Tracy’s Trail Through the Brecks Outdoor Festival 2025

Partnership Project Officer, Tracy, took to the trails, parks, commons, and museums of the Brecks Outdoor Festival and kept her very own Festival diary. Follow her through the events she visited and took part in here.

My festival journey began with a roar at Brandon Country Park, where I bravely faced off with the legendary river dragon, Brym during the festival’s launch event. From there, the days unfolded with a rich tapestry of nature, art, and community.

At West Stow Country Park, I joined Art Branches for a Sketchbook Stroll, where creativity met calm. Surrounded by birdsong and rustling leaves, artists and nature lovers alike sketched the beauty around them—an inspiring blend of observation and expression and an attempt at drawing.

Day 6

The day started at Thompson Common, where Norfolk Wildlife Trust were in search of dragonflies and damselflies dancing above the wildflowers. I spent a little while exploring the area’s rich biodiversity, soaking in the sights and sounds of this tranquil haven. Then it was off to Thetford for their Our Great Town event, where the town’s charm shone through – from petting friendly sheep to enjoying the vibrant local atmosphere.

Day 8

Even the weekends are packed with adventure! So I packed my lunchbox and a big bottle of water and headed off to Brandon. First of all, I enjoyed observing young people trying their hand at fishing and holding the maggots under the watchful eye of ‘OutSpace’; then paid a heartwarming visit to see Charlie Burrell’s Museum trail, where the nostalgic tunes of the outdoor music box added a magical touch.

One of the most reflective moments of the Festival came during the Forest Reflections Wellbeing Walk, a peaceful journey through flora, fauna and nature that offered space to breathe, meditate, and reconnect with the outdoors.

Day 13

Whilst I didn’t hop on a bike at the Off-Road Cycle Ride, I was there this morning to have a photo with Mark from Mildenhall Cycling Club and cheer on all the riders, all geared up and ready to roll!

As the sun neared the horizon today, I set out with Chris Hainsworth, Senior Reserve Manager at Cavenham Heath for a wildlife exploration. We learned a lot about the rabbits that maintain the habitat and even managed the spot the elusive and rare Stone Curlews!

I kept it simple for my final event of the Festival, popping by Ancient House to explore their Festival-special Vikings trail.

From dragons to damselflies, sketchbooks to sheep, music boxes to Vikings and mindful walks – my journey through the Brecks Outdoor Festival was a celebration of nature, creativity, community, enjoyment and discovery.