Get ready for the Festival of Thetford & Punjab 2026, inspired by the people of Thetford and the Duleep Singhs, the last Royal Family of the Punjab who lived in nearby Elveden.

In the run up to this year’s festival, you are invited to a series of creative family-friendly activities presented by Arts La’Olam. Workshops and performances can also be enjoyed at the Thetford Mela.

STITCH YOUR STORY
TEXTILE WORKSHOP WITH SUMAN GUJRAL

• Dates: 25 June, 2 July & 9 July 2026
• Time: 11am – 3pm
• Venue: Ancient House Museum, 21 White Hart St, Thetford IP24 1AA

Enjoy a long session discovering with Suman Gujral how you can stitch your own story. Participants will use stitch, collage and words to connect to shared heritage. Materials will be provided, as well as tea and biscuits. Please bring a packed lunch. All adults welcome: for those with experience & without.

Free. To book your place visit museums.norfolk.gov.uk/article/78687/Stitch-Your-Story-Textile-Workshops

DANCE WITH JAYA DANCE

• Dates: 27 June, 11 July & 18 July 2026
• Time: 11-2pm
• The Charles Burrell Centre, Staniforth Road, Thetford IP24 3LH

Shake your cares away, learn Bollywood & disco moves, and enjoy great exercises with Tina Vallance from the award-winning Jaya Dance! Bring a picnic, water and a rug to have lunch together.
Family friendly: all ages and abilities, beginners and experienced dancers welcome.

Free. To book your place email info@jayadance.com

INDIAN MUSIC AND PERCUSSION SCHOOL WORKSHOPS

Students at Thetford Academy will discover the joy of Indian music and percussion, adapting rhythms and techniques to their own instruments in a unique intercultural workshop. Delivered by the Baluji Music Foundation – founded by celebrated Indian Classical maestro Baluji Shrivastav OBE – participants will experience an inspiring introduction to Indian musical traditions and performance. Open to Thetford Academy Orchestra members and students at the school only.