Cromer Boxing Day dip 2023: Photos as crowds take the plunge

After a 10-second countdown, a stampede of brave beachgoers bounded towards the North Sea for a festive tradition which raises thousands of pounds for local charities across Norfolk every year.

And it was December sunshine rather than snow that beamed down on the hardy souls braving the 4C waters on Boxing Day, with many others watching on from the pier and Esplanade.

This year’s dip raised funds for Cromer Community and Hospital Friends – a charity helping to enhance care and treatment for patients across north Norfolk.

The annual event is put on by the North Norfolk Beach Runners, and after 20 years it was the final time that Clive Hedges was taking charge of organising the dip, after stepping down as the group’s chairman earlier this year.

“In my time I’ve only missed one dip, because I was ill,” Mr Hedges said.

“It’s a great spectacle which is all for charity. We always select a local charity and this year was for Cromer Community and Hospital Friends.

“It’s brilliant and 95pc of the money we raise comes through bucket collections from our hardy group of volunteers who mill around the crowds and encourage people to give generously.

“My fondest memory was when the tide was as far back as it gets and to turn around and see hundreds of people running the length of the beach was a real spectacle.

“You need to get your hair wet, though – you can’t just go up to your knees.

“St John Ambulance and HM Coastguard have always been brilliant as well and we couldn’t do it without them.”