Each church is hosting a relevant art or craft; some highlights:

• St Mary’s Houghton on the Hill, near Swaffham: This hidden treasure has six layers of wall paintings, including paintings from the 11th century. The weekends will feature talks on painting conservation and wall painting.

• St Ethelbert, Thurton: The church has great medieval wall paintings and stained glass. John Bardell, Norfolk stained glass maker will be demonstrating his skills.

• SS Andrew & Peter, Blofield: This church has connections with the Paston family and the poet, John Dryden. The New Writing Partnership will be running poetry workshops during the first weekend. Terry Mann will host the second weekend. Inspired by church bells he wrote a piece of music, Bells of Paradise, for Norfolk & Norwich Festival 2007.

• St George’s Colegate, Norwich: One of the city’s finest medieval churches, local sculptor, David Holgate, will be in residence.

• All Saints, Welborne: Sandra Barker, Yeoman of the Worshipful Company of Basketmakers and the Worstead Weavers Guild – willow basket making and weaving in one of the county’s wool churches, built in the heyday of the Norfolk textile industry.

The Right Reverend Graham James, Lord Bishop of Norwich said: “Norfolk is unique with 648 historic churches, more than anywhere else in the world. Without churches you would lose a key element of the Norfolk countryside. Art Alive is an excellent initiative, promoting the architectural and artistic beauty of our churches and inspiring people to explore the special nature of these spiritual treasures.”

Mari Martin, Head of Arts, Norfolk County Council said: “We are delighted to be working with the Diocese of Norwich on Art Alive and hope that this trail-blazing programme will become an annual event. Art Alive encourages people to discover some of Norfolk’s medieval gems and at the same time take part in a celebration of the county’s rural arts and heritage.”

Art Alive is supported by Awards for All, The John Jarrold Trust, The Diocese of Norwich, Norfolk Arts Partnership, Breckland District Council, Broadland District Council and South Norfolk Council. Each church is near a county footpath or cycle route to enable people to leave their cars and explore. There will be refreshments available at each church.