Fireworks in the night sky reflecting onto the water. The shot was taken from South Quay in King's Lynn.

A Festival Town

King’s Lynn is justly proud of being recognised as a ‘Festival Town.’ Taking place in the heart of this historic town, an impressive range of festivals feature a fine selection of music, performance, poetry, art and literary events appealing to enthusiastic audiences throughout the year.

The Festival season kicks usually kicks off in May with the King’s Lynn Hanse Festival. We are extremely proud of our Hanseatic heritage and this festival every year celebrates that heritage with hanseatic music, activities, and events throughout the town.

Visitors to the town in mid-July can enjoy the King’s Lynn Festival of Music and the Arts. Every year, visitors and locals alike enjoy theatre, comedy, the visual arts and choral and orchestral concerts (often held in the town’s churches).

Festival Too provides a lively selection of free entertainment sponsored by west Norfolk’s own businesses. This Festival traditionally begins with a spectacular firework display, which heralds three weekends of exciting entertainment featuring pop and rock stars, top-rate tribute bands and the best of local talent. In addition, a variety of daytime street entertainment in the town centre provides fun for all the family. Still one of Europe’s largest FREE festivals.

Upcoming Festivals

Hanse Festival: 24th May 2026

This annual festival celebrates the town’s past and current membership of the Hanseatic League.

Water Ski Racing on the River Ouse in King's Lynn, West Norfolk.

Hanseatic Ski Race: 20-21 June 2026

Motorboats race up to 100mph along the Ouse, in this high-octane two-day spectacle. Watch Europe’s biggest watersports festival from the historic waterfront of King’s Lynn.

Fear in the Fens 23 – 25 October 2026

The 11th Fear in the Fens Festival returns to King’s Lynn this October for a three-day event featuring vintage horror fllms, short films, fascinating talks and live events.

Plan your Festival Trip

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Accommodation

No matter which Festival you’re coming to you’ll need somewhere to stay during your time here. King’s Lynn has a lovely selection of hotels along with guest houses, B&B’s, and on the outskirts fantastic campsites.
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Attractions around King’s Lynn

King’s Lynn has an impressive range of visitor attractions which tell of the town’s fascinating and often colourful past.
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Food & Drink in King’s Lynn

Whether you’re looking for a cafe to catch up with a friend over fabulous coffee and delicious treats, a full meal in a village pub or a date night worthy restaurant King’s Lynn and the surrounding villages have something for you.