From bestselling historians and political authors to children's storytelling workshops, August offers plenty for readers and writers across Norfolk.
The school holidays bring a strong family focus this month, with creative activities at Dragon Hall, the Summer Reading Challenge continuing at local libraries and stage adaptations of classic books.
There are also opportunities to hear from leading historians, explore local stories and join discussions on subjects ranging from Roman Africa to modern mental health.
Here are some of the literary highlights taking place across Norfolk this August.
VARIOUS DATES
Summer Reading Challenge 2026: Read to the Beat
- The Forum and Millennium Library, Norwich
- Selected Thursdays, 12–2pm
- Free, details via Norfolk & Suffolk Music Hub
The Summer Reading Challenge teams up with the Norfolk & Suffolk Music Hub to bring live performances into Norwich's Millennium Library during the school holidays.
Young musicians of all abilities are invited to perform in informal lunchtime sessions, helping to celebrate this year's Read to the Beat theme while encouraging reading, creativity and music-making.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 2 TO TUESDAY, AUGUST 4
Between the Lines: Story Makers Exhibition
- Dragon Hall, Norwich
- 10am–3pm
- Free, drop-in via National Centre for Writing
This free exhibition showcases work created through the National Centre for Writing's Story Makers programme.
Drawing on archives, oral histories and local research, participants have transformed hidden stories from Norwich's King Street into poetry, creative nonfiction and imaginative storytelling.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 6
Andrew Kenrick: Rex Juba
- The Book Hive, Norwich
- 7pm
- Free, book via Eventbrite
Dr Andrew Kenrick launches Rex Juba, an object-based biography of Juba II, the North African king, scholar and explorer.
The evening will examine an often-overlooked chapter of Roman history and explore the connections between Africa and the ancient Mediterranean world. The author will be in conversation before signing books.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 11
The Railway Children
- Margaret Harker Hall, Blofield
- 4.30pm
- £10, Tickets via Margaret Harker Hall
Paperback Theatre brings E Nesbit's classic tale to Blofield in a new adaptation by Charis McRoberts.
Following siblings Bobbie, Peter, and Phyllis as they adapt to life in the countryside, the production combines family adventure, humour and mystery in a fresh retelling of the much-loved story.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12
Who Am I? Beyond the Book with Amanda Addison
- Dragon Hall, Norwich
- 10am–12noon
- Pay what feels affordable (£0–£7.50), via National Centre for Writing
Inspired by Amanda Addison's young adult novel Looking for Lucie, this interactive workshop explores identity, belonging, family and friendship through creative writing. It is aimed at young people aged 11 to 13.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 14
The Pickwick Papers
- North Norfolk Railway, Sheringham
- 6-10pm
- £18, book via Mannington
Charles Dickens' comic classic comes to life in a stage adaptation at the North Norfolk Railway.
Audiences can follow the adventures of Samuel Pickwick and his companions in a production celebrating one of the author's best-loved novels.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26
Alison Weir Presents The Boleyn Secret
- Chantry Hall, Norwich
- Doors 6.30pm
- £10, via Alison Weir Books
Bestselling historian and novelist Alison Weir discusses her latest Tudor novel, The Boleyn Secret.
The event includes a talk, audience questions and a book signing, with Weir exploring the life of Katherine Carey and the intrigues of the Tudor court.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 27
Norman Lamb: Be More Human
- Octagon Unitarian Chapel, Norwich
- 7–8.30pm
- £5, book via Eventbrite
Former North Norfolk MP Sir Norman Lamb discusses his new book Be More Human: Why Mental Health Care is Broken – and What We Can Do to Fix It.
In conversation with writer Patrick Barkham, Lamb will examine the challenges facing mental health services and highlight examples of community-led approaches that are making a difference. Profits from the event will be donated to Mind.
This article has been published as part of Born & Read in Norfolk – a year-long initiative highlighting the importance of reading and writing, delivered in partnership with the National Centre for Writing, headline sponsor RWE and sponsor YouGarden.
Follow the campaign throughout the year in our coverage and on social media using #BornAndRead2026 or get in touch at readingmatters@newsquest.co.uk
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