When similar festivals have been held in the past they have always attracted stacks of visitors and this one has every chance of being up there with the best.

In common with most medieval churches in Norfolk, St Peter and St Paul has experienced its fair share of architectural modification down the years. The Victorians certainly brought the building back to life with a major refit in the 1860s and much of the internal décor is down to their influence. So it's perhaps appropriate that they should now hold centre stage in a festival which will highlight aspects of 19th century life.

Individuals and businesses have already sponsored dozens of displays and the church is particularly grateful for their generosity.

A Victorian market will be one of the attractions and items to sell on stalls are still being sought. They can be left in church or at the parish office. Cakes and scones may be brought in on festival days.

The event runs from Thursday, October 2, to Monday, October 6, when the church will be open daily from 10am to 5pm.

A concert on the Saturday evening at 7.30pm will feature a song recital by Jayne May-Sysum. Tickets are £8 from the parish office on 01328 862268. A special festival service will be held on the Sunday morning at the earlier time of 9am.

• Families are gearing up for the new school year and its challenges.


• Some students will have worn uniforms for the last time and looking forward to the freedom of dress choice which college provides.

If previous years are anything to go by, it will be quite a fashion parade at Fakenham College. Other youngsters at the high school will be discarding their blue jumpers in favour of black ones to announce their arrival in Year ten. It's a small rite of passage but an important one.