Whether you are an art lover, a keen cyclist, or just looking for a brilliant day out, this event may interest you.
This August, Fakenham is set to buzz with creativity and energy as two seemingly unrelated but wonderfully complementary events come together for an unforgettable experience – the Fakenham Arts Festival 2025 (FAF25) and the much-loved Ride North Norfolk.
It’s a mash-up you didn’t know you needed – but one that promises to deliver colour, culture, and community spirit in spades.
Fakenham Arts Festival 2025: A town transformed
Running from August 1-24, the newly launched FAF25 is shaping up to be a highlight of the summer. Think pop-up galleries in shop windows, art trails, and over 45 artists exhibiting in more than 60 venues across the town centre.
It’s all part of a bold initiative to turn Fakenham into one giant canvas.
The festival builds towards a grand finale on Sunday, August 24, with a large-scale exhibition at the Fakenham Community Centre.
Alongside this, families can enjoy a children’s art trail complete with free activity packs, and budding creatives of all ages are invited to take part in low-cost or free workshops.
Ride North Norfolk: Community on two wheels
As the art scene draws crowds indoors, the roads around Fakenham will come alive with the whirr of wheels as Ride North Norfolk returns on the same day – Sunday, August 24 – with rides ranging from a gentle 15 miles to a muscle-testing 102 miles.
This is not a competitive race, but a friendly, low-cost community ride with all the bells and whistles – on-route mechanical support, clear signs, and free feed stations.
Every rider also receives a free souvenir drawstring bag and medal – ideal for stashing snacks or art supplies, depending on your passion.
One big day, two great events
Both festivals will centre around the Fakenham Community Centre and its gardens, creating a vibrant hub of activity on August 24. Expect live music, a barbecue, food stalls, and artisan vendors, blending the best of the town’s creative and active communities in one buzzing location.
Richard Crook of Active Fakenham, the organisation behind the events, explained the thinking behind this unique collaboration: “By combining these two festivals, we are offering something for everyone.
“We have got two groups of volunteers working together to create something special and different. This should be fun and interesting and will be great for the town, residents, and visitors.”
“We believe that by bringing Fakenham together, we can create a stronger, more united community. This initiative is about fostering a sense of belonging and pride in our town, and we’re excited to see the positive impact it will have.”
Whether you are an art lover, a keen cyclist, or just looking for a brilliant day out in Norfolk, the FAF25 and Ride North Norfolk double bill is not to be missed.
For updates and full schedules, visit Active Fakenham’s website.
