EDP and North Norfolk News launch Sheringham Is Open for Business campaign to help those affected by sinkhole

Sheringham market, just one of the town's unique shopping attractions.Picture: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

Today the North Norfolk News and Eastern Daily Press are launching a campaign to promote the treasured seaside town of Sheringham and highlight what makes it so special.

With two businesses still closed and other traders feeling the impact of the Sheringham sinkhole, we are joining forces with organisations including the town council, the carnival association and Sheringham Chamber of Trade to get the message out loud and clear that it's business as usual.

Through our Sheringham Is Open For Business campaign, we will promote Sheringham's unique mix of independent shops and highlight some of the fantastic events happening in the town.

Over the coming weeks, we will report on Sheringham traders' determination to 'keep calm and carry on' and focus on some of the businesses affected by the sinkhole.

Sheringham High Street is open for business as usual.Picture: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

Sheringham Carnival events manager Graham Deans, who is landlord of The Lobster pub, said his fellow committee members are determined the packed programme of events they have spent months putting together would go ahead as planned.

"We want to draw more people than ever into Sheringham and everyone intends to pull together to make sure that happens," he said.

"We are open for business and this town is strong enough and resilient enough to get over this blip."

Contingency plans for carnival events that could be affected if High Street remains closed have been drawn up, with extra parking available on Beeston Common, and an alternative parade route mapped out.

Sheringham mayor Madeleine Ashcroft (right) and deputy mayor Liz Withington, who are working with town organisations to minimise the impact of the sinkhole on trade an tourism.Picture: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

Forty two dance sides will descend on Sheringham for the annual Potty Morris Dance Festival on July 6 and 7, with up to 7,000 spectators expected, Mr Deans and his team have arranged for alternative roads to be closed off to allow dancers to perform around the town.

"Scaling down any of these events because of the sinkhole just isn't part of the plan," he said.

Sheringham deputy mayor Liz Withington said: "We are delighted the NNN and EDP are supporting the town by running this campaign as I think it reflects what a strong community we are and how we are all working together to minimise the impact of the sinkhole and make the best of a very difficult situation."

Sheringham high street is open for business as usual.Picture: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

Fun for all the family: What's on in Sheringham

From classic car and motorcycle shows, to the annual carnival, which runs from August 3-11, Sheringham has a packed programme of events planned for the summer.

Here is just a taste of what is on offer:- June 14-16: North Norfolk Railway Mixed Traction Gala: www.nnrailway.com

- July 6-7: Potty Morris Festival (opening parade 10am). North Norfolk Railway vintage transport weekend and bus rally.

Engineers working on repairing the sinkhole in Sheringham high street.Picture: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

- July 13- 14: Sheringham Park, History Comes to Life weekend.

- July 19-21: North Norfolk Railway beer festival.

- July 21: Sheringham Carnival raft race.

- July 22: Sheringham Golf Club classic car event with show and shine.

From left: Sheringham Chamber of Trade chairman Andrew Munden, town mayor Madeleine Ashcroft and carnival chairman Stuart McClean, who are supporting the Eastern Daily Press and North Norfolk News Sheringham Open For Business campaign. Picture: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

- July 25 to September 4: Sheringham Little Theatre five-play summer repertory season: www.sheringhamlittletheatre.com

- July 27: Harley Davison ride-out (12pm-3pm).

- July 27: Rock Bodham music festival.

For more information, and updates, visit www.sheringhamcarnival.com or the Sheringham Carnival (official) Facebook page.

Sheringham mayor Madeleine Ashcroft (right) and deputy mayor Liz Withington, who are working with town organisations to minimise the impact of the sinkhole on trade an tourism.Picture: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)