Bookings have opened for a programme of free summer activities in Norfolk, including Thorpe St Andrew, aimed at children who receive benefits-related free school meals. The Big Norfolk Holiday Fun scheme runs from 20 July to 2 September 2026, with Active Norfolk coordinating the provision on behalf of Norfolk County Council.
Places are available for children aged between 4 and 16, with a healthy lunch included each day. The programme covers a wide range of activities including water sports, gymnastics, science workshops, skateboarding, outdoor adventures, cooking and art. Families who qualify can book through the Eequ platform, where bookings went live at 2pm on 21 June 2026.
The scheme forms part of the national Holiday Activities and Food programme, funded by the Department for Education, and was recently extended for a further three years. It is designed to tackle holiday hunger and social isolation among vulnerable children, building on a model that last summer provided up to 16 days of free activity. The programme is also accessible to families not eligible for free school meals, with a limited number of paid places available.
Whitlingham Adventure, based just outside Norwich near Thorpe St Andrew, will offer sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding sessions through the programme. The outdoor centre has participated in previous years and provides an opportunity for children to try activities on the water.
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