Suffragette, nurse, princess and dog lover, Sophia Duleep Singh was brought to life at the launch of a festival celebrating the family’s links with Norfolk.

Thetford & Brandon Times: Launch of Punjab festival Picture: ESSEX CULTURAL DIVERSUTY PROJECTLaunch of Punjab festival Picture: ESSEX CULTURAL DIVERSUTY PROJECT (Image: Essex cultural diversity project)

The Festival of Norfolk & Punjab, a county-wide celebration taking place until August 3, highlights the achievements of the 'Duleep Singhs', the last Royal family of the Punjab, who were associated with Norfolk for almost a century.

A pop-up exhibition at Ancient House Museum in Thetford dedicated to the story of Sophia Duleep Singh, a significant and prominent suffragette and daughter of Maharaja Duleep Singh, was opened on Sunday complete with an actress playing her.

Thetford & Brandon Times: Launch of Punjab festival Picture: ESSEX CULTURAL DIVERSUTY PROJECTLaunch of Punjab festival Picture: ESSEX CULTURAL DIVERSUTY PROJECT (Image: Essex cultural diversity project)

The festival launch at the Thomas Paine Hotel also included the Punjabi Folk Orchestra playing instruments of the Punjab in traditional costumes and was attended by South West North MP Liz Truss.

The festival, led by the Essex Cultural Diversity Project, includes colourful events, workshops and talks, including a Maharajah's Feast at Elveden, family events at Norwich Castle and the Museum of Norwich, and a grand finale at the Thetford Mela on August 3.

Thetford & Brandon Times: Launch of Punjab festival Picture: ESSEX CULTURAL DIVERSUTY PROJECTLaunch of Punjab festival Picture: ESSEX CULTURAL DIVERSUTY PROJECT (Image: Essex cultural diversity project)

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Thetford & Brandon Times: Launch of Punjab festival Picture: ESSEX CULTURAL DIVERSUTY PROJECTLaunch of Punjab festival Picture: ESSEX CULTURAL DIVERSUTY PROJECT (Image: Essex cultural diversity project)

Thetford & Brandon Times: Launch of Punjab festival Picture: ESSEX CULTURAL DIVERSUTY PROJECTLaunch of Punjab festival Picture: ESSEX CULTURAL DIVERSUTY PROJECT (Image: Essex cultural diversity project)

Thetford & Brandon Times: Launch of Punjab festival Picture: ESSEX CULTURAL DIVERSUTY PROJECTLaunch of Punjab festival Picture: ESSEX CULTURAL DIVERSUTY PROJECT (Image: Essex cultural diversity project)