Crowds turn out in force for ninth annual Cromer and Sheringham Crab and Lobster Festival

Non-stop sunshine brought crowds out in force for the ninth annual Cromer and Sheringham Crab and Lobster Festival, held across the two towns on Saturday and Sunday.

Hundreds turned out at Cromer on the opening day, to see local chefs in action at an open-air cookery theatre, browse more than 50 stalls and sample locally-produced food ranging from artisan bread, to pickles and preserves.

Other attractions included music from north Norfolk groups the Seaside Strummers and the Old Wild Rovers, a crab lucky dip, charity stalls, children's entertainment from Razz and Auntie Pearl and Rollo the Clown and fringe events including a lighthouse trail around the town and a gardening festival at North Lodge Park.

Festival-goers also had a chance to try their hand at crab dressing at a stand run by Julie Davies, of Davies Fish Shop, with a heritage marquee boasting displays by Paston Heritage Society and the Friends of Cromer Museum, a rope-making demonstration by Des and Liz Pawson, from Ipswich, and a gansey knitting demonstration by Rita Taylor, of Saxthorpe.

Sheringham joined in the fun on Sunday, with carnival events manager Graham Deans and his team organising fishing heritage displays, stalls on the prom and entertainment from the Sheringham Shantymen and jazz band the Foreign Locals.

Fishing boats also lined the high street, with town cafes and restaurants serving up seafood specialities as part of a competition to create the best festival-themed dish.

Mr Deans, who owns the Lobster pub and bed and breakfast, said the event had exceeded expectations.

'We wanted to promote the fishing heritage of the town and raise the profile of the fishing industry and, judging by the number of people who have turned out, it has been a big success,' he added.

Sunday events at Cromer included market stalls, music, and a competition to find Cromer's best dressed crab, as well as a closing barbecue, bar and band.

Cromer carnival chairman Tony Shipp said: 'The whole thing has gone very well, the weather has been perfect and although we expected a lull during the royal wedding, that didn't happen and we have had good crowds all weekend.'