10 things to do at this year’s Cromer Carnival

PUBLISHED: 11:01 10 August 2018 | UPDATED: 11:46 10 August 2018

A fireworks display over Cromer Carnival. Photograph: Peter Stibbons.

A Viking invasion was one of the highlights at a previous Cromer Carnival fancy dress dance. Photo: Andreas Yiasimi

1. The Fancy Dress Dance

Every year hundreds of people hire and create colourful outfits for the biggest fancy dress dance in Cromer’s social calendar. Tickets have already gone on sale, so snap them up quickly before the big day. The dance takes place on Friday 17th August.

Cromer Carnival waiter and waitress race along the promenade and pier forecourt. Photo: Mark Bullimore.

2. The Waiters and Waitresses’ Race

Staff from local pubs, restaurants and hotels put their serving skills to the test at the waiters and waitresses’ race. The event has been a carnival fixture for more than 40 years. It takes place on Monday 13th August.

Razz the Clown's bubble car at Cromer Carnival 2017. Photograph: James Bass Photography

3. Meet Razz the Clown

The programme on Tuesday 14th August is devoted to family fun in the carnival arena. There will be a performance from the Wildcats Aerobatic Display Team, chances to meet the East Anglian Working Newfoundland Dogs, and no carnival would be complete without Razz the Clown and Auntie Pearl.

Marlene's School of Dance host an open event on the pier forecourt as part of Cromer Carnival. Photo: Simon Finlay

4. Zumba and Yoga

Dance, shimmy and shake yourself fit by Cromer Pier. Marlene’s School of Dancing will be offering Ballroom, Latin and Zumba workout sessions on Monday 13th August, while Wyn Nurse will be running a Yoga session on Wednesday 15th August.

Hundreds turned up for the 2017 Cromer Carnival bingo event. Photo: Jono Read

5. Bingo

Cromer’s biggest bingo night takes place in the Carnival Marquee on Runton Road. Whether you are a regular player or playing for fun there’s something for everyone at this event on the evening of Tuesday 14th August. Don’t forget to bring your dabber!

The Red Arrows fly giving a display over Cromer Pier during Cromer Carnival week. Photo: Antony Kelly.

6. The Red Arrows

They’re a highlight wherever they visit, prompting looks of joy and amazement as they scream overhead, and they’re returning to Cromer Carnival on Wednesday 15th August at the later time of 4pm. Arrive early to get a good spot!

Illuminated Floats at the Cromer Carnival. Photo: Andreas Yiasimi.

7. The Illuminated Procession

As dusk falls on Thursday 16th August Cromer will be lit up once again with illuminated floats, lanterns, glowsticks and umbrellas. Lanterns and glowsticks can be purchased before the parade.

Cromer Carnival fireworks reflecting in the sea. Photo: Emma Boyd.

8. The Fireworks Display

Following the illuminated procession will be the carnival’s spectacular fireworks display taking place over the clifftops.

Crabbing off the sides of Cromer Pier. Photo: Antony Kelly.

9. Crabbing

Crabs are a big theme of Cromer Carnival - with opportunities to paint a crab shell, to dress a crab (Thursday 16th August), and to catch one off the side of Cromer Pier (Friday 17th August).

The grand Cromer Carnival parade in previous years. Photo: Antony Kelly.

10. The Carnival Parade

The big parade kicks off from 6.45pm on Wednesday 15th August running through the town via Runton Road, Prince of Wales Road, Hamilton Road, Church Street, Mount Street, Louden Road, West Street, Beach Road and returning to the Runton Road car park.

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