Free summer events to help boost footfall across Breckland’s market towns

Breckland Council is encouraging businesses across the district’s five market towns to make the most of a programme of free family events taking place this August, designed to attract residents and visitors into town centres during the busy summer holiday period.

As part of a new year-long programme, free gaming bus experiences and outdoor cinema screenings will take place in Attleborough, Dereham, Swaffham, Thetford and Watton, creating additional reasons for people to visit, spend time in our town centres and support local businesses.

The events have been organised and funded by Breckland Council as part of its commitment to strengthening the local economy, increasing footfall and showcasing everything our market towns have to offer.

Gaming Bus

A state-of-the-art gaming party van will visit each town centre, offering young people the chance to enjoy popular games including Mario Kart, FIFA and Minecraft in a safe and social environment.

Dates:

• Dereham – Wednesday 19 August, Dereham Market Place
• Attleborough – Friday 21 August, Queens Square
• Swaffham – Monday 24 August, Swaffham Market Place
• Thetford – Wednesday 26 August, Thetford Market Place
• Watton – Friday 28 August, Wayland House

Outdoor Cinema

Free outdoor cinema screenings will transform local green spaces into family-friendly venues where residents and visitors can enjoy time together while exploring the town and supporting nearby cafés, restaurants, shops and other local businesses.

Dates:

• Swaffham – Tuesday 11 August, Campinglands
• Watton – Wednesday 12 August, Watton Sports Centre
• Thetford – Monday 24 August (location to be confirmed)
• Attleborough – Tuesday 25 August, Connaught Hall Park
• Dereham – Wednesday 26 August, The Meadows, Memorial Hall

These August events mark the beginning of a wider programme of activities that will continue throughout the year, bringing regular events into Breckland’s market towns to encourage repeat visits, support local trade and strengthen community pride.

Businesses are encouraged to promote the events through their own social media channels and make the most of the additional visitors expected throughout the programme.

For more information, visit the Town Events webpage.

Breckland Big Summer is coming to a town near you!

As part of our Big Summer of Breckland, a free gaming bus is rolling into town!

Challenge your friends on Mario Kart, FIFA, Minecraft and more:

• Dereham Market Place — 19 August
• Queen’s Square, Attleborough — 21 August
• Swaffham Market Place — 24 August
• Thetford Market Place — 26 August
• Wayland House, Watton — 28 August

Drop in from 1pm to 5pm, grab a controller and get your game on!

The big Summer of Breckland is coming to a town near you!

Join us for free, family-friendly outdoor cinema screenings across Breckland:

 Swaffham – Tuesday 11 August at Campinglands
Zootropolis at 1pm and The Greatest Showman Sing-Along at 6pm

 Watton – Wednesday 12 August at Watton Sports Centre
Sing at 1pm and School of Rock at 6pm

 Thetford – Monday 24 August at Lower Melford Common
Encanto Sing-Along at 1pm and Wicked: Part One at 6pm

 Attleborough – Tuesday 25 August at the Recreation Ground
Puss in Boots at 1pm and Mamma Mia! at 6pm

 Dereham – Wednesday 26 August at Memorial Hall
Paddington at 1pm and Sonic the Hedgehog at 6pm

Bring your picnic chairs and blankets, grab something tasty from our local food vendors and settle in for a brilliant day at the movies with family and friends!