About Us

Dereham Festival was formed as a charity in 2005 (Reg Charity 1112406) and produced the first Festival in May 2006, since then it has produced Festivals in 2008 and 2010.  

The vision of the Dereham Festival is to promote the education and experience of music in Dereham and surrounding districts by organising a bienniel festival and other musical events from time to time.  The Dereham Festival chose to become a charity in order to ensure that it was run in an orderly fashion according to the Charity Commissioners requirements and also to avail itself of funding that may be more readily available to charities as opposed to unregistered societies.

Dereham Festival has a board of Trustees (presently two) and a Management Committee appointed by the Trustees.  Dereham Festival tries to bring a level of performance to Dereham not normally seen here.  This requires that Dereham Festival seeks subsidies and grants since the receipts from such events cannot cover all the costs involved for such performers and venues.

Dereham Festival in supported by Dereham Town Council, Breckland Council and Norfolk County Council.  All the work is carried out by volunteers and there are no paid Committee members.  Dereham Festival must always cover its costs from festival to festival and the future plans depend upon the level of response and support from the public.