Get your diaries ready. Following two years of interruptions, the summer season in East Anglia is back on, with hundreds of fantastic attractions for all ages to enjoy. And here, is just a glimpse.

May

Lost in Music: One Night at the Disco, Lowestoft, May 27

Immerse yourself in the magic of the 70s with this spectacular musical journey that takes you straight to the heart of disco. Relive some of the greatest songs of all time from artists such as Donna Summer, Gloria Gaynor, Earth, Wind & Fire, Sister Sledge and Chic at this feel-good summer show at Lowestoft’s Marina Theatre.

Jools Holland, The Nick Rayns LCR at UEA, May 27

Musician and television presenter Jools Holland will be taking to the stage of the LCR next week, accompanied by his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra. Also in attendance will be special guest Eddi Reader, guest vocalists Ruby Turner and Louise Marshall, and support from Jack Lukeman. Tickets are £35 each.

Anything For Love: The Story of Meat Loaf, Lowestoft, May 28

Hitting Lowestoft’s Marina Theatre this summer is highly-acclaimed Steve Steinman who brings his brand-new production featuring over 25 of Meat Loaf and Jim Steinman’s greatest hits. With an incredible stage set and 10-piece live band, expect all the hits including Anything For Love, Bat Out Of Hell, Total Eclipse of The Heart, Dead Ringer For Love, and many more.

Beccles Food and Drink Festival, May 28

Following its successful return in 2021, the Beccles Food and Drink Festival is back - and will bring with it a whole host of culinary delights. This free festival - which takes place at New Market - will have over 60 local food and drink stalls, as well as cookery demonstrations, world street food, and children’s entertainment.

Dragons in the Park, West Stow, May 28

Take part in a guided stroll along the River Lark, then get creative making a dragonfly art installation at West Stow Country Park’s dragonfly walk and workshop. You’ll be taught all you need to know about these fascinating insects before taking part in a dragonfly art workshop (where your art will then be displayed in West Stow’s beautiful ‘Feel Good Forest’ area alongside the river).

Fairy Fair, West Acre, May 28-29

Next weekend, the Fairy Fair will take over Norfolk’s Broadmoor Woods – and promises to be a magical celebration of spring. Designed by the conservation charity The Fairyland Trust, the group uses theatre and folklore to make learning about nature fun for the whole family. There will be a number of stalls, live music, a show, storytelling, and walks in the woods. Tickets are £10 per person – and dressing up is encouraged!

Middy in the 1940s, Wetheringsett, May 28-29

Next weekend, the Mid Suffolk Light Railway will joined by a number of visiting displays and military and civilian vehicles, as well as re-enactors to help create an authentic 1940s atmosphere. There will also be stalls selling everything from clothing and collectables, to toys, military memorabilia, wartime paperwork, and magazines. A flypast from the Hawker Hurricane of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight is scheduled on Saturday, subject to weather conditions, and there will be live music from Kitty Collins on Saturday and the Laxfield Community Choir on Sunday.

Let’s Rock Norwich, Earlham Park, May 28

The UK’s biggest retro festival is making its way back to Norfolk once again, and will be taking place next weekend. Let’s Rock Norwich will take over Earlham Park – and feature the likes of performers such as The Human League, Billy Ocean, Nik Kershaw, Sonique, and Urban Cookie Collective. Tickets start from £49 per adult.

Reepham Food Festival, May 29

Kicking off Norfolk’s food festival season is the fourth edition of the Reepham Food Festival. The Market Square and Secret Garden will play host to a range of local food and drink producers – and over 30 stalls are expected to attend, so you can guarantee you’ll find something to suit your tastes. Sponsored by the Co-op, a number of schools, farms, and other organisations will also be in attendance, ensuring it’s a great day for the whole family.

Neck of the Woods Festival, Earlham Park, May 29

Get your dancing shoes on, as some of the biggest and bests acts are taking over Earlham Park next Sunday. Headliners The Kooks will be joined by DMA’s, The Snuts, Yonaka, and many more at this four-stage festival. This new one-day fest will also have street food vendors and a VIP area. Shuttle buses and parking will be also available. Tickets start from £45 for an adult ticket.

Norfolk and Norwich Festival, various events until May 29

This weekend kicks off the second week of the Norfolk and Norwich Festival – a popular contemporary fortnight-long celebration that brings together an array of popular artists to create an unmissable event. For 17 days, the festival transforms the city and county’s public spaces, streets, performance venues, parks, forests and beaches in order to bring people together to experience events that encompass music, theatre, literature, visual arts, circus, dance and free outdoor events.

Just some of the events coming up this week include the Festival Foundations Exhibition at the Museum of Norwich, Consone Quartet at the Octagon Chapel on Wednesday May 25, and Anna Meredith at St Andrew’s & Blackfriars’ Hall on Saturday May 28.

The Real Middle-Earth Tour, West Stow, May 31

Explore the Anglo-Saxon origins of Lord of The Rings with this guided tour. Head to West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village to find out about the links between Tolkien and this ancient time period as a member of the Tolkien Society and a Middle-earth enthusiast talks you through all you need to know.

The Suffolk Show, Ipswich, May 31-June 1

Taking place at Ipswich's Trinity Park, The Suffolk Show is the largest pop-up event for families in the county, and is a fantastic day out for all. There will be a number of food and drink stalls on the day, as well as music, a sports village, a military zone - plus much more.

June

Red Rooster Festival, Thetford, June 2-4

Fans of everything Americana won't want to miss the Red Rooster Festival, which celebrates all things southern - from delicious mouth-watering BBQ food to the best soul, blues, and rock and roll music.

Tim FitzHigham and Guests, Southwold, June 2

Comedian and thespian Tim FitzHigham will be bringing his chaotic Edinburgh Fringe sell-out renditions of Shakespeare’s classics in a Matthew Townshend Productions show at Southwold Arts Centre this June, with the help of good friends Thom Tuck and Alan Cox.

Katherine Jenkins and the Military Wives Choir, Sandringham, June 3

To help mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee, Welsh superstar Katherine Jenkins OBE will perform in Sandringham Royal Parkland. The mezzo-soprano will be performing hits from across her glittering career, accompanied by a symphony orchestra, a traditional proms finale, and special guest the Military Wives Choir. Tickets start from £39.50.

Aldeburgh Music Festival, June 3-26

Aldeburgh's Music Festival is back for its 73rd incarnation with plenty of music and art events to nourish your mind. Music highlights include the world premiere of Violet, the brand-new opera from Tom Coult; Icelandic pianist Víkingur Ólafsson; violinist Nicola Benedetti; Electroswing DJ Tallulah Goodtimes and much more.

Alongside all the wonderful musical events happening at Aldeburgh Music Festival there will also be a number of talks, art exhibitions and festival walks.

LeeStock Music Festival, Long Melford, June 3-4

Raising money for The Willow Foundation, LeeStock Festival is held at Melford Hall every year in memory of young local musician Lee Dunford who tragically passed in 2006 after a four-year battle with Hodgkins Lymphoma. Acts for 2022 include Ash, Scouting for Girls and Space.

Great Yarmouth Comic Con, June 4-5

Calling all fans of comic books, film, and television – Comic Con is making its way to Norfolk this summer. This Comic Con will take place at Great Yarmouth Racecourse and feature a host of celebrity guests, including Nicola Bryant, Christopher Biggins, Colin Baker and Andrew Lee Potts. Attendees can also have their photo taken in front of a number of props from Stranger Things, Harry Potter, Doctor Who, Star Wars, Batman, and many more. Tickets start from £9 for teens and adults, and £7 for children between 5 and 12.

The Killers, Norwich, June 9

Las Vegas indie rockers The Killers are finally bringing their Imploding The Mirage tour to the UK – and will be stopping off at Carrow Road for one night only. Tickets start from £71.50.

The Festival of the Sea at Royal Hospital School, Holbrook, June 11-12

The RHS Festival of the Sea, which forms part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, will take place at the Royal Hospital School and will include a range of nautical activities across the weekend. Highlights will include the Royal Navy Parachute and Royal Marines display teams. All events are open to the public, but some require ticketing

Open Farm Sunday, various locations across Suffolk and Norfolk, June 12

Every year, hundreds of farms across the country throw open their gates and welcome to public onto their land to showcase the wonderful world of farming. And across East Anglia, a number of locations will be taking part in this year’s Open Farm Sunday – which promises to be a fun and informative day out for the whole family. Farms participating include Gressenhall Farm in Dereham, Lodge Farm in Lindsey, and Woodlands Farm in Holbrook.

King’s Lynn Hanse Festival, June 12

The beloved Hanse Festival is making its grand return to King’s Lynn this June, celebrating all that’s wonderful about the market town’s rich heritage. The event will start with the colourful Parade of Flags, followed by entertainment in King’s Staithe Square. There will also be live music, traditional Latvian dancing and the Hanse Festival Regatta on the river to round off the day.

Elton John, Norwich, June 15

The Rocket Man himself is coming to Carrow Road on the first UK date of his Farewell Yellow Brick Road world tour. The setlist has been released online for previous dates and it includes the classics Your Song, and Tiny Dancer. There are limited tickets left – see ticketmaster.co.uk for details.

Keane and Madness live at Thetford Forest, June 17-18

This month, two of the country’s biggest acts will be heading to the forest to put on a pair of consecutive concerts. On Friday night, indie band Keane will be taking to the stage, and the on the following night, ska band Madness will be headlining.

Taste of Sudbury, Melford Hall, Long Melford, June 18

Taking place at the gorgeous country estate for the first time ever, after a two-year Covid-enforced break this family-friendly foodie event is back with a bang. Dozens of food traders will descend on the grounds, accompanied by street food sellers, live music, and a stage of tasty demonstrations. Entry is £5 for over 18s. Parking is free.

Suffolk Sinfonia Summer Concert, Bury St Edmunds, June 18

Join Suffolk Sinfonia under the baton of guest conductor Rupert Bond for an evening of classical favourites at The Apex this month. They will be performing The Thieving Magpie by Rossini, followed by Danse Macabre by Saint-Saens, complete with rattling bones on the xylophone.

First Light Festival, Lowestoft, June 18-19

Celebrate the magic of long nights during midsummer in Lowestoft which is England's most easterly town with the First Light Festival - a free 24-hour music festival that starts at midday on June 18. Musical highlights include LTJ Bukem, Kosmos, and Andy Sheppard East Coast.

Suffolk Day, June 21

To celebrate the beauty and wonder of the county, Suffolk Day is back and will feature a wide variety of events on the longest day of the year. Find out what's on at suffolkday.co.uk

The Ibiza Orchestra Experience, Earlham Park, June 24

Combining classic dance track with a full live 26-piece orchestra, the Ibiza Orchestra Experience is hitting Norwich this summer. Creating waves of excitement as it travels across the UK, this iconic live act will transport audiences through three decades of White Isle tunes and features special guest vocalists to create the ultimate Ibiza Experience. Tickets start from £45.

Dragon Fest 2022, West Stow, June 25-26

Returning for its 6th year, Dragon Fest is an immersive family-friendly festival of music, food, and fun at West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village, transformed into a realm of dragons.

Felixstowe Book Festival, June 25-26

Bookworms won't want to miss the annual Felixstowe Book Festival which has a fantastic weekend line up of events to explore this summer. Highlights include Jules Pretty's Sea Sagas of the North, The Path to Publication (a must for any budding writer), Mandy Morton “Tea at Three” tea party, and much more.

Southwold Arts Festival, June 25-July 2

This year marks the 7th anniversary of Southwold's exciting art festival that celebrates the best of local music, poetry, theatre and visual arts. Visitors can also enjoy several talks that take place each year too, which are both inspirational and informative.

Simply Red, Earlham Park, June 25

Chart-topping soul and pop band Simply Red will be stopping off in Norwich this summer – and punters can expect all the classics such as Holding Back the Years, Stars, If You Don't Know Me By Now, For Your Babies, and number one single Fairground. General admission tickets start from £42.50, and the special guest will be iconic songstress Gabrielle.

Festival Too, King's Lynn, June 25-July 9

Established with the aim of providing free entertainment to the people of West Norfolk, Festival Too is back this summer and will be taking place across three consecutive weekends across June and July: Saturday June 25 and Sunday June 26, Friday July 1 and Saturday July 2, and Friday July 9 and Saturday July 9. This year's performers include Will Young, Reef and Heather Small.

Wymondham Food and Drink Festival, June 26

The town’s very first food and drink festival will be taking place this June at the Market Place – giving attendees the chance to enjoy street food, artisan produce, local culinary delights and a variety of entertainment.

Michael Ball and Alfie Boe, Earlham Park, June 26

Two of the UK’s most beloved voices will be stopping off in Norwich at the end of June to put on a show you won’t forget. Michael Ball and Alfie Boe will be performing hits from their debut release ‘Together’, and will be joined by special guests The Overtones, and supported by Marisha Wallace. Tickets start from £42.20.

Royal Norfolk Show, Norwich, June 29-30

This historic annual agricultural show will be taking place on the final days of June, and is the perfect family day out this summer. There will be a variety of food stalls, as well as equine and livestock exhibitors, and much more. Adult single-day tickets start from £25, and child tickets are £10. Two-day tickets are also available.

Norwich GoGoDiscover T-Rex Sculpture Trail, June 29-September 10

A sculpture trail of Jurassic proportions is coming to Norfolk. Last year 21 T-rex popped up in and around Norwich city centre. This summer they're back - and they're bringing lots of friends with them to create Break charity's most mammoth GoGo event to date. There will be 55 large T-rex sculptures in the city, 24 Steppe Mammoths around the county and 100 Breakasaurus sculptures to spot.

Various theatre shows at Sandringham Hall, June and August

The royal estate will be hosting a handful of theatrical productions this summer. Starting with Three Inch Fools Present Twelfth Night on Saturday June 11, visitors can also enjoy Chapterhouse Theatre productions of Pride & Prejudice, or Cinderella in August.

Outdoor music concerts at Newmarket Racecourse, various dates through June, July and August

This summer, a number of the country’s biggest and best artists will descend upon Newmarket Racecourses to put on some fantastic shows. Acts due to appear include Paloma Faith, Pete Tong’s Ibiza Classics, Anne-Marie, Queen Symphonic, Rudimental, The Script, and The Wombats.

July

Bardfest, Bardwell, July 1-2

Get ready for a music-packed weekend just outside of Bury St Edmunds with the annual Bardfest which will be taking place in July. Highlights include The Hunna, The Sherlocks, JC Stewart, and many more.

Lord Mayor's Celebration, Norwich, July 1-3

Making its grand return after two years, the Lord Mayor’s Celebration will be hitting Norwich once again. Festivities will take places across the city – and have a regal theme. Plans include a community showcase at The Forum Stage, a BMX park in the city centre, a roller disco at The Halls and the famous Lord Mayor's Procession.

Folk in a Field festival, West Acre, July 1-4

Set in a remote woodland clearing, this fantastic festival brings together a diverse mix of folk and roots from across the world. The laidback and family-friendly event will host a variety of activities and workshops, alongside shows, stalls, treatments, and open mic events. There will also be a number of food outlets and locally-sourced ales and ciders on site, too. Camping, parking and admission for under-12s are all free. Tickets start from £100 for an adult weekend ticket.

Global Rhythm and Ipswich Jazz Festival, Christchurch Park, July 2

This summer, enjoy a variety of world music and culture at this free festival in Christchurch Park. Spanning across five stages, it will feature some of the world’s best musicians - there will also be fairground rides, a craft market, live music, art, and global food stalls.

Cromer Pier Show’s summer season, July 2–October 1

Running throughout the summer months, Cromer Pier Show is back. It promises to bring you all the glitz and glamour of a West End show, and a new special guest act will take to the stage every week – providing audiences with a variety of fun, laughter, spectacle, song and dance.

Wings and Wheels, Horsham St Faith, July 2-3

The City of Norwich Aviation Museum will be hosting its third annual Wings and Wheels Event, allowing visitors the chance to get up close and personal with classic cars, motorbikes, military vehicles and equipment, historical re-enactors, military and civilian aircraft, equipment and displays. There will also be live aircraft demonstrations and tours, a tea room, and a gift shop.

Mammoth Hike and Beach Clean, Holt, July 3

This summer, you and the whole family can take part in a fundraising walk – with a twist. This 13-mile hike from Holt to Cromer Pier will allow you to explore the north Norfolk coast, exploring picturesque countryside and beaches before taking part in a litter pick on the coastline to Cromer. As you make your way along the coast, you will also visit three mammoth sculptures, as part of the 2022 GoGoDiscover Trail.

Bures Music Festival, July 6-10

Bures Music Festival is back - and will bring with it a whole host of acts spanning genres such as jazz, blues, rock, pop, and even a popular choral night.

Dereham Blues Festival, Dereham, July 6–10

If soulful, classic guitar riffs are music to your ears, then head on down to the Dereham Blues Festival this summer. This two-day event will feature some of the biggest and best in the UK blues scene, including husband-and-wife duo When Rivers Meet, and Kyla Brox. Tickets cost £25.

Open Air Theatre: The Wind in the Willows, Brandon, July 9

Paperback Theatre’s charming open-air adaptation of The Wind in the Willows comes to Brandon Country Park this summer in this family-friendly event for all. Be sure to bring chairs, blankets and a picnic with you!

Bryan Adams, Tom Jones, and Michael Bublé at Blickling Hall, July 8-11

This summer, a trio of the planet’s biggest pop stars will be playing separate headline shows at Norfolk’s Blicking Hall. On Friday July 8, Grammy Award-winning Bryan Adams will take to the stage, in support of his 15th studio album, So Happy It Hurts. The following night, Welsh crooner Tom Jones will be taking over, and closing off the weekend is Michael Bublé who will be performing on the Sunday evening.

Norwich Cathedral Shakespeare Festival, July 8-9

The nation’s premier all-male theatre company, The Lord Chamberlain’s Men, is returning to Norwich Cathedral this summer to perform Shakespeare’s As You Like It in the historic open-air surrounds of Norwich’s Cathedral Cloister.

Great Yarmouth Arts Festival, July 8-17

Returning to Great Yarmouth is its eighth annual arts festival – and will feature a variety of art, poetry, music, drama, and carnival throughout the week.

Hippodrome Circus summer season, Great Yarmouth, July 6–September 18

Great Britain’s longest-running summer season circus is back this year, and features some of the world’s biggest circus acts alongside hosts Jack Jay and Johnny Mac.

Abbey of St Edmunds 1000 Years Picnic in the Park, Bury St Edmunds, July 16

Bring a picnic and enjoy live music and entertainment with local traders and groups as this town honours the year-long occasion in the wonderful Abbey Gardens along with the remains of the Abbey and history of St Edmund.

King's Lynn Festival, July 17–30

This two-week festival offers a wide variety of orchestral concerts, jazz, folk, choral, classical recitals, talks, films, and exhibitions. Just some of the performances taking place this year include Grimethorpe Colliery Band, Hill Quartet, and Contemporary Consort with Michael Berkeley.

Latitude Festival, Henham Park, July 21-24

The region’s biggest music festival is back for yet another weekend of the very best in music, dance, comedy, poetry, theatre, literature, podcasts, family activities and wellness. This year’s headliners are Lewis Capaldi, Foals, and Snow Patrol.

Counterfeit Sixties Show, Haverhill, July 22

Re-live the sounds of the swinging 60s, as Britain’s number one tribute show brings alive the magic of the era with their tribute to over 25 bands from the era. The show encompasses everything from that period - including fashion and flashbacks from television history.

Various opera and theatre events at Holkham Hall – various dates during July and August

Norfolk’s Holkham Hall is hosting a series of opera shows and theatrical performances over the summer, including Diva Opera: Tosca, and Diva Opera: Cosi Fan Tutte in July, and outdoor theatre productions of Peter Pan, Cinderella, The Reluctant Dragon, As You Like It, and Rapunzel.

Sandringham Flower Show, July 27

A pivotal event on any horticulturalist’s calendar, the Sandringham Flower Show is back for its 139th edition. Many of the region’s leading nurseries and horticultural specialists will be exhibiting. The show also features display gardens by leading designers, around 200 trade stands, a craft marquee, main arena events, children’s entertainment and a military band.

Norfolk Day, July 27

The Eastern Daily Press has teamed up with the Norwich Evening News and BBC Radio Norfolk to present another edition of Norfolk Day. Established in the 2018, it was created to help the residents share their pride and passion for the county. Details of events and those taking part will be revealed in the newspaper, online, and via social media in the run-up to the day.

Primadonna Festival, Stowmarket, July 29-31

Primadonna Festival is back this summer for an electrifying line up featuring a weekend of music, inspiration, comedy, food and drink and more.

Wells Carnival, Wells-next-the-Sea, July 29-August 7

This north Norfolk coastal town’s traditional carnival returns once again – and features a whole host of family-friendly events. Visitors can enjoy a Carnival Day procession around the town featuring floats, fancy-dress, pull-and push-along vehicles and much more. Traditional seaside activities include a sand-castle competition, town crier competition, gillying on the quay, and the crowning of the Carnival Royals.

The Suffolk Military Show, Ipswich, July 30-31

This family-friendly two-day event at Trinity Park will showcase the very finest selection of static military vehicles, living history re-enactment, arena live stage entertainment, military stalls, and food stalls.

Magic of Thailand Festival, Eaton Park, July 30-31

Established 10 years ago, this travelling festival brings a touch of the East to the region, and will feature a variety of Thai food, arts and crafts, traditional Thai dances, Muay Thai demonstrations, Thai massage, a Thai beer garden, and much more.

August

Classic Ibiza, Blickling Hall, August 6

Norfolk’s biggest dance party of the summer returns to the stately surroundings of Blickling Hall. Wave your arms in the air like you just don’t care as the Urban Soul Orchestra, live vocalists and headline DJs create the White Isle vibes.

Open-air: The Taming Of The Shrew by William Shakespeare, Thorington Theatre, August 7

Comprised of a full cast of 10 actors costumed in Elizabethan attire with live music and dance, this classic Shakespearean love story is fun for all the family.

The Nimmo Twins, Norwich Playhouse, August 3-21

Norfolk’s favourite comedians, The Nimmo Twins, will be taking up residence at Norwich Playhouse for an extended run of their 25th anniversary show, Holt, Who Goes There.

Wild Skies and Butterflies Festival, Raynham Estate, August 5-7

The line-up for Norfolk’s newest music festival includes The Vaccines, Hot Chip, James, The Levellers, Natalie Imbruglia, Gabrielle and many more.

Reepham Festival, August 6-7

Neville Staple, legendary frontman of The Specials and Fun Boy Three will headline when Reepham Festival returns to Rookery Meadow.

Festival of Sport, Holkham, August 12-15

Founded by ex-England rugby stars Will Greenwood and Austin Healey, the Festival of Sport is a chance for children to try new sports for the first time – and receive expert coaching in the games and activities they already love. There are wellness workshops for the grown-ups too and a family 5k on the Sunday morning.

Aldeburgh Carnival, August 13-15

One of the finest carnivals in the region, this three-day seaside spectacular makes its grand return. Visitors can enjoy a variety of music, an egg boat race, a Punch and Judy show, and much more. And of course, the event will finish with a carnival procession on the Monday.

Cromer Carnival Week, August 13-19

Cromer Carnival is one of the biggest carnival weeks in Norfolk – and it will be eyes to the skies on Carnival Day itself on Wednesday, August 17, for some daredevil aerial acrobatics from the Red Arrows.

Folk East, Little Glemham, August 19-21

Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, Folk East 2022 is looking to be the biggest it's been yet. Buckle up for a sensational weekend of music, food, ale, art, family and friends on the beautiful grounds of Glemham Hall.

Opera In The Park, Wherstead Park, August 20

Acclaimed coloratura soprano Christina Johnston will return to Ipswich this summer to perform at Wherstead Park. This promises to be an unforgettable evening.

Wvyerston Beer and Music Festival, Wyverstone, August 20

Ales, lagers and ciders galore will descend on this village for one day only, providing the perfect summer day out. There will also be live music from a variety of artists, as well as musicians performing on the main outdoor stage.

At Ease Festival, Euston Park, August 26-28

At Ease heads to Suffolk to provide a weekend of music, alongside fun family activities, sports and games. Acts who will take to the stage include Kaiser Chiefs, Jake Bugg, Happy Mondays, and Natalie Imbruglia.

Bury St Edmunds Food and Drink Festival, August 28-29

Foodies rejoice, as the annual Bury St Edmunds Food and Drink Festival will be back this summer for its 10th anniversary. Sample delectable delicacies from over 100 stalls at this town centre event, learn from pros with one of many cooking demonstrations and take home some local produce from the farmer's market.

Les Miserables, Norwich Theatre Royal, August 31-September 24

The curtain fell on Sir Cameron Mackintosh’s spectacular production of Les Miserables in March 2020, when the pandemic struck during a five-week run of Boubil and Shoenberg’s classic musical at Norwich Theatre Royal. Now the stage is set for it to return in all its glory.

September

Sundown Festival, Norfolk Showground, September 2-4

Sean Paul and AJ Tracey top the bill for this year’s big end of summer party at the Norfolk Showground.

Retro Forest Festival, Santon Downham, September 3-4

From disco legends to the finest tribute bands, this two-day festival is the place to be if you yearn for yesteryear. Acts on the line up include The Real Thing, Pat Sharp, and Abba Gold.

North Norfolk Food and Drink Festival, Holkham Hall, September 3-4

There will be lots of tasty treats in store in the Walled Garden as the North Norfolk Food and Drink Festival returns. Expect a selection of the area’s finest producers, cookery demonstrations, music and children’s entertainment.

One Big Multicultural Festival, Alexandra Park, Ipswich, September 4

This global festival is a great way to round off your summer, and celebrates a number of cultures through music, dance and food.

Noirwich crime writing festival, events around the city, September 8-10

The most thrilling event on the region’s literary calendar, Noirwich crime writing festival returns as the nights start to draw in.

Guests in recent years have been a who’s who of whodunits, including Val McDermid, Attica Lock, Yrsa Sigurdardottir, Louise Doughty, James Runcie, Lee Child, Ian Rankin, Peter James, Anthony Horowitz, Nicci French, Paula Hawkins and Benjamin Black. As for who will be appearing in September? All will be revealed soon...

Let’s Rock Ipswich, Trinity Park, September 10

This retro music festival is taking over the town’s Trinity Park, and features popular acts such as Adam Ant, Go West, Heather Small, and Toyah.

Foodies Festival, Earlham Park, Norwich, September 9-11

Dubbed ‘Gastro Glastonbury’, the Foodies Festival is coming to Norwich for the first time – with a stellar line-up of celebrity chefs and chart toppers.

To give the event a local flavour, the line-up at the Chefs Theatre includes Galton Blackiston, Richard Bainbridge, Daniel Smith, Oliver Boon, Eric Snaith and Andrew Jones, plus MasterChef finalist Tony Rodd. Expect some showstoppers in the Cake and Bake Theatre too.

And Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Scouting For Girls, Liberty X and S Club All Stars will be performing across the weekend.

Heritage Open Days, various locations, September 9-18

Explore the region’s hidden heritage for free during England’s largest festival of history and culture. The events programme is usually revealed in July, and proves popular with many events getting fully booked well in advance, so keep a look out.

Gathering Festival, Wild Ken Hill, September 17

Chart-topping musician David Gray will be among the speakers at this new festival to celebrate the natural world and the battle to preserve it.

He will be appearing at the 4,000-acre west Norfolk farm, which is playing a leading role in the campaign to re-wild our countryside, alongside author Mary Colwell to highlight the work that is under way to conserve the threatened curlew.

Other speakers include Tony Juniper, chair of Natural England who will join Benedict Macdonald, author of Rebirding, to discuss nature recovery.

There will also be guided tours and expert workshops, with participants including writer Amy-Jane Beer, Soil Association chair Helen Browning, food entrepreneur William Kendall and authors Lee Schofield, Nick Acheson, Rebecca Schiller and Jake Fiennes.

Retro Dub Suffolk VW Festival, Ipswich, September 23-25

Now in its seventh year, this old school camping and live music festival is the ideal family event. Situated in a 300-acre park, it’s the perfect weekend for vintage car enthusiasts.

Deepdale Festival, Burnham Deepdale, September 22-25

Expect wellness workshops, delicious food and plenty of music at this ever-popular outdoor festival season closer.

Aldeburgh Food and Drink Festival 2022, September 24-25

One of the UK’s leading food festivals, Aldeburgh Food and Drink Festival will be making its way back to Snape Maltings to help round off summer. Chefs who will be there include Richard Bainbridge, Dominique Woolf, and Jo Pratt.

Suffolk Mind Body Spirit Festival, Trinity Park Events Centre, September 24-25

Relax, unwind, and discover inner peace at this two-day spiritual event that features a number of talks, workshops and live performances.

Norfolk Open Studios, various locations, September 24-October 9

Now settled into its new autumn slot, artists and makers across the county will be welcoming visitors into their studios to see them at work.