Popular outdoor festival returns this August to celebrate the Brecks

A festival of outdoor activities to celebrate the Brecks will take place from 9 to 24 August 2025, making its return after a successful debut last year.
Published: 02 Jun 2025
a colourful flyer promoting the festival

55 events, many of which will be free, will take place over the fortnight, recognising the work of the Brecks Fen Edge & Rivers Landscape Partnership Scheme.

The festival will launch on 9 August at an event in Brandon Country Park, with opportunities to meet a range of local groups and organisations working with nature in the Brecks, as well as activities, storytelling and the chance to start your very own seasonal sketchbook.

This year’s festival is a great opportunity to explore what has been achieved, whether that’s through walking, swimming, listening, cycling, running, stretching or sketching – there’s something for everyone.
Councillor Philip Faircloth-Mutton
Councillor Philip Faircloth-Mutton, Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Communities and Equality

Other festival events will include guided walks, creative activities, outdoor yoga, family activities and trails, outdoor swimming, fishing and more:

  • Explore the River Thet: Explore Thetford from a different point of view and try canoeing or stand-up paddle boarding with support and guidance from a trained and knowledgeable instructor.
    13, 16, 20 August, Thetford

  • Mildenhall Droves Challenge Walk: An exclusive route through a classic Brecks landscape of river, sandy droves and pine lines. How many droves can you walk down in one day?
    23 August, West Row

  • Thursday Social Off-Road Cycle Ride: A social bike ride to explore the landscape of Brandon Country Park and Thetford Forest. All abilities welcome, difficulty and distance determined by riders on the day.
    14, 21 August, Brandon Country Park

  • The Nine Stiles Walk & Steel Band Performance: A walk in the heart of the Brecks with no stiles! Follow part of the historic ‘beating of the bounds’ route and end with music from steel band Panache!
    24 August, Brandon
people doing outdoor yoga
Photo: Ben Goulding

The Brecks Fen Edge & Rivers Landscape Partnership Scheme began in 2020, following a five-year grant of £1.97 million from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Using the money raised by the National Lottery players, the project has been creating positive and lasting change for people and communities in and around The Brecks.

A small partnership delivery team hosted by Suffolk County Council has facilitated successful management of the project, bringing together more than 60 local, regional and national groups, as well as many volunteers - all with a central vision and plan.

Councillor Philip Faircloth-Mutton, Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Communities and Equality, said:

“Building on the popularity of the 2024 festival, this year will offer even more to do, with new events, as well as some crowd favourites from last year.

“The Partnership Scheme has been a real triumph for the local area, protecting and enhancing the natural environment, as well as bringing communities together.

“Numerous organisations, volunteers, and experts have collaborated to deliver outdoor activities and conservation initiatives around the Brecks.

“This year’s festival is a great opportunity to explore what has been achieved, whether that’s through walking, swimming, listening, cycling, running, stretching or sketching – there’s something for everyone.”

people on a walk in the Brecks
Photo: Bob Morgan

The Brecks is an invaluable part of the UK’s landscape, covering nearly 400 square miles:

  • Over 40% of the landscape is covered by conservation areas
  • Nearly 13,000 species have been recorded in the area
  • 28% of the UK’s rarest species are found there
  • It contains Thetford Forest and Kings Forest, making the largest lowland forest in the UK
  • It is home to eight registered parks and gardens, 157 scheduled monuments and over 1,000 listed buildings

The festival runs from 9 to 24 August 2025, the full programme of events can be found at www.brecks.org