attention. Everyone is welcome with free entry, but bring a little cash to enjoy the activities and a bite to eat.
Talking of talent, how do you fancy performing for the judges in our Searles Got Talent competition? Whether you sing, dance, perform some stand-up comedy or magic tricks, we want you to show off your skills and see if you’ve got what it takes to win the ‘S-Factor’. With heats taking place over eight weeks during the peak season, two finalists will be selected from each round to win a stay and a place in the Grand Final which takes place on 4 October. Get ready to deliver the performance of a lifetime and see if opportunity knocks on your door.
With so much going on, it’s time to plan your August adventures – book your stay and let the summer fun begin!
Image © of Holkham Estate
