Support for Norfolk Day has continued to pour in as businesses and organisations across the county have pledged to get involved.

Norwich Evening News: Norfolk Day Walcott Beach GENERIC Picture: ANTONY KELLYNorfolk Day Walcott Beach GENERIC Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2018)

Chef director of The Assembly House in Norwich, Richard Hughes, welcomed the announcement and has given his backing to the July 27 initiative.

He said: 'To quote Nelson, I'm a Norfolk man and glory in being so - I love the county, its people, the sense of community and the way everyone here roots for each other.

'The food produced in Norfolk makes it easy to write incredible menus full of local produce because we have it all: surf, turf, dairy, master brewers...the list is endless.

'Having Norfolk as your storecupboard means being a chef here is a real treat.'

Norwich Evening News: Tom Blofeld. Picture: CPRE NorfolkTom Blofeld. Picture: CPRE Norfolk (Image: Archant)

Mr Hughes said he thought the initiative was 'a fantastic idea and our team can't wait to be involved'.

'We are cheerleaders for Norwich, for Norfolk and for everyone who lives or visits the county.'

The Museum of the Broads in Stalham has also given its backing to Norfolk Day and said it would put a team together to come up with ways in which it could get involved.

Museum trustee Caroline Male said: 'The Museum of the Broads is very excited about Norfolk day. We are forming a small team to come up with ideas and deliver something which really captures what's fabulous about our great county today - with a Broads twist of course.'

Norwich Evening News: Norfolk Day Happisburgh Lighthouse GENERIC Picture: ANTONY KELLYNorfolk Day Happisburgh Lighthouse GENERIC Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2018)

BeWILDerwood chief executive Tom Blofeld said they would also participate: 'Even though every day at BeWILDerwood is a celebration of Norfolk, on July 27 the Thornyclod Spider will be cooking some fantastic food for everyone to help highlight the dramatic rise of our culinary status here in Norfolk.'

A number of other organisations have also expressed interest in taking part.

Editor David Powles said: 'The response to Norfolk Day has been really great so far and I would urge everyone to think about ways they may be able to get involved, even if it is just by showing the Norfolk Day colours when Friday, July 27 comes along.

'This is an opportunity for the county's residents and businesses to show how proud they are of Norfolk.'

Norwich Evening News: Museum of the Broads at Stalham Staithe. Picture : ANTONY KELLYMuseum of the Broads at Stalham Staithe. Picture : ANTONY KELLY

• To get involved email your ideas to norfolkday@archant.co.uk, tweet @norfolk or log on to the Norfolk Day Facebook group.

Norwich Evening News: The Assembly House in Norwich. Picture: Karen FullerThe Assembly House in Norwich. Picture: Karen Fuller (Image: © Fuller Photography)

'Extra special' afternoon tea planned for Norfolk Day

The Assembly House in Norwich joins OPEN in confirming it will host a Norfolk Day event on July 27.

Chef director Richard Hughes said they will run 'an extra special' Norfolk Day-themed afternoon tea.

He said they would be adding 'even more' products sourced from the county to the menu.

Norwich Evening News: Charlie Hodson, executive chef at the Fur & Feather, supporting Norfolk Day at the Eastern Daily Press and Radio Norfolk launch in Dereham's Market Place. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYCharlie Hodson, executive chef at the Fur & Feather, supporting Norfolk Day at the Eastern Daily Press and Radio Norfolk launch in Dereham's Market Place. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant)

Sittings will be from noon to 5pm and normal prices will apply.

Designed by architect Thomas Ivory in 1754 and located in the heart of Norwich, The Assembly House has been hosting celebrations for centuries.

It is also home to The Richard Hughes Cookery School.

For more information visit www.assemblyhousenorwich.co.uk.

OPEN in Norwich will host the Norfolk County Youth Orchestra alongside an International Youth Orchestra.

Tickets will go on sale soon while further details will be released in the coming weeks.

Charlie Hodson - 10 reasons why I love Norfolk

Chef Charlie Hodson of Woodfordes and Charlie's Norfolk Food heroes, who has agreed to be a Norfolk Day ambassador along with The Very Rev Jane Hedges, Dean of Norwich Cathedral, and Evolutionary biologist, primatologist and broadcaster Dr Ben Garrod, lists 10 reasons why he loves Norfolk.

'In no particular order they are: Cromer RNLI, which I am a former crew member and supporter of; the amazing Norfolk pork; the beautiful Broads; the wonderful people; the East Anglian Game and Country Fair; Colmans Mustard; Royal Norfolk Show; Holkham Hall Estate; the really fine city of Norwich; and Woodfordes Brewery.'

Mr Hodson said Norfolk Day was a great way to unite the county and bring people from different backgrounds together.

He encouraged community organisations and businesses to get involved, saying there was strength in unity.

'It's not easy out there but if we unite and work together it will make us stronger and benefit everyone.'