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ROLL UP, ROLL UP FOR WORSTEAD FESTIVAL 2022

Circus performers, great music, top chefs, delicious local produce, arts and crafts bargains, dogs, horses and thousands of people are coming together to ensure the Worstead Festival returns with a bang on 30th and 31st July 2022.

The village near North Walsham hasn’t run the event for two years. It’s the longest break since the festival burst into life in 1966. “We want to bring back some cheer and optimism,” says the chair of the trustees, Jane Bond. “And because small businesses have been having such a hard time lately, we’ve decided not to increase the price of a pitch for stallholders as planned. It’s now staying at £100 for the whole weekend, whenever you book.” One of the big attractions is Foolhardy Circus. It returns to Worstead, after touring the world, with brand new acts and comedy characters. “It’s slapstick and slosh,” says circus director Cosmo Hardy, “which means lots of water and lots of laughs. There’ll be free circus workshops all day too where everyone can have a go at skills like juggling, walking a tight-rope or riding a unicycle.” There’s also Willow Phoenix and his fun, creative activities for children involving lantern making and mosaics from recycled material. Westover Vets feature a dog show. There’ll be wall climbing, archery, egg throwing and much more. Headlining the music stage on Saturday are The Stereotypes - Indie and Britpop dance music. There’s also Mammal Not Fish, Flann! Access to Music, Peter Turrell and Soul Alliance. Go to the website for the full running order worsteadfestival.org Take a cocktail to the stage. You’ll be inspired to try new ones at the food and drink demonstration tent. Chefs from some of the top-rated restaurants in Norfolk will be demonstrating their cooking skills. There’s Daniel Smith of the Ingham Swan which has just won its third AA rosette. Other stars include Richard Bainbridge from Benedicts, Roger Hickman of Hickmans, Jamie Norfolk of Blakeney House Hotel and Steven Norgate. Many crafts-people have missed the buzz of the festival and the opportunity to sell their products at festivals over the past couple of years. “It’s a treat,” says jeweller Emma Mortimer of Beach Hut Charm who has booked a stall. “I first went there as a teenager to listen to the music. It’s like a school reunion. It’s going to be great. I can’t wait.” Car parking is free and all the trains will stop at Worstead station for the weekend. Children under 12 go for free. Thousands of pounds are raised each year for local good causes. These include lap-tops and classrooms for schools, rescue equipment for first responders, locks for canals, money for food banks. There are also playgrounds, defibrillators and most recently an extension to St Mary’s graveyard. The chair of the Worstead Parish Council Ron Barrett says, “The festival has always been a marvellous community event. It not only raises money for good works, but it unites the whole village, young and old. It’s also a wonderful showcase for local artisans. Something for everyone.” Ron will be singing something for everyone as he closes the festival after a what promises to be a joyful weekend of summer festivities on the last weekend of July. Worstead Festival 19 St Andrews Close Worstead, NR28 9SG

Tel: 07741 318901 office@worsteadfestival.org www.worsteadfestival.org