Thetford’s Stage and Screen festival returns with the likes of Back to the Future, Moana, Jurassic Park, Jane Austen and Shakespeare

Cinematic family favourites including dinosaurs and a DeLorean, as well as live performances of Austen and Shakespearian classics will take place next month as part of Thetford’s Stage and Screen festival.

The popular event, which attracted thousands to the town in 2022, is returning with two days of free outdoor cinema and a pair of theatre performances set within the historic ruins of the town’s priory.

The festival kicks off on the green at Thetford Riverside complex on Saturday, August 5, with a free outside cinema showing of Moana at 1pm, followed by Space Jam at 3pm and finally Back to the Future at 5pm.

On Sunday, the screenings continue with Pixar's Coco showing at 1pm, award-winning Matilda the Musical at 3pm and concludes with Steven Spielberg's Jurassic Park at 5.15pm.

After the free outdoor cinema events, Thetford Priory will be providing the magnificent backdrop for two outside theatre productions by Chapterhouse Theatre company.

The famous company of actors will be performing Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility on August 22, followed by Shakespeare's A Midsummers Night's Dream on August 23.

There is no need to book a space to attend the free outside cinema, but the Thetford Priory open air theatre shows are ticket only events and can be purchased from Chapterhouse Theatre.

Councillor Paul Claussen, executive member for economic development and growth at Breckland Council, said: “I am delighted to welcome back our Stage and Screen summer events to Thetford for a second year.

“From free cinema to outstanding theatrical productions, this festival will showcase the very best Thetford has to offer, set against the stunning backdrops of Thetford Priory and the wonderful riverside area.

“Stage and Screen 2023 is part of our Thriving Places commitment, to promote the district and its local businesses as a place to live, visit and enjoy.”