Norfolk’s Young Artists Bring their Churches to Life
Over 600 artworks by Norfolk primary schoolchildren go on display at the Crypt Gallery, Norwich Cathedral from 15th – 20th June 2026
The Norfolk Churches Trust warmly invites everyone to come and celebrate what the children of Norfolk have achieved. The exhibition runs for one week only, so do take the opportunity to see these wonderful works in person, and perhaps to discover the beautiful setting of the Crypt Gallery for the first time.
The Norfolk Churches Trust is delighted to announce the opening of a remarkable exhibition at the Crypt Gallery, Norwich Cathedral. Showcasing the results of its 50th Anniversary Primary Schools Art Competition, this is one of the largest celebrations of children’s art ever staged in Norfolk. This exhibition runs from Monday 15th June to Saturday 20th June.
The competition, which attracted an extraordinary 2,500 entries from primary schools across the county, invited children to draw, paint and capture their local church. The response exceeded all expectations. From the entries received, over 600 artworks have been selected to be displayed in this special exhibition, offering visitors a vivid and often deeply moving portrait of Norfolk’s churches seen through the eyes of the county’s youngest residents.
The competition was open to children across three age categories: Reception; Years 1 & 2; Years 3 & 4; and Years 5 & 6. Prize-winners in each category receive significant awards in art equipment, £500 worth for the winning school and £100 for the winning artist in first place, with £250 for the school and £75 for the artist in second place, all kindly supplied by Abacus Creative Resources. At a time when arts budgets are under severe pressure, NCT hopes these prizes make a real and lasting difference to the schools involved.
The competition sits at the heart of NCT’s mission: to encourage people of all ages to explore and cherish Norfolk’s extraordinary collection of historic churches, over 650 of them, the greatest concentration of medieval churches anywhere in the world. Inviting children to look at these buildings with fresh eyes is part of that endeavour, and the response from schools, teachers and families across the county has been wonderful.
The finalists’ work was judged by a distinguished panel of celebrity judges: Susie Fowler-Watt, journalist and presenter on BBC Look East; Ben Youngs, England rugby international; and Lauren Hemp, professional footballer and Lioness. NCT is enormously grateful to all three for giving their time and bringing such enthusiasm to the judging process.
A special Prize Presentation Ceremony will take place on Tuesday 17th June at 4pm, when prizes will be presented by the celebrated ceramicist and entrepreneur Dame Emma Bridgewater.
EXHIBITION DETAILS
Exhibition: Norfolk Churches Trust 50th Anniversary Primary Schools Art Competition
Venue: The Crypt Gallery, Norwich Cathedral, Norwich, NR1 4EH
Dates: Monday 15 to Saturday 20 June 2026
Opening Times: 10am-4pm Monday to Friday; 10am-3pm Saturday
Admission: Free
Prize Presentation: Tuesday 17th June, 4pm — prizes presented by Dame Emma Bridgewater
Judges: Susie Fowler-Watt (BBC Look East), Ben Youngs (England Rugby), Lauren Hemp (Lioness)
