Some of the country's leading musicians are heading to north Norfolk over the bank-holiday weekend for a series of free events to entertain people aged between two and 102.

The eight events include visits to residential care homes and workshops for youngsters.

There are also three events open to the public, including a performance in a pub and a Musical Adventure Walk at Holt Country Park.

Members of the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment (OAE) will be performing at the events, which are being organised by North Norfolk District Council and Orchestras Live and will be held on May 4, 5 and 6.

The orchestra will be involved in the forthcoming Paston 600 Footprints project, which will celebrate the 600th anniversary of the first Paston letter.

The May weekend of performances and activities is a prelude to a concert at St Nicholas' Church, North Walsham, on July 1, which will include the premiere of a specially-commissioned piece written by Norfolk-based composer Sarah Rodgers.

Music to Your Beers will involve two half-hour programmes at the Black Lion Hotel, Walsingham, on Friday, May 4 (7pm and 8pm). This event is free.

On Saturday, May 5, Going on a Journey at Sheringham Community Centre (1pm) will give children aged between two and five – and their parents – the chance to travel back in time for a Baroque journey around Europe.

The weekend culminates with A Musical Adventure Walk at Holt Country Park event on Sunday, May 6 (10am-noon). People who walk the route will be greeted by musicians at various points.

Joining in this adventure is free, but it is advisable to book car-parking (£2) in advance by visiting www.north-norfolk.gov.uk/orchestras

Away from the public events, there will be three Musicians on Call visits to care homes – St David's Nursing Home, Sheringham; Cranmer House, Fakenham; and Halvergate House, North Walsham. There will also be two other events for youngsters – TOTS Workshops at Ladybird Pre-School Nursery, Sheringham; and West Raynham Primary Academy.

Cherry Forbes, the OAE's education director, said: 'To be able to work with the youngest of children in our TOTS workshops and concerts, visit care homes with the elderly where we can chat, make music and have a cuppa, play in a busy pub on a Friday night, and finish our weekend with a Musical Adventure Walk is a real treat for us.'

Councillor Becky Palmer, portfolio holder for Leisure at North Norfolk District Council, said: 'This is a brilliant range of events across the district that will bring the joy of music to young and old alike – and in places where you might not expect to hear it.

'It should be a great curtain-raiser ahead of the concert in North Walsham in July, and this programme should help make it a bank holiday to remember in North Norfolk.'

Councillor Brian Hannah, shadow portfolio holder for Leisure at NNDC, said: 'On a personal note, I have always valued music since being a choirboy at St Peter's, Sheringham, all those years ago, and we're very pleased to be supporting these events, which involve all generations.

'Music is a great way to feel positive and increase social interaction between all groups of people, helping them to relax and express themselves, and this programme of events will be enjoyed by people across North Norfolk.'

Councillor Nick Coppack, leader of the Independent group at NNDC, said: 'I think this is real coup for North Norfolk, further helping to put us on the map.

'I'm particularly excited that the orchestra is going into care homes because I think it's hugely important that care-home residents can partake in and enjoy things such as this.'

Stuart Bruce, Partnership Manager at Orchestras Live, said: 'This project is a very special part of our Orchestras Live North Norfolk series of concerts, produced though our partnership with North Norfolk District Council, and we are delighted this collection of exciting OAE events is a major contribution to the Paston 600 Footprints celebrations.'