It’s August Bank Holiday and showtime!
It has been the wettest August in recent history but that looks all set to change. Norfolk is gearing up towards the August Bank Holiday and it looks as if the sun is going to shine and the temperature is going to rise to more typical late summer figures.
What to do this August Bank Holiday
But sunshine or not, there are a multitude of things to do in order to squeeze every drop of enjoyment from the summer holidays.
One of our favourite days out is the traditional and quirky Aylsham Show, at Blicking Hall (Blickling Estate NR11 6NF). This is one of the most under-stated local agricultural shows but is a brilliant way to sign off on agricultural show season.
The Aylsham Show offers a packed programme of activities. These include the Stallions of Substance Display Team, Moto-Stunts International and Wildcat Aerobatics.
Agriculture practices past, present and future are celebrated. There will be heavy horse displays, cattle, sheep and poultry shows and the introduction of the driverless tractor.
There will also be music from the Aylsham Band and the Jelly Roll Jazz Band. In the main show tent there will be a host of shows and talks from local chefs, producers and gardeners.
The Aylsham Show takes place on Monday 26 August from 9am to 6pm.
Blues in the City
For people seeking more of a city fix, then a trip to Norwich could satisfy the urbanista’s needs. From 21-25 August, the Fine City Blues will be playing as part of the Summer in the City Festival. The blues band can be found at Louis Marchesi, Tomblands, Norwich – the home of the Fine City Blues Club.
This August Bank Holiday will see Claude Bourbon headlining. The international star can be seen on 24 August at 8pm, with his unique mix of jazz, Spanish and Delta blues.
For a full programme of activities from the Fine City Blues, click here.
A crafty way to spend the August Bank Holiday
Also taking place in Norwich on Monday 26 August is the Norwich Makers Market. Held at the Assembly House on Theatre Street, the Norwich Makers Market will be holding its Summer Party. A host of art, design, jewellery, printmakers, ceramics and much more will all be on display.
The show to end all shows
For something quite different, head to Cromer for the Cromer Pier Show.
This is one of only five UK seaside pier’s with a full working, flourishing theatre. And it is home to the only end of pier show of it’s kind in the World.
The Cromer Pier Show now in its 41st year and has been enjoyed by generations of visitors and has received five stars from The Stage. A review by The Stage said it was “a must see” show for the whole family. A recent review in the Daily Mail, which gave the show a glowing four-star rating, read: “The menu offers two similarly formatted shows running in tandem to September.”
The review praised the “crisp” choreography, the “very funny compere”, and the “fabulous” performances of Harvey James and Emily Jarrow.
“The pier rightly cherishes its seaside tradition of family entertainment thta’s as declines and Cromer’s famous crab sandwiches,” wrote reviewer Robert Gore-Langton.
It’s all about the pooch
And finally, what August Bank Holiday is complete without a dog show on its cards. The All About Dogs, dog show takes place at the Norfolk Showgroud on 25 and 26 August. Billed “a pawfect day out for you and your dog”, this event is aimed squarely at the thousands of dog lovers who flock to Norfolk’s beaches and countryside with pooches in tow.
The two-day doggie extravaganza features arena displays, expert advice and have-a-go activities. There are also a plethora of stalls selling every piece of dog merchandise you could dream of.
For more information about things to do and see over the August Bank Holiday or during your stay at Rookery Farm Barns, drop us an email and we will gladly give you some ideas.
