From a small carol concert in an old farm shed to the biggest Christmas show of its kind in Europe, Thursford is once again the place to be over the festive season. 

The Christmas Spectacular returns to the Thursford Steam Museum, near Fakenham, for its 46th year from November 8 to December 23 2023. 

To date, it has attracted almost six million visitors and the show is a three-hour extravaganza of singing, dancing, comedy, speciality acts and festive fun.

North Norfolk News: The show has a talented cast of 120 performers The show has a talented cast of 120 performers (Image: Thursford)

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The museum, which houses the world’s largest collection of steam engines and organs, will be transformed into a winter wonderland.

With a new show every year, the team strives to push the limits in terms of performance and production, with each one bigger and better than the last.

North Norfolk News: Rehearsals started for the Thursford Christmas Spectacular in SeptemberRehearsals started for the Thursford Christmas Spectacular in September (Image: Thursford)

Preparations for the 2023 show are well under way and planning started in February, with rehearsals beginning in September. 

The Thursford Collection has recently undergone a huge restoration, with a new state-of-the-art sound system installed.

The cast includes more than 120 singers, dancers, musicians and speciality acts.

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The speciality acts in 2023 include acrobatic rollerskaters, a multi-British and European Mountain Bike Trials champion and a juggling duo.

North Norfolk News: The compère and comedian has been announced as Lloyd HollettThe compère and comedian has been announced as Lloyd Hollett (Image: Supplied)

The compère and comedian has been announced as Lloyd Hollett – The Comedy Wordsmith.

John Cushing OBE, the director and producer of the Thursford Christmas Spectacular, said: “The show continues to grow and develop each year and we couldn’t be more excited for this one.

North Norfolk News: The Thursford Christmas Spectacular also features speciality acts The Thursford Christmas Spectacular also features speciality acts (Image: Thursford)

“There is something for everyone - whether it is classic Christmas or all-out theatre, there is an abundance of festive fun to enjoy."

Thursford is also home to a Father Christmas and Lantern Light Trail, Santa’s Magical Journey and Enchanted Journey of Light.

Book tickets at thursford.com or call the box office on 01328 878477.