South Norfolk Highlights

South Norfolk is a scenic district with calm countryside and historic market towns at its heart including Diss, Long Stratton and Wymondham, with a wealth of events happening across this district making a great and picturesque day out this HODs festival.

The John Innes Centre is an independent, international centre of excellence in plant science, genetics and microbiology. You have the chance to book for a fascinating illustrated talk by historian Dr Joy Hawkins and tour of the Centre's rare botanical books. Gardens and their plants were essential sources of health, healing and medicine in the age of Chaucer. During this session you will have the opportunity to look at the selection of rare books containing illustrations of some of the plants used by our ancestors to treat illness. Please note that the event not suitable for children under the age of 11 and booking is essential!

Discover the delights and hidden heritage of the Diss Corn Hall with a behind the scenes guided tour! Located in the historic market town of Diss on the border of Norfolk and Suffolk, and at the gateway to the Waveney Valley, the Corn Hall is an impressive Grade II listed building which was originally built as a corn exchange. Now an award-winning arts & heritage venue, learn about the history of the building and see the hidden parts not normally open to the public. Booking is required.

On the final day of the Festival (Sunday 17 September), experience Wymondham Vintage Day! A day to visit and explore this market town and learn about it’s history. There's a huge variety of things to do including scheduled tours of the town, market stalls, a classic car show, buildings with open door events and top it off with a picnic by the river. And why not come dressed up in the era of your choice. All drop-in!

Also part of Wymondham's Vintage Day, you can experience the Browick Road Community Orchard and forest garden, created by enthusiastic volunteers on a neglected area of land near an industrial estate carpark. This community project started in Autumn 2021 with the aim to create a community orchard for Wymondham by planting a collection of local heritage variety fruit trees, surrounded by wildflowers. It's a biodiverse place for people to relax and come together to use as a focal point for community activities such as Apple Day, Wassail and storytelling events. You can just drop-in on Sunday 17 September, between 11am and 1pm.