A concert with a blend of sea shanties, folk and humour is the curtain raiser to the Cromer and Sheringham Crab and Lobster Festival, which gets under way next week.

North Norfolk News: John Conolly who is appearing in the Crab and Lobster festival concertJohn Conolly who is appearing in the Crab and Lobster festival concert (Image: Archant)

The festival returns for the fourth year on May 18-19, but on the Friday night Cromer Pier is hosting the traditional opening concert.

The show stars the Sheringham Shantymen, internationally-respected singer John Conolly and more humour from Nigel 'Boy' Sayer, with Olly Day as compere.

The Shantymen have developed their own style of performing songs of the sea over 20 years of local performances and visits to maritime festivals at Bristol, Southampton and Portsmouth.

John Conolly has based his style firmly in the folk tradition, with finely-crafted songs performed with warmth, good humour and lilting accompaniments on guitar and melodeon.

Nigel 'Boy' Sayer uses daft poetry, hilarious stories and acting the fool on stage to get a laugh.

Host Olly Day is firmly established as one of East Anglia's best all round performers - mixing song with comedy and magic, a combination which has made him a key part of the Cromer Christmas Seaside Special for four years.

Tickets are £5 from the box office on 01263 512495. More information about the festival at www.crabandlobsterfestival.co.uk