Let’s make Norfolk Day ‘bigger and better’ than ever before

Archant staff celebrate the launch of Norfolk Day 2019, taking place on July 27th. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2019)

Last year thousands of people across the county enjoyed more than 300 community events, threw parties, hosted get togethers and took the opportunity to celebrate what a wonderful place Norfolk is.

And now, the same people and more are being encouraged to do it all again as Norfolk Day returns for a second year.

Taking place on Saturday, July 27, Norfolk Day is a celebration of everything the county has to offer, it is a day of fun, festivities and laughter.

Backed by the Eastern Daily Press, Norwich Evening News and BBC Radio Norfolk, the day is an opportunity to shout and cheer about how fantastic our county is and it is a day everyone is encouraged to take part in.

Norfolk Day ambassador Rev Jane Hedges.Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2018)

As with last year, individuals, businesses, community groups and organisations are being encouraged to get involved and start thinking about how they can celebrate the big day.

And some already have.

Falling on the same day as the Old Buckenham Air Show, one of the most popular airshows in the country, they are already looking forward to celebrating the big day.

Matt Wilkins, the event organiser, said the team behind the airshow was delighted to be involved in Norfolk Day; 'We'll be pulling out all the stops to ensure that Norfolk Day is highlighted by one of Norfolk's most popular events; a local family airshow that has truly become universally famous, with world class air displays and more to see and do on the ground than ever before.

Dr Ben Garrod is returning as a Norfolk Day ambassadorByline: Sonya DuncanCopyright: Archant 2018 (Image: ARCHANT EASTERN DAILY PRESS (01603) 772434)

'We look forward to sharing Norfolk Day at Norfolk's only airshow.'

Norwich-based A-Plan Insurance is sponsoring Norfolk Day.

Branch manager Krushal Patel said: 'A-Plan Insurance in Norwich is proud to be associated with Norfolk Day 2019. Helping local people is at the heart of everything A-Plan does so it was a natural decision for the team and I to get involved and support the various planned activities.'

The Very Rev Jane Hedges, Dean of Norwich Cathedral, who has agreed to return as a 'Norfolk Day Ambassador', along with chef Charlie Hodson and BBC presenter Dr Ben Garrod, said she was 'delighted' Norfolk Day was returning for a second year.

Norfolk Day Amabassador Charlie Hodson (Image: Archant)

She added: 'We have so much to celebrate in this county and lots of excellent talents to showcase and that was what was particularly enjoyable last year – so many people joining in to celebrate local food and drink, our wonderful countryside and beaches, the diversity of business and innovation, the variety of arts and crafts, of music and theatre, and our wide range of shopping facilities.

'Norfolk Day also brought lots of people in our communities together to hold parties, barbecues and other social events. So I hope that people will embrace this opportunity to come together to celebrate our county this summer and to show our visitors what a great place this is.'

Dr Garrod, an award-winning BBC presenter and Professor of Evolutionary Biology and Science Engagement at the University of East Anglia, said: 'Last year we saw so many events, from parties and art installations to boat trips and exploring nature reserves, where the whole county came together to celebrate all things Norfolk.

'It was a time to celebrate, reflect and discover and I'm pleased to be involved with Norfolk Day 2019, hoping we can go bigger and better. I want us all to think of weird, wonderful and wild ways to celebrate our amazing county this time around.'

Norfolk Day at Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden. Picture: PAUL DICKSON (Image: Picture: PAUL DICKSON)

Mr Hodson, who last year embarked on a Norfolk Day tour of the county along with artist Ruddy Muddy and plans to do the same again in 2019, added: 'We had an amazing time and visited 48 events. I just thought how amazing it was that Norfolk Day was welcomed across the whole county, this year I'd like to see hundreds of events.

'Norfolk Day involves everybody, it's purely to celebrate living and loving Norfolk.'

Details of all events and those taking part will be revealed in the newspaper, online and via social media in the run up to the day. Over the next few weeks we'll be reopening our Norfolk Day shop and giving you tips and ideas about what to do to celebrate the big day.

• To get involved email norfolkday@archant.co.uk, tweet @norfolk using #NorfolkDay or log on to the Norfolk Day Facebook group.

Youngsters enjoying the Norfolk Day community fete at Waterloo Park in Norwich. Picture: SOPHIE SCOTT (Image: SOPHIE SCOTT)

The Norfolk Day website is www.norfolkday.co.uk, where you can buy a range of merchandise.

Norfolk Day at Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden. Picture: PAUL DICKSON (Image: Picture: PAUL DICKSON)

Norfolk Day at Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden. Picture: PAUL DICKSON (Image: Picture: PAUL DICKSON)

Ruddy Muddy, front left, and Charlie Hodson, end their tour of Norfolk Day events to a welcome by staff at Jarrolds. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant)

The Norfolk Day business summit hosted by EDP Business at the International Aviation Academy Norwich. The panel consisted of Jeanette Wheeler of Birketts and New Anglia LEP, Nova Fairbank of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, Simon Coward of Hethel Innovation, Sir Christopher Harper of the Aviation Skills Partnership, Marcus Hemsley of Fountain Partnership and Gareth Oakley of Lloyds Banking Group. Picture: Simon Finlay Photography. (Image: Copyright 2018)

Residents from Hermitage Close, Acle, enjoy Norfolk day with a street party.Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2018)

Residents of Fleggburgh,Clippesby and Billockby gather at Fleggburgh Village Hall to celebrate Norfolk Day. Georgia, Charlotte and Melia Yassin enjoying Norfolk Day.Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2018)

Norfolk Day 2018. Fun at Potter Heigham. Ronan Lumb as Lord Nelson with Gary and Kay Hill and their children Bethany, 10, and Rhys, 6, and Jenny Lunn from Nelson's Journey and Amanda Mason from Herbert Woods.Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2018)

Gracie and Caleb Jones enjoying the Norfolk day celebrations at the Hermitage Close street party.Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2018)

Residents from Hermitage Close, Acle, enjoy Norfolk day with a street party.Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2018)

On Norfolk Day the Stuart House Hotel in King's Lynn was holding it's annual Beer Festival, raising money for NARS (Norfolk Accident and Rescue Service). Pictured are (from left) Matt Roberts, Rob Colwell and Larry Russen. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

North and South Pickenham WI members celebrating Norfol Day at the Blue Lion pub. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

Tracy Cole, left, general manager, and Judi-mae Alderton, head of marketing, at Woodfordes Brewery, with the Break Birthday Brew created for Norfolk Day and the East Anglian children's charity Break. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant)

One of the 1st Rackheath Rainbows enjoy a picnic with their teddy bears at the Holy Trinity Church Norfolk Day event. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant)

Anne Colchester of the Norwich Cathedral Flower Guild, demonstrating flower arranging for Norfolk Day. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)