Published: Wednesday, 26th August 2026
Gaming Day marks the start of a major digital skills programme for young people aged 11–16 at King’s Lynn Library.
More than 50 young people came together to explore and experience a range of gaming technologies, with plenty of opportunities to get hands-on and try something new. They were also joined by Glowfrog, a Norfolk-based gaming company, who showcased their new game and shared their experiences of working in the industry, including how they got started.
The day was a huge success, with new connections made and lots of enthusiasm for what’s to come. We’re hoping that the participating schools will select these students, alongside others to take part in the programme and attend the upcoming workshops.
The Future Talent: Tech Programme is a free digital skills programme for Year 8, 9 & 10 students across King's Lynn and West Norfolk launches this summer. This programme will give over 100 young people a real-world encounter with the technology industry - at no cost to schools or families. The Tech Programme will be delivered by Norfolk-based Tech Educators and commissioned by the Borough Council of King's Lynn & West Norfolk, will bring together seven secondary schools across the region. Running from August through to November 2026, the programme culminates in a two-day hackathon at the Alive Corn Exchange on 4th and 5th November, where student teams will build and pitch tech solutions to a panel of industry judges.
From September, enrolled students will take part in four Tech Inspiration Workshops at King's Lynn Library, where they will work in teams on a live challenge brief set by the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. They will explore using AI, vibe coding, project management and design thinking in preparation for the flagship hackathon event at the King's Lynn Corn Exchange
The programme is fully funded through an investment by the Borough Council King’s Lynn & West Norfolk, supported by the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, and Norfolk Careers Hub, in the future of young people across the region.
Cllr Jo Rust, Cabinet member for People and Communities said:
“The Future Talent: Tech Programme is opening the door for young people across King’s Lynn and West Norfolk to explore real‑world tech skills and discover what they’re truly capable of. These workshops will give them the chance to connect with other young people, build new skills and gain confidence in pathways that could lead to exciting digital careers.
“I’m delighted to see this project come to life, and the new library is the perfect community space for it. We believe in our young people, and we are committed to improving their educational opportunities, which are already happening though a number of schemes such as the St George’s Guildhall, BOOST and our support for apprenticeships, and now this programme.
“With hands‑on workshops and the opportunity to showcase their talent at a two-day hackathon event at the Corn Exchange, this initiative will help inspire the next generation of digital innovators in West Norfolk.”
Rebecca Harris, Tech Educators, said:
“Inspiring young people starts with helping them have fun, feel engaged and connect with their environment. At our dedicated Gaming Day, young people had the opportunity to play on VR headsets, challenge each other in multiplayer games and try out something new — sparking plenty of laughter and excitement.
“Today’s teenagers are the generation that understands technology intuitively and will become the tech talent of the future. By helping them connect their passions — whether that’s fashion, music, sport, animals or agriculture — with technology, we can broaden their thinking about what their future could look like”.
The programme is specifically designed to reach young people who may not yet have considered a future in technology, prioritising young women, students eligible for Free School Meals, and those from groups currently underrepresented in the tech sector.
96.6% of previous hackathon participants report positive outcomes, with many describing it as one of the most significant experiences of their education — citing increased confidence, a clearer sense of career direction, and a stronger belief that tech is for them.
You can also find other Digifest activities put on at Norfolk County Council libraries. Orsted will be delivering a coding and robotics sessions with an environmental sustainability theme during the October half-term. As well as further activities to coincide with Green Libraries Week, so keep an eye out for them.