Cromer & Sheringham Crab Festival  16th - 18th May 2014 08 May 2014
Reasons To Visit Cromer This Spring, Summer & Autumn – From Crab Festivals To Carnivals, Wildlife And Theatre

Cromer Chamber of Trade

Looking for a bargain break with beautiful beaches, great seafood, a local art scene and wonderful wildlife on the doorstep? Look no further than Cromer in North Norfolk. www.thisiscromer.co.uk.

This quaint British seaside town has a great deal to offer and shouldn't be overlooked when planning your next British beach getaway. Still not tempted well here are five of the best reasons to visit in 2014.

1. The Cromer Crab Festival: www.crabandlobsterfestival.co.uk

Taking place from 16th to 18th May 2014, The Cromer and Sheringham Crab and Lobster Festival is a celebration of these two seafood destinations. The festival will open on Friday 16th on Cromer Pier and Festival Day in Cromer is on the Saturday. Highlights include: Live cookery school and Crab dressing demonstrations, boat art trail, a scrumptious seafood trail taking in 35 restaurants between the two towns all serving delicious crab dishes for visitors to sample. There is also street theatre, children's entertainment, market stalls and demonstrations of fishing heritage skills such as net making and lobster pot building.  To book accommodation see www.thisiscromer.co.uk

2. Cromer Pier: www.cromer-pier.com

Every summer the Pavilion Theatre on Cromer Pier hosts a 'Summer Special.' Taking place from 21st June until 20th September 2014 this is one of the best live variety shows available in the UK. Featuring top comedians, speciality acts and dance, move over Las Vegas dancing girls - Britain truly has got talent and its' here for all to enjoy on Cromer's Pier. Tickets start from £10 per person. To book see the website or call 01263 512495.

3. Cromer Carnival: www.cromercarnival.co.uk – 16th to 22nd August 2014

Held during the third week of August every year Cromer Carnival is a celebration of all things Cromer. The main day is 20th August, there is a parade through the town to open the festival and crown 'Miss Cromer 2014,' floats, a fancy dress competition, dog show, classic cars and this year will see the return of the Red Arrows. The two weeks before from 2nd August are the Childrens Carnival weeks, with lots of fun events for children of all ages. All welcome please come along and join in the fun. For accommodation see www.thisiscromer.co.uk

4. Wildlife

Cromer is a haven for wildlife, not only for the sea birds and coastal creatureswho have made this coastline their home but also for the many inland animals living on the Norfolk Broads just a short drive away. For a few years the BBC Springwatch had a base in Norfolk to observe the local wildlife in its natural habitat. North Norfolk is also home to two UK zoo's, the newly refurbished Amazona Zoo in Cromer, the other just a short drive away at Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens.

5. Coast www.casaff.co.uk – 24th October to 2nd November 2014

COAST (Cromer and Sheringham Arts Festival) is a celebration of local, national and international art. Highlights include: painting, sculpture, dance, theatre, literature, film, poetry, music, photography, installations, workshops and much more. Some events are free to attend while others may need tickets. For more details or to book 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. Cromer's reputation for crab fishing 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.