Fakenham is about to get an economic and cultural boost as traders, artists and cyclists are brought together to celebrate a month of activity and exhibitions. Community group Active Fakenham will bring different groups together for two high profile, innovative festivals that will be fun and bring conomic boost for town centres.  

Strange Bedfellows: Art and Cycling Join Forces in Fakenham This August

This August, the historic market town of Fakenham is set to buzz with creativity and energy as two seemingly unrelated but wonderfully complementary events come together for one unforgettable day: the Fakenham Arts Festival 2025 (FAF25) and the much-loved Ride North Norfolk. It’s a mash-up you didn’t know you needed—but one that promises to deliver colour, culture, and community spirit in spades.

Fakenham Arts Festival 2025: A Town Transformed

Running from 1st to 24th August, the newly launched FAF25 is already shaping up to be a highlight of the summer. Think pop-up galleries in shop windows, art trails, and over forty artists exhibiting in more than sixtyvenues across the town centre. It’s all part of a bold initiative to turn Fakenham into one giant canvas.

The festival builds towards a grand finale on Sunday 24th August, with a large-scale exhibition at the Fakenham Community Centre. Alongside this, families can enjoy a children’s art trail complete with free activity packs, and budding creatives of all ages are invited to take part in low-cost or free workshops.

Ride North Norfolk: Community on Two Wheels

And as the art scene draws crowds indoors, the roads around Fakenham will come alive with the whirr of wheels as Ride North Norfolk returns on the same day—Sunday 24th August. With rides ranging from a gentle 15 miles to a muscle-testing 102 miles, there’s a route for every level of cyclist.

This is not a competitive race, but a friendly, low-cost community ride with all the bells and whistles—on-route mechanical support, clear signage, and free feed stations (yes, that includes their famous homemade flapjack!). Every rider also receives a free souvenir drawstring bag and medal—ideal for stashing snacks or art supplies, depending on your passion.

One Big Day, Two Great Events

Both festivals will centre around the Fakenham Community Centre and its gardens, creating a vibrant hub of activity on the 24th. Expect live music, a BBQ, food stalls, and artisan vendors, blending the best of Fakenham’s creative and active communities in one buzzing location.

Richard Crook of Active Fakenham, the organisation behind the events, explained the thinking behind this unique collaboration:

“By combining these two festivals, we’re offering something for everyone. We’ve got two groups of volunteers working together to create something special and different. This should be fun and interesting and will be great for the town, residents, and visitors.”

He continued,

“We believe that by bringing Fakenham together, we can create a stronger, more united community. This initiative is about fostering a sense of belonging and pride in our town, and we’re excited to see the positive impact it will have.”

Get Involved

Whether you’re an art lover, a keen cyclist, or just looking for a brilliant day out in Norfolk, the FAF25 and Ride North Norfolk double bill is not to be missed.

For updates and full schedules, visit Active Fakenham’s website or follow them on social media.