This Week’s Highlights

The last week of the holidays, but don’t be sad, make the most of it! Make mum and dad drag you kicking from the beach at the last minute. And put some sand in your school socks.

KIDS: FOXY THEATRE, NATURE AND HISTORY

Catch him if you’re quick, in Sheringham on 13 Aug

If you’re quick, go catch the ‘Fox Tales’ matinee at Sheringham Little Theatre, a ‘hilariously fantastic and silly show’ based on Grimm Brothers’ tales and Hans Christian Anderson. It’s on Fri 23 Aug at 2.30pm. During the week, the Norfolk Wildlife Trust has masses of nature related kid-friendly and educational activities lined up, as do Cromer Museum for history. And if it rains on your beach day, we highly recommend the Norwich Puppet Theatre, a mere 50 mins away on this side of the city.

CLEY-NEXT-THE-SEA: WEDDING DRESSES AND AN HISTORIC HARBOUR

Cley Harbour Day on 29 Aug

A fashion first. We wouldn’t normally feature a bridal gown show, but this one is special. On 24 and 25 Aug there’s a display in Cley Church of bridal dresses and christening gowns, in aid of the church itself. Exhibits include famous local author Raffaella Barker’s dress, and two local Blunt family – as in James, but not his – dresses, made by a Bond film costume designer, plus many more. Live music both days and entry is free. And staying in Cley, Thu 29 Aug is ‘Cley Harbour Day’, again free parking and entry and fun for all the family, including best dressed under 12 pirate competition, more live music, and fun on the water. 

COUNTRY: GO COUNTRY AT THE AYLSHAM SHOW 

It’s all about the little animals at the Aylsham Show on Bank Holiday Monday

The Aylsham show on Bank Holiday Monday is one of the few remaining traditional country shows in the UK. The focus is on the livestock, with forty classes of goat alone to be judged, and countless cups and trophies, for everything from the Beef Young Handler Champion (sponsored by the butcher) to fancy dress and the best Individual Food and Drink Winner. In the main ring there’ll be showjumping, marching bands, vintage vehicles, kids’ sack races and tugs of war, and the all-crowning Grand Parade. Accompanied children under 16 enter free. For a proper day out in the country there’s nothing like it.

ART: HOUGHTON HALL’S HENRY MOORE

Henry Moore is still at Houghton til Sept, don’t miss him

If you go to one major art exhibition this year, and you’re in North Norfolk (which you obviously are) then make it the Henry Moore sculpture exhibition at Houghton Hall. Moore was one of the most British important artists of the last century and possibly THE most important sculptor of the modern era. Some of his most famous works, including ‘Large Reclining Figure’ are on show in the grounds of the impressive and historic Houghton Hall. Full details at www.houghtonhall.com. The exhibition ends on 29 Sep. For a taste – or even acquisition – of local art, catch the final week of the prolific Shirley Carnt’s show in Thornham. Details below.

MUSIC: GORDON GILTRAP AND TERENCE BLACKER, AND THE FAKENHAM UKELELES

The legend that is Gordon Giltrap, in Sharrington on 24 Aug

Holkham Hall’s eagerly anticipated ‘Wall of Sounds, 8 Bands in 2 Days’ gig has sadly been cancelled but there is compensation to be had. For an intimate setting and superb guitar playing head to the Sharrington Village Hall on Sat 24 Aug to hear Gordon Giltrap, supported by local minstrel Terence Blacker. You are in for a treat. (Do email to be sure of a ticket. Address in the venues). Same evening, more strings at the Wells Maltings where the local – and famous, if not quite legendary yet – Fakenham Ukes will pluck your spirits up.

DON’T MISS…

… the excellent and entertaining Lord Chamberlain’s Men performing ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ at Holkham Hall, free open air cinema in Mundesley, and summer sports for all the family at Felbrigg Hall…

… AND STICK AROUND FOR…

… the final show of Sheringham Little Theatre’s summer season, ‘Jeeves and Wooster in Perfect Nonsense’, the Steam Gala at the North Norfolk Railway, and the North Norfolk Food Festival.

CURRENT ART SHOWS

Caroline Richmond, Wish You Were Here, NWT Cley, www.norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk. To 20 Aug, daily 10am-5pm

The Coast Road, Pinkfoot Gallery, Cley, www.pinkfootgallery.co.uk.To 25 August, daily 10am-5pm 

Shirley Carnt Paintings, Coastguard House, Thornham www.shirleycarntartist.com, 17 Aug to 1 Sep, daily 10am-5pm

White Three Sugars, vintage travel posters, Creake Abbey, www.creakeabbey.co.uk. To 17 Sep, daily 9.30am-5pm

Henry Moore, Houghton Hall, Houghton, www.houghtonhall.com. To 29 Sept, Weds, Thus, Sun, 11am-4pm

Folkart, Time on our Hands, Sheringham Museum, www.sheringhammuseum.co.uk, to 26 Oct