Towns and villages celebrate Norfolk Day with get-togethers and fun events

David Smith celebrating Norfolk day in Swaffham. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

Held on Friday, the inaugural celebration saw a host of different activities, from flower shows to music days, for people to show their pride in the county.

Thetford Methodist Church hold their Norfolk Day inspired flower festival. Margaret Chamberlain and Neville Hodson. Byline: Sonya Duncan Copyright: Archant 2018 (Image: ARCHANT EASTERN DAILY PRESS (01603) 772434)

Watton Inner Wheel ladies celebrate Norfolk Day. Picture: BRENDA DAVIS (Image: Picture: BRENDA DAVIS)

The idea of the Times’ sister papers the Eastern Daily Press and the Norwich Evening News, along with BBC Radio Norfolk, close to 300 events took place involving thousands of people.

The Lively Crew host a tea party on thetford's riverside sponsors by Manorcourt Homecare.Byline: Sonya DuncanCopyright: Archant 2018 (Image: Archant 2017)

BBC Radio Norfolk presented Chrissie Jackson was live on air in Swaffham's market square on Norfolk Day. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

In Thetford around 80 of the town’s older residents, including those from local care homes, enjoyed a afternoon tea at the On The Green Thetford event organised by The Lively Crew.

Flags were waving as popular tunes were played from the Proms before entertainer Gary Winter performed to take the celebrations into the evening.

Dr Ben Garrod joins the Norfolk Wildlife Trust on Norfolk Day for a journey across the county stopping at some of the lesser known reserves including Weeting Heath. Volunteer Helen Baczkowska shows him New Buckenham Common.Byline: Sonya DuncanCopyright: Archant 2018 (Image: ARCHANT EASTERN DAILY PRESS (01603) 772434)

The Lively Crew host a tea party on thetford's riverside sponsors by Manorcourt Homecare.Byline: Sonya DuncanCopyright: Archant 2018 (Image: Archant 2017)

Some of the town’s well-known characters, including members of the Dad’s Army and Thomas Paine, walked around the town and visited the various celebrations.

The town’s Charles Burrell Centre held a fun afternoon and Norfolk meat and ales were on the menu at the Thomas Paine Hotel barbecue.

The Lively Crew host a tea party on thetford's riverside sponsors by Manorcourt Homecare.Byline: Sonya DuncanCopyright: Archant 2018 (Image: Archant 2017)

The Lively Crew host a tea party on thetford's riverside sponsors by Manorcourt Homecare.Byline: Sonya DuncanCopyright: Archant 2018 (Image: Archant 2017)

The Thetford and District Motorcycle Club took part in a 206-mile ride around the county.

And the Methodist church held a Norfolk Day inspired flower festival with the theme Our Bootiful Norfolk. Arrangements included prominent Norfolk people, landscapes and attractions.

Characters of Thetford's history, including Thomas Paine and Dad's Army's Captain Mainwaring, visit Thetford's Norfolk Day events. Picture: Gez Chetal (Image: Archant)

David Powles, editor-in-chief of the EDP and Evening News, said: “I am thrilled at the overwhelming success of the first-ever Norfolk Day.

“Once again Norfolk people proved how great they are to the rest of the county and the world. Long may Norfolk Day continue to shine a light on an area which continues to be beautiful, creative and passionate about community life.”

BBC Radio Norfolk broadcast live from Swaffham where events included a history walk of the town and Norfolk produce for sale at the indoor market.

Watton Inner Wheel ladies took part by sporting the colours of the flag of Norfolk.

And in West Norfolk, Feltwell held a traditional village fete with games, church tower tours and the village’s annual traditional, a jelly bean spitting contest.

Following on from the first Norfolk Day success, it will take place on Saturday, July 27 2019.