What's on in Thetford: November and December 2026

November 2026

7 November: Daniel Sinclair

Saturday 7 November | Comedy, hypnosis and mind reading | The Carnegie, Cage Lane, Thetford.

A stage show combining mind-reading routines with comedy hypnosis. The performer advises ages 12 and over, with hypnosis volunteers aged 18 or over.

10 November: A Tudor garden brought to life

Tuesday 10 November, 2.30pm to 3.30pm | History talk | Ancient House Museum, White Hart Street, Thetford | £5; free for Norfolk Museums Service passholders and Ancient House Friends.

Historian Brigitte Webster explores the reconstruction of an early Tudor gentleman's Norfolk garden, considering its planting, practical uses and place in daily life.

11 November: First World War home-education workshop

Wednesday 11 November, 1pm to 3pm | Children's history workshop | Ancient House Museum, Thetford | £4 per child, including an accompanying adult.

Handle objects from the First World War, explore the meaning of the poppy and learn about the home front and Western Front. Designed for ages 8 to 12, with older and younger children also welcome.

13 November: Comedy Buoys with Simon Evans

Friday 13 November | Stand-up comedy | The Carnegie, Cage Lane, Thetford.

Simon Evans headlines a comedy-club evening with Ben Norris and Jack Skipper, hosted by Ollie Horn.

14 November: Hammer to Fall

Saturday 14 November | Live music | The Carnegie, Cage Lane, Thetford.

An East Anglian Queen tribute band performs songs from across the group's career, from rock anthems to familiar singalong favourites.

20 November: Meat

Friday 20 November | Theatre | The Guildhall, Thetford.

Magic Floor Productions brings James McDermott's historical drama to the Guildhall. The play draws on the story of a seventeenth-century Diss tailor and his relationship with an apprentice.

21 November: The Upbeat Beatles

Saturday 21 November | Live music | The Carnegie, Cage Lane, Thetford.

A tribute performance tracing the Beatles' music from their early records to later studio work, with period instruments and costumes.

27 November: Second World War murder mystery

Friday 27 November, 5pm to 8pm | Family history activity | Ancient House Museum, White Hart Street, Thetford | Free; advance booking available.

The museum's youth group stages a detective game with costumed characters and historical objects. Explore wartime Thetford and learn about making Christmas pudding under rationing.

December 2026

6 December: An Audience with Santa

Sunday 6 December, timed sessions | Family Christmas activity | The Guildhall, Thetford.

Meet Santa and Mrs Claus in a small group for stories and songs, followed by festive crafts and activities in the Large Court. The published programme includes a gift for each child; select a session through the venue's booking link.

8 December: The Anglo-Sikh Wars

Tuesday 8 December, 2.30pm to 3.30pm | History talk | Ancient House Museum, Thetford | £5; free for Norfolk Museums Service passholders and Ancient House Friends.

Museum educator Nigel Amies examines the experiences of Norfolk men involved in the Anglo-Sikh Wars of the 1840s.

12 December: Meet Old Father Christmas

Saturday 12 December, 10am to 4pm | Family Christmas activity | Ancient House Museum, White Hart Street, Thetford | £5 per child, including a soft toy, one accompanying adult and museum admission.

Meet Old Father Christmas and his wife in the historic hall. Hear about changing Christmas customs, the Yule log and how the familiar figure of Santa Claus developed.

13 December: Thetford 5K Santa Run

Sunday 13 December, registration from 9am; run starts 10am | Community running event | Start and finish at Thetford Guildhall, Market Place | Tickets £5.75 to £11.05 including booking fee.

Run a festive route around town in fancy dress, with medals and refreshments at the finish. There is no cut-off time and single running buggies are permitted. Children must stay within arm's reach of a responsible adult.