Gala Day coming to Thursford Collection in Norfolk in 2026

One of Norfolk’s best-loved attractions is hosting its biggest summer event yet as it marks 50 years since opening.

Thursford Gala Day will return this July, taking over the museum’s grounds near Fakenham with more than 300 exhibitors including steam engines, vintage vehicles and classic cars.

The event celebrates the legacy of founder G.T. Cushing, who began the museum in 1976, and will offer live entertainment and daring aerobatic displays. 

Thursford Gala Day is returning for its sixth year (Image: Dale Buttolph)

Thursford, based near Fakenham, is home to the world’s largest collection of steam engines and mechanical organs (Image: Thursford Collection)

Charlie Cushing, general manager at Thursford, said: "Gala Day continues to become more spectacular.

"Now in our sixth year, the event has become a popular day for our visitors, and we’re excited to reveal what’s in store once again in what is a milestone year for the museum."

Organisers say this year’s programme is the biggest yet, featuring vintage bus countryside tours of the Thursford estate, a steam-powered trailer ride pulled by the museum’s Showman’s engine Victory, live music and garden entertainment.

Entry also includes access to Thursford’s Adventure Play Fair, a large outdoor park themed around a vintage fairground that opened last summer.

This year, entry will include access to Thursford’s new Adventure Play Fair, which opened last summer (Image: Thursford Collection)

The museum will be open, with vintage fairground rides, shops and café (Image: Thursford Collection)

The museum’s vintage fairground rides, retail shops and café will be open throughout the day, along with food trucks including The Bucket List and Bubble & Melt.

Mr Cushing added: "It’s no feat for a tourist attraction to reach a 50th anniversary and we intend to celebrate in style this Gala Day, with a big focus on a family day out with the introduction of our Adventure Play Fair – a giant outdoor adventure play park themed around a vintage fairground."

The Starlings aerobatic team will perform an exclusive aerobatic display over the fields of Thursford and the day concludes with a big steam parade.

Gala Day will be held on Sunday, July 5, from 11am to 5pm.

It is £16 for adults and £12 for children under 15, with free entry for under twos.