Norfolk Makers Festival is a free 9-day event which brings together local artists, crafters and artisans - both professional and amateur - for a glorious celebration of creativity, personal expression and artistic collaboration.
The Festival is all about encouraging visitors to get involved, to have a go, to try something new, to develop their skills and to explore their creative selves. There's plenty to see and do, no matter your level of knowledge or ability!
Entry to The Forum during the Festival is free. Drop by Sat 13 - Sun 21 April and explore what free activities, exhibitions and demonstrations are on offer in The Forum's main Atrium.
There are also ticketed talks and workshops with experienced local makers and artists, offering an opportunity for people to upskill and expand their knowledge. Some of the free activities have limited capacities, so are also ticketed. Explore the programme to see what's on, and don't miss out - workshops get booked up fast!
Norfolk's celebration of creativity is back 13-21 April. See what's on, and book for inspiring talks and workshops!
What's On in 2024Top-tip: Use the Filters at the top of the Events page to find the types of events you're looking for!
Norfolk Makers Festival takes place across 9 days from Saturday 13 April until Sunday 21 April 2024 - with the majority of events taking place at The Forum, in the city centre Norwich, between 10am and 4pm.
The majority of the events take place at The Forum in Norwich. Make sure to explore the outside spaces, the main Atrium, The Gallery, Lower Gallery and the Norfolk & Norwich Millennium Library within the building, where there will be displays, exhibitions and events being held.
A few events and workshops are also being held in other locations around Norfolk. Event listings and tickets will state specific locations.
We recommend booking early for events to guarantee your place. This can be done via ticketbooth/shows. Some events are externally ticketed, please check each individual listings for booking details. In cases where there is still availability for ticketed events, you can book them at the information desk at The Forum in the main Atrium during the Festival.
You're welcome to spend all day at the Festival looking at the exhibitions and trying free activities. Or, you can drop in for a quick visit at any point over the nine days - the programme changes daily so there will be new things to see and do each day. The Info Desk in The Forum can advise what's on and when.
Guide and assistance dogs are welcome inside The Forum, including assistance dogs in training.
The nearest toileting area for guide and assistance dogs is Chapelfield Gardens, 0.2 miles from the building.
Water bowls for assistance dogs are available on request at the Customer Services Desk.
Visitor toilets can be found in the Atrium, on the far left-hand side. Pizza Express and Cafe Bar Marzano also have customer toilets.
Baby changing facilities are available, as well as a Changing Places Toilet.
The Forum has a multi-story underground car park with 209 spaces offering convenient access for your event and Norwich city centre. Normal car parking charges apply. Click here for full information about the car park and charges.
The Forum address is Millennium Plain, Norwich, Norfolk, NR2 1TF
Plus code: J7HR+66 Norwich
You access The Forum car park via Bethel Street.
Most of the Norfolk Makers Festival programme takes place at The Forum, which has been designed and operates with accessibility in mind for all.
Step-free access
Accessible toilets, including a family room and Changing Places Toilet
Accessible parking
Lift access to all floors
Guide and assistance dogs welcome
Family-friendly
For more information, you can view The Forum's accessibility page.
The Forum has been designed and operates with accessibility in mind for all.
Find out more about The Forum's accessibilityThe Forum Car Park is perfect for visits to the Norfolk Makers Festival, the majority of which take places in The Forum’s Atrium, and for most city centre venues.
Parking at The Forum helps support our year-round programme of free events – including Norfolk Makers Festival, Norwich Science Festival, Norwich Games Festival and Norfolk Heritage Open Days.
In addition, the following links may be useful when planning your journey by car.
Norwich City Council Parking Planner | Norwich Car Park spaces availability checker
The following links may be useful when planning your journey to Norwich by public transport.
Beryl Bikes | First Buses | National Express | National Rail Enquiries | Greater Anglia | Norwich Park & Ride | The Trainline
There are secure cycle parking facilities at The Forum including Streetpods.
Norwich Cycle Map | Beryl Bikes
Photography / filming will take place during Festival events – please notify a Festival event team member if you do not wish to be included. We will ask those in photographs, or their guardians, to complete a permissions form. For online events, these may be recorded via the software e.g. Zoom / Microsoft Teams.