Next year's Dereham Day will be held at a new location

Dereham Day, a festival to celebrate all that is good in the mid Norfolk town, will be held at Dereham Neatherd High School next year.

Tim Cara, who helps organise the event, said Memorial Hall, which was the original location, was chosen to remind festival goers of the hall's value and the history it signified for Dereham. 

He said: "In many cases, we wanted to introduce new residents of all ages to the venue while demonstrating what a jewel we have. I think we've achieved this."

Tim Cara said Memorial Hall is the town's gem. (Image: Tim Cara)
The event, which is only three years old, welcomed more than 7,000 people to Memorial Hall during this year's celebration. 

Mr Cara said: "I'm sure it's no coincidence that Dereham Day attendance grew to more than 7,000 in 2024, and the Memorial Hall has become increasingly popular as a place for a wide variety of entertainment."

The purpose of the new location at the school is to host more activities outdoors, which was a proven challenge for exhibitions of all kinds and music performances that set up camp in Fleece Meadow.

Mr Cara said: "Many of the attractions that have become so popular will be able to spread out and welcome more visitors in future. 

Some of the exhibits that participated in last year's event will have more space at the high school. (Image: Danielle Champ)
"We've also been very lucky with the weather so far. Our luck is sure to run out at some point."

He said this move will "make Dereham Day waterproof" as the high school is also offering its indoor facilities. 

Mr Cara added: "Although it's sad to move away from the Memorial Hall and Fleece Meadow, there are many benefits to moving to Dereham Neatherd High School. 

"I'm sure that developing the initiatives we started this year will make the next Dereham day on May 10 bigger, better and more memorable than ever." 

Anyone who wants to get involved in Dereham Day 2025 can email Justin Dack at enquiries@derehamday.co.uk