North Norfolk is officially gearing up for summer, as famous festivals taking place in the district launch this year's events.

North Norfolk News: Cromer and Sheringham Crab & Lobster Festival 2010Grand Crazy Crustacea Charity Auction on Cromer Promenade of the 82 decorated models.Lot 21 Sponsered by Cromer Museum Picture: James BassCopy: Ed FossFor: EDP NewsEastern Daily Press © 2010 (01603) 772434Cromer and Sheringham Crab & Lobster Festival 2010Grand Crazy Crustacea Charity Auction on Cromer Promenade of the 82 decorated models.Lot 21 Sponsered by Cromer Museum Picture: James BassCopy: Ed FossFor: EDP NewsEastern Daily Press © 2010 (01603) 772434 (Image: Archant Norfolk Photographic © 2010)

The hugely popular Crab and Lobster festival taking place between Cromer and Sheringham have announced the launch of this years' Art Trail, which draws hundreds of people to the towns and raises thousands for local causes.

Last year's art trail saw shops promoting their sponsored portholes, where this year windows will be adorned with light house statues.

Chairman of the Crab and Lobster Festival Tony Shipp explained: 'The Art Trail will launch on the first weekend of the Crab and Lobster festival, which this year will be May 19 and 20.

'Shops and businesses will be displaying their lighthouse figures until the end of the Crab and Lobster festival when they will be auctioned off.'

North Norfolk News: Crab and Lobster Festival 2013 Lovely Lifebuoy Auction. PHOTO: ANTONY KELLYCrab and Lobster Festival 2013 Lovely Lifebuoy Auction. PHOTO: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2013)

In previous years the auction has raised as much as £7,000 for local organisations.

'Last year raised £5,000 which was fantastic, it's what we tend to average so we'll be looking to raise that, if not more,' Mr Shipp added.

He continued: 'We chose lighthouses this year to stick to a nautical theme. Plus, Cromer has a lighthouse.

'We've already had a lot of businesses asking if they can have one of the large lighthouse models so we're going to order some more of those.

North Norfolk News: The Cromer and Sheringham Crab and Lobster Festival Wacky Windbreak auction 2012. Former Sheringham Mayor Noel Gant pictured with a decorated lifebhoy, which will be the subject of next years festival art trail.PHOTO: ANTONY KELLYThe Cromer and Sheringham Crab and Lobster Festival Wacky Windbreak auction 2012. Former Sheringham Mayor Noel Gant pictured with a decorated lifebhoy, which will be the subject of next years festival art trail.PHOTO: ANTONY KELLY (Image: © ARCHANT NORFOLK 2012)

'People are also already getting their requests in for the smaller models which they're looking forward to decorating.'

There will be around 100 lighthouses of two different shapes across Sheringham, Cromer and the surrounding areas.

The Art Trail will be hosting a launch on February 20 for potential businesses and sponsors to sign up and learn more about the trail.

The event will be held at The Cliftonville Hotel on Runton Road from 7.30pm until 8pm.

North Norfolk News: The Cromer and Sheringham Crab and Lobster Festival Wacky Windbreak auction 2012. Successful bidders, Ema Rowlands, owner of Breakers Cafe, Cromer, with her son Rowan Rowlands 8 and partner Laurie Scott.PHOTO: ANTONY KELLYThe Cromer and Sheringham Crab and Lobster Festival Wacky Windbreak auction 2012. Successful bidders, Ema Rowlands, owner of Breakers Cafe, Cromer, with her son Rowan Rowlands 8 and partner Laurie Scott.PHOTO: ANTONY KELLY (Image: © ARCHANT NORFOLK 2012)

A spokesperson for the Crab and Lobster Festival said: 'The prospect is an exciting one and the lighthouses will provide a wonderful base for some artistic creations.'

Food and drinks will also be available for attendees, however if you do wish to attend the Festival committee asks that individuals confirm with Mr Shipp on 01263 512591.

North Norfolk News: Cromer & Sheringham Crab & Lobster Festival Bootiful Boats Trail. Julie Davies from Blyth & Wright Ironmongers in Sheringham.PHOTO: ANTONY KELLYCromer & Sheringham Crab & Lobster Festival Bootiful Boats Trail. Julie Davies from Blyth & Wright Ironmongers in Sheringham.PHOTO: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2014)

North Norfolk News: Cromer and Sheringham Crab and Lobster Festival ends with a charity auction of this year's decorated ships' wheels, on the forecourt of the pier with the proceeds going to charity. Pictured is Luke Evans with the Western House B&B. Picture: MARK BULLIMORECromer and Sheringham Crab and Lobster Festival ends with a charity auction of this year's decorated ships' wheels, on the forecourt of the pier with the proceeds going to charity. Pictured is Luke Evans with the Western House B&B. Picture: MARK BULLIMORE (Image: Archant Norfolk 2015)

North Norfolk News: Cromer and Sheringham Crab and Lobster Festival ends with a charity auction of this year's decorated ships' wheels, on the forecourt of the pier with the proceeds going to charity. Pictured is Auctioneer Martyn Fox of Keys in Aylsham.Picture: MARK BULLIMORECromer and Sheringham Crab and Lobster Festival ends with a charity auction of this year's decorated ships' wheels, on the forecourt of the pier with the proceeds going to charity. Pictured is Auctioneer Martyn Fox of Keys in Aylsham.Picture: MARK BULLIMORE (Image: Archant Norfolk 2015)

North Norfolk News: Cromer and Sheringham Crab and Lobster Festival ends with a charity auction of this year's decorated ships' wheels, on the forecourt of the pier with the proceeds going to charity. Pictured is Auctioneer Martyn Fox of Keys in Aylsham.Picture: MARK BULLIMORECromer and Sheringham Crab and Lobster Festival ends with a charity auction of this year's decorated ships' wheels, on the forecourt of the pier with the proceeds going to charity. Pictured is Auctioneer Martyn Fox of Keys in Aylsham.Picture: MARK BULLIMORE (Image: Archant Norfolk 2015)

North Norfolk News: Some of the Ships Wheel's on display in and around Sheringham as part of the Crab and Lobster festival between Crome road Sheringham. Julie Davies of Blyth and WrightPicture: MARK BULLIMORESome of the Ships Wheel's on display in and around Sheringham as part of the Crab and Lobster festival between Crome road Sheringham. Julie Davies of Blyth and WrightPicture: MARK BULLIMORE (Image: Archant Norfolk 2015)