Dignitaries, a member of the House of Lords and sporting figure have put their support behind Norfolk Day.

Norwich Evening News: Norfolk Day LogoNorfolk Day Logo (Image: Archant)

Norfolk Day takes place on Friday July 27 and is intended as a day of fun in which individuals, community groups and businesses are encouraged to get involved by hosting or participating in events.

Baroness Shephard is backing the major event.

She said: 'I think it is an inspirational idea. It really focuses everyone's minds on what they love about Norfolk.

'It is a positive thing in a world which seems to be increasingly dominated by negative events. Norfolk Day will cheer everyone up and will put Norfolk on the map.

Norwich Evening News: Norfolk Day supporters, Lord Mayor of Norwich David Fullman, left, and Sheriff, David Walker. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYNorfolk Day supporters, Lord Mayor of Norwich David Fullman, left, and Sheriff, David Walker. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

'I have no doubt that it will be a great success and will become a Norfolk institution.'

James Bagge, High Sheriff of Norfolk, has also put his support behind the inaugural event.

He said: 'I think Norfolk Day is brilliant.'

Mr Bagge added it would be 'wonderful' if he could hand over his fundraising cheque on Norfolk Day to go towards the county's unpaid carer.

Norwich Evening News: Norfolk Day supporter, James Bagge, High Sheriff of Norfolk. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYNorfolk Day supporter, James Bagge, High Sheriff of Norfolk. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

He is embarking on a 1,500 mile trek from Stradsett to Santiago de Compostela on Spain's west coast after he ends his year as High Sheriff of Norfolk.

He hopes to raise £60,000 through his Walking4Norfolk challenge which will be given to unpaid carers by Norfolk Community Foundation.

David Walker, Sheriff of Norwich, and David Fullman, Lord Mayor of Norwich, have also backed Norfolk Day.

Wrestler Nick Aldis is another who has given his backing to the day.

Norwich Evening News: Wrestler Nick Aldis, aka Magnus, with the TNA World Heavyweight Championship belt. Picture: TNA WrestlingWrestler Nick Aldis, aka Magnus, with the TNA World Heavyweight Championship belt. Picture: TNA Wrestling (Image: TNA Wrestling)

The National Wrestling Alliance world champion said growing up in rural Norfolk was part of the reason he had succeeded in wrestling.

'With the exception of television there wasn't a whole lot of distractions except sports,' he said, adding that he supported Norfolk Day and would be celebrating on July 27 with the rest of the county.

The initiative was launched by the EDP and Norwich Evening News in partnership with BBC Radio Norfolk and has the backing of business and community organisations who are planning events.

Visit the Norfolk Day Shop to get involved.