‘Proud to call it home’ - Norfolk Day is a chance to show your love for our great county

It is a day to celebrate everything that's wonderful and unique about our county.

From the magnificent coastline and endless skies to the magical waterways of the Broads and the amazing people who live here, Norfolk is a one of a kind place to live.

And to mark just how much of a special place it is, we are proud to today reveal plans for the first ever Norfolk Day to take place on Friday, July 27.

It is a day of fun, a day for laughter, a day to show how proud you are to live here, and day in which everyone is encouraged to get involved.

Backed by the EDP, Norwich Evening News and BBC Radio Norfolk, the initiative provides an opportunity to shout and cheer about this fantastic place we live in today.

Individuals and communities, businesses, attractions and organisations are encouraged to put their thinking caps on and come up with ways they can celebrate their pride and passion for Norfolk.

This could be as simple as a family having a picnic in their local park to a restaurant having a Norfolk themed menu to a village street party involving residents and local businesses.

All industry sectors are encouraged to get involved, whether its agriculture, heritage, tourism, food, arts, sport or technology. Norfolk Day aims to celebrate the many success stories they create.

Norfolk Day starter packs will be available to buy in the lead up to July 27 and include flags, posters and balloons which can be displayed to show your support for the initiative.

T-shirts with the Norfolk Day logo will also be on sale.

EDP editor David Powles said: 'We're all really proud to call Norfolk home and we know there are thousands of people out there who feel the same way as us.

'Norfolk Day is an opportunity for anyone and everyone to get involved and showcase just what it is about the county that we all love so much.'

The initiative already has the backing of major tourist organisations and businesses as well as key individuals from around the county.

The Very Rev Jane Hedges, Dean of Norwich Cathedral, who has agreed to be our first 'Norfolk Day Ambassador', along with chef Charlie Hodson of Woodfordes and Charlie's Norfolk Food heroes, said she was 'delighted' to be involved.

'Norfolk Day will give us all, whatever our interests and passions, a chance to reflect on how fortunate we are to be living here,' said Rev Hedges.

'We can celebrate our beautiful countryside and waterways, our stunning beaches and coastline, the amazing medieval buildings we have inherited and the stories that go with them, together with all the new and exciting developments happening in our universities, schools and colleges, in businesses, agriculture, industry, and the arts.

'Most important of all though, we can celebrate all the people of this county – their generosity and care for others, their ingenuity and creativity, their skills and hard work.'

She said the day would allow everyone to get involved and share what they enjoy with others.

'So let's make sure that Friday 27th July will be a day to remember.'

Mr Hodson said the initiative was 'an amazing idea and a great way to unite the county and bring people from different backgrounds together'.

'I'm a Norfolk boy and I'm extremely proud of Norfolk and the people from this county.

'Whenever I'm away I can't wait to get home.'

He encouraged community organisations and businesses to get involved, saying there was strength in unity.

'I think it will provide an opportunity to showcase what we have, especially in these times. It's not easy out there but if we unite and work together it will make us stronger and benefit everyone.'

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.

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