After becoming the talk of the town and celebrated by residents, Dereham Day is set to return.

The event celebrates all things Dereham and will return on Saturday, May 13 at the Dereham Memorial Hall and the Fleece Meadow.

Tim Cara is chair of Friends of Dereham Memorial Hall, which is organising the day for the aboutDereham partnership.

He said “We thought that last year was a one-off, but the interest from townspeople and the demand from local organisations to take part has been irresistible.

Dereham Times: Tim Cara, chair of Friends of Dereham Memorial HallTim Cara, chair of Friends of Dereham Memorial Hall (Image: Tim Cara)

“Last year there were 60 groups involved, this year it's 80. We have been able to expand and diversify what is on offer, and we hope that everyone will be delighted.

“We’ve been fortunate this year to obtain financial support from Dereham Town Council and Thurlow Nunn, and sponsorship from local businesses, such as Justin Steward Clearances and Recycling. Once we’ve paid our bills, proceeds will go to the Ukraine Appeal.”

Last year’s event attracted more than 4,000 visitors.

Dereham Times: Would-be policemen, Alijah Washtell, five, left, and his cousin Arthur John Washtell, four, try out the helmets with PC Ed Arbuthnot, at the Dereham Day event.Would-be policemen, Alijah Washtell, five, left, and his cousin Arthur John Washtell, four, try out the helmets with PC Ed Arbuthnot, at the Dereham Day event. (Image: Denise Bradley)

The event will feature charity stalls in the memorial hall and entertainment in the main hall from local performers, such as Busybodies, Galaxy Twirlers, Rockavox and Limelight Studio. 

Paul Sandford who is co-ordinating activities on the Fleece, added: “We have been able to respond to more craftspeople and artisans than last year. 

“This will include traders from Norfolk Farmers Market and The Original Factory Shop. We’ve added some physical challenges for the physically active, such as tomahawk-throwing. 

Dereham Times: Freddie Norris, three, and his mum, Sarah Dacvey, feed the sheep at the mobile petting farm, Wycomb Pastures, at the Dereham Day event.Freddie Norris, three, and his mum, Sarah Dacvey, feed the sheep at the mobile petting farm, Wycomb Pastures, at the Dereham Day event. (Image: Denise Bradley)

Entry to Dereham Day is free, although some attractions may charge. It runs from 10am till 4pm.

Its followed at 7.30pm by a double bill of entertainment featuring John Osborne, with ‘Circled in the Radio Times’ and the Pot of Gold Shanty Crew. Tickets for the show are available on ticketsource costing £12.50 each, or £10 each for a table of 10.