2026 festival dates and theme announced!

Norfolk Heritage Open Days returns from Friday 11 to Sunday 20 September 2026, inviting residents and visitors alike to explore the places, people and stories that shape our county. As part of Heritage Open Days (HODs) – England’s largest community-led festival of history and culture – the festival offers ten days of free events, experiences and discoveries across Norfolk.

Each September, Heritage Open Days celebrates the rich diversity of our local history, traditions and cultural heritage. Run by hundreds of organisations and volunteers nationwide, the festival opens doors to fascinating places, hidden gems and unique stories that are often overlooked or inaccessible the rest of the year.

A county-wide collaboration

Norfolk Heritage Open Days is made possible through a collaboration between venues, organisers, community partners and volunteers who work together to bring the festival to life for thousands of people. The Forum Trust proudly funds the coordination and promotion of Norfolk HODs each year as part of its charitable purpose, helping to ensure heritage is accessible to everyone in our community.

From historic buildings and cultural institutions to grassroots groups and local businesses, the festival thrives on the passion, creativity and generosity of those who take part.

2026 theme: Everyday Histories

The 2026 festival theme, Everyday Histories, shines a spotlight on the ordinary lives, places and moments that make up our shared past. It’s about the stories found in homes, workplaces, streets, traditions and communities – the histories we all live with, often without realising their significance.

The theme offers inspiration for Organisers to think creatively about what heritage means to them and their audiences. Whether it’s sharing personal memories, celebrating local industries, exploring community traditions or uncovering hidden stories, Everyday Histories encourages a more inclusive and relatable view of the past. The theme is not a requirement for all 2026 events, and is there to inspire Organisers.

Get involved as an Organiser

Sharing stories, celebrating communities and bringing people together is at the heart of Norfolk Heritage Open Days. Hundreds of organisations, businesses and voluntary groups take part each year, generously giving their time and expertise to showcase the very best of Norfolk’s heritage.

Taking part is completely free – there’s no cost to register or participate – and the festival is highly flexible. You can run an event on one day or several, open a building, host a talk, lead a walk, run an exhibition or create something entirely new.

In return, participating in Norfolk HODs can offer a wide range of benefits, including:

• Reaching new and diverse audiences

• Securing donations

• Acting as a gateway to the heritage sector and encouraging future visits

• Gaining national, regional and local PR as part of a nationwide festival

• Meeting and inspiring potential future volunteers

• Connecting with other local organisations and communities

All events must be free to access and meet at least one of the following criteria:

• A site not usually open to the public

• A venue where the usual entry charge is waived for HODs

• An event created especially for Heritage Open Days

Key dates for 2026

Monday 2 March – Registration opens

Sunday 31 May - Registration deadline to be included in Norfolk listings brochure

Monday 1 June – National online event directory goes live

Late July – Norfolk brochures printed and distributed

Wednesday 26 August (10am) – Booking opens for the majority of the ticketed events taking place in Norfolk

Friday 11 – Sunday 20 September – Heritage Open Days festival

Register your event

Event registration opens on 2 March 2026 via the national Heritage Open Days website: heritageopendays.org.uk/get-involved/how-to-get-involved

Whether you’re opening your doors for the first time or returning with a new idea, Norfolk Heritage Open Days 2026 is your opportunity to share everyday histories and help make heritage accessible, meaningful and memorable for all.