7 major Norfolk events to look forward to in May 2023

The Beekeeper of Aleppo is coming to Norwich Theatre Royal (Image: Norwich Theatre Royal)

1. The Beekeeper of Aleppo, Norwich

Where: Norwich Theatre Royal, Theatre Street, Norwich, NR2 1RL

When: May 9-13 

Price: £10-£39.50, norwichtheatre.org

Based on Christy Lefteri’s award-winning novel, The Beekeeper of Aleppo tells the story of Nuri, a beekeeper, and his wife, Afra, an artist.

They live a simple life in the beautiful Syrian city of Aleppo - until the unthinkable happens. When all they care for is destroyed by war, they are forced to escape.

READ MORE: Jack Whitehall leads new season line-up at Norwich Theatre Royal

The Adnams Spiegeltent will host a show every night from May 17 Picture: Chris Taylor (Image: Chris Taylor)

2. Norfolk and Norwich Festival, Norfolk-wide

Where: Various venues across Norwich and Norfolk 

When: May 12-28

Price: Various with many free events, nnfestival.org.uk

The Norfolk and Norwich Festival returns for 2023 with a jam-packed line-up of music, art, theatre, circus and much more.

The hub of the event will be Chapelfield Gardens, with the return of the Adnams Spiegeltent big top and bars where you can enjoy local tipples. 

The Farmers' and Makers Market will take place at the Raynham Estate Picture: Raynham/Norfolk Farmers' Market (Image: Raynham/Norfolk Farmers' Market)

3. Farmers' and Makers' Market, Raynham

Where: Walled Garden, Raynham Estate, East Raynham, NR21 7EE

When: May 14, 9am-3pm

Price: Free entry 

Norfolk Farmers' Market was launched by Donna Mackenzie in October 2022 and it tours village halls across the county.

She is now holding its biggest event yet at the Raynham Estate, featuring more than 70 food, gift and craft stalls run by local businesses.

A Lancaster Bomber will do a flypast at the Hingham 1940s Weekend (Image: Matthew Usher)

READ MORE: Hingham Sports And Social Club undergoing huge refurbishment

4. Hingham 1940s Weekend, Hingham

Where: Playing Field at Hingham Sports And Social Club, Watton Road, Hingham, NR9 4HD

When: May 20-21, 10am-5pm 

Price: Adults: day ticket: £10, weekend: £17.50, under 12s free, Hingham1940.eventbrite.com

This new festival will feature live music, dancing, classic vehicles, World War Two re-enactments, more than 50 craft stalls, a mobile 40s hairdresser and street food. 

Those attending on Saturday are in for a treat as the RAF has confirmed a flypast of a Lancaster Bomber. 

Paul Zawadzki in his studio Picture: Paul Mills (Image: Paul Mills)

5. Harleston and Waveney Art Trail, various venues 

Where: Various studios - see locations on hwat.org.uk

When: May 20-21, May 27-29, 10am-5pm 

Price: Free 

Harleston and Waveney Art Trail (HWAT) will take place throughout the valley that forms the border between Norfolk and Suffolk.

19 artists, including three new to the group, will open their studio doors to visitors and it will range from wire sculptures to paintings. 

Billy Ocean will perform at Sandringham in May (Image: Supplied by Sandringham Pageant of Motoring)

READ MORE: Sandringham Food, Craft and Wood Festival returning for 2023

6. Billy Ocean concert/Pageant of Motoring, Sandringham

Where: Sandringham Estate, PE35 6EN

When: May 27: from 5pm/May 28: 10am-5pm

Price: Billy Ocean: adults: £44.50, children: £20/Pageant of Motoring: £15 advance or £20 on the day, under 12s free at sandringhammotoringpageant.co.uk

It will be a bumper weekend of entertainment at Sandringham, beginning with a concert from R&B legend Billy Ocean on Saturday evening. 

Then on Sunday is the prestigious Sandringham Pageant of Motoring, with hundreds of classic vehicles, trade stands, a vintage fun fair and much more. 

The Fairy Fair returns to West Acre in May Picture: Fairyland Trust (Image: Fairyland Trust)

7. The Fairy Fair 2023, West Acre 

Where: Bradmoor Woods, Narborough Lane, West Acre, PE32 1FQ

When: May 28-29, 10.30am-5.30pm

Price: £8.50 in advance or £12.50 on the day, under 3s free, workshop prices vary, Fairylandtrust.org, parking £1 cash 

The Fairy Fair raises funds for Norfolk-based charity The Fairyland Trust, with a national reputation for introducing families to nature. 

There will be workshops ranging from fairy training to festival crowns, with a mix of pre-bookable sessions and drop-in activities, and there will also be live music, storytelling, maypole dancing and much more.