New festival ‘inThetford’ starts today with free film screenings and family-fun events

A town is hosting a weekend of events as part of a new festival starting today.

The first ever inThetford festival is set to bring complimentary film screenings and community activities across the town’s venues including The Ancient House Museum, The Carnegie, the Charles Burrell Museum and Dad’s Army Museum.

The festival has been funded by Breckland Council in partnership with Thetford Town Council to celebrate the town’s history, support local businesses and foster community spirit.

Cllr Paul Claussen, Breckland’s executive member for economic development and growth, said: “Thetford has a long tradition of fantastic community and cultural events and the inThetford festival is an exciting new addition to that offering.

“This year’s festival brings together the best in film, history, culture, dance and music, to provide residents and visitors alike the opportunity to enjoy Thetford at its best.

“At Breckland Council we know that the best projects and events are delivered when we work in partnership with our town and parish councils, with communities, residents, and with local businesses and organisations.

“I am really looking forward to joining them all in celebrating inThetford and want to thank the staff, businesses, partners and volunteers across Thetford and Breckland that are making this celebration possible.”

The festival kicks off with a performance of Midsummer Nights Dream at The Carnegie staged by the town’s young people aged eight to 18 developed through a series of workshops throughout last week. The performance will start at 6pm and tickets can be bought here for £2 each.

Festival-goers can also head down to the Market Place from 5pm to 9pm to enjoy some family fun activities hosted by Tiger Events, Toy Den and Balance and Beats. There will also be a street food market selling burgers, hog roasts, waffles and milkshakes.

The following day, there will be a free screening on the animated film ‘Migration’ at 11am on The Green followed by ‘Grime’s Graves’ at 1pm and a screening of comedy favourite ‘Bill and Ted’ at 4pm.

Meanwhile, from 11am to 4pm, the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO), Thetford River Group and Environmental Group will be inviting visitors on guided walks to explore the town’s local biodiversity and see river clean-up efforts in action.

On Sunday, more free films will be shown on The Green with an 11am screening of ‘Wish’ followed by performances from Urban Dance, Ashley Dance and Thundercats at 1pm to 2pm.

At 2.30pm, there are screenings of documentaries ‘The Warrener’s Tale’ and ‘Perfect Peace’ then at 3.15pm there will be a pop-up brass concert by Britten Sinfonia until 4pm. The day will close with a showing of ‘Labyrinth’ starring David Bowie.

The brass band will also be performing in the Market Place from 1.15pm and also at 2.15pm from King Street.

Throughout the weekend, the Ancient House Museum will host a free family Viking-themed drop-in sessions from 10am to 5pm, along with an obsidian knapping workshop from 10am to 4pm on Saturday. Booking for the workshop can be done here, but walk-ins will also be accepted where possible.

The Charles Burrell Museum and Dad’s Army Museum will also offer free entry on both days, providing a chance to see engines in action or learn more about the town’s role in the iconic TV show.

English Heritage’s conservation bus will be at The Priory from 10am to 4pm, offering visitors a hands-on experience in conservation techniques.