Head to Cromer, north Norfolk this half term for an arty escape and some family fun, COAST 2014 (The Cromer & Sheringham Arts Festival) is now in its fourth year.

This family-friendly celebration of art and artists on the coast offers a wide range of art forms including: painting, sculpture, dance, theatre, literature, film, poetry, music, photography, installations, workshops and much more. COAST (www.casaf.co.uk) will take place from 24th October until the 2nd November 2014. Traditional artistic styles sit happily alongside more edgy and contemporary exhibitions and workshops. Tickets range from free to £15 per person depending on the event. To book and for a full program of events see www.casaf.co.uk. 

Providing access to the arts in the Cromer and Sheringham areas, the event celebrates the variety and quality of work produced in the local area and giving local communities and visitors the opportunity to experience local, regional, national creativity and international creativity. The festival was first created in 2010 by an industrious group of local artists, gallery owners and businesses all inspired by their local environment and keen to celebrate the artistic talent it supported.  

Martin Torrens, Marketing Manager for Cromer Chamber of Trade and co-owner of Virginia Court Hotel said of the event:

“Coast 2014 promises to be a week to remember with a rich mix of poetry, music, circus and more. Our hotel is hosting a literary lunch and two poetry readings, we are proud to be a supporting venue for 2014 as are many other Cromer Chamber partners. We look forward to showcasing some local artistic talent and enjoying a wider range of national and international art this half term.” 

Festival events will take place throughout half term week in Cromer and Sheringham, highlights for Cromer include:

• NOVA ROCK-ET - A free multimedia 2D Art Exhibition by members of NOVA (The North Norfolk Organisation for Visual Artists.) Taking place at Rocket house café from October 1st until 2nd November
• SCULPTURE AT THE GROVE - NOVA Sculptors will be exhibiting in the gardens of the Grove, Cromer. Throughout COAST week. Free entry. thegrovecromer.co.uk
• ARTISTIC LICENCE - Painter and Photographer Samuel Thomas and David Morris cross a few boundaries in their different interpretations of Norfolk and beyond. Free entry throughout COAST week, at The Red Lion in Cromer.
• CEILIDH WITH RIGAJIG – At Cromer Community Hall on 25th October from 7pm on 25th October, all welcome, tickets required from £5. To book www.casaf.co.uk
• AFRICAN DRUMING WITH ANNA MUDEKA – In celebration of Norfolk Black History Month A Force for Change, taking place in Cromer Library on 29th October at 1.30pm, free but tickets required as places limited.
• POETRY AT VIRGINIA COURT - Afternoon tea followed by poetry reading on the theme 'Jehane Markham, poems and writings, October 29th 3pm, ticket required £6. Call 01263 512398 to book.
• CIRCUS BIZERKUS - A rip-rooring feast of laughter and jollity featuring East Anglia's favourite clowns the Foolhardy Folk in their newest show. Tickets from £5. To book www.casaf.co.uk

This is just a taster of the exhibitions, events and concerts on offer in Cromer, to find out more and to book tickets see the COAST website www.casaf.co.uk. Ticket prices range from free entry to £15 per person. Local hotels and guest houses are available from £35 per night, for details of local accommodation see www.thisiscromer.co.uk 

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For more details or images call Rachele Snowden on 0208 9815466 or 07793 844274 alternatively email rachele@crocodilepr.co.uk

Editors Notes:

Cromer Chamber of Trade was established in 1945, created by a key group of local entrepreneurs keen to see the region continue to flourish for years to come. The Chamber is an association of nearly one hundred shops, accommodation providers and businesses across Cromer and the North Norfolk area.

From its world famous pier and two museums, wide open beaches, spectacular cliffs, to the nationally renowned pier show, cinema and glorious local walks, there is plenty to tempt locals and visitors to this diverse area. Key events for Cromer Chamber members include the town's Folk Festival, Carnival, Lifeboat Day, Crab Festival and Firework displays.

The town dates back to medieval times, once known as Shipden it was then a modest settlement of fishermen and merchants. During the Victorian era the railways arrived and Cromer was born. Many well-to-do Victorian "summer timers" visited the area as a holiday retreat from nearby cities by the 1890s Cromer was fashionable and booming.

The Town has always had a great reputation for crab fishing which remains to this day with several flourishing fish shops and restaurants in the town.

As well as one of Norfolk's most attractive seaside resorts, Cromer provides a key residential, administrative business and service centre for the growing population of North Norfolk. A recent regeneration programme has enhanced its old world charm whilst introducing new facilities.

The Cromer Chamber of Trade was created to provide its members with a voice to promote the wide range of local business and services available. It is an independent, not-for-profit business support and networking organisation that puts the needs and interests of its members and stakeholders at the heart of everything it does.

The aim of Cromer Chamber of Trade is to promote, support and develop the wide range of businesses and services based in Cromer and North Norfolk area while also encouraging and supporting new businesses and industry into the region.