Essex Cultural Diversity Project is once again gearing up for the Festival of Thetford & Punjab, with this year’s celebration taking place from 17th – 19th July 2026.
Image: ©Jo Nancarrow / Essex CDP
The Festival of Thetford & Punjab is a cross-cultural celebration inspired by the people of Thetford and the Duleep Singh family, the last Royal Family of the Punjab, who lived at nearby Elveden Hall.
Started in 2018, the annual event has grown into a firm local favourite, attracting visitors from across the country for a weekend of music, dance, food, history and community events.
Visitors can look forward to events at Ancient House Museum, the Thomas Paine Hotel’s annual Curry Night, and the festival’s centrepiece – the Thetford Mela, a full day of music, performance and dance held in the grounds of Thetford Grammar School.
This year’s Mela will feature legendary Punjabi singer Nirmal Sidhu alongside bhangra stars Kulwant Bhamra and Shin DCS.
Talks by Sikh historians Peter Bance and Rav Singh will also take place at Thetford Library and Elveden Village Hall, exploring the history and legacy of the Duleep Singh family and the wider Punjabi connection to Thetford.
In the run-up to the festival, Art La’Olam will also be hosting a series of workshops featuring music, dance and textile art for all ages to enjoy.
The Festival of Thetford & Punjab is supported by Arts Council England, Norfolk County Council, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Thetford Town Council, Norfolk Museums Service and Breckland Council.
For further details, visit the Essex Cultural Diversity Project Facebook page.
