This May Cromer will host its famous Crab & Lobster Festival, with a host of seafaring fun for all the family – and it is all set to get off to a cracking start with its opening concert.
The return of the Festival’s Grand Opening Concert comes after a break of five years.
The fabulous variety show is for anyone who enjoys a traditional seaside spectacular filled with irresistible humour and unique songs of the sea.
Tickets for the event, which takes place at the Pavilion Theatre on Cromer Pier on Friday 17th May 2024, are now on sale.
The ever-popular Olly Day returns to host the show which also features his Fisherman’s act with Nigel ‘boy’ Syer, the seaside tradition of Sea Shanties from the renowned Sheringham Shantymen, with Marlene’s School of Dancing taking to the stage with a variety of dance styles.
Festival Chairman, Tony Shipp, said: “Cromer will once again be celebrating its fishing heritage with the Crab and Lobster Festival over the weekend of 18th and 19th May, starting with the Opening Concert in the Pavilion Theatre.
“It has become an essential part of the Festival weekend, eagerly looked forward to by both local residents and visitors.
“The tickets are now available online and from the theatre’s booking office. So, don’t leave it too late to join us for another wonderful start to our Crab and Lobster Festival weekend this May.”
Olly Day said: “It’s always such a joy to be a part of the Crab and Lobster Festival opening show. Both Nigel ‘boy’ Syer and myself can’t wait to sail our boat down the pier and onto the stage as we perform our special Fisherman’s act this year.
“It’s all about having lots of laughs on the night and we are looking forward to working again with the Sheringham Shantyman.
“It’s always such a great night celebrating those Cromer crustaceans!”
Olly Day, who once again performed on stage hosting his 15th year in the Cromer Christmas Show this winter, is firmly established as one of East Anglia’s finest performers. His unique style combines an irresistible sense of humour and an impressive singing voice.
Nigel ‘boy’ Syer is a natural comedian, using his own daft songs, hilarious Norfolk stories and his uncanny ability for acting the fool on stage to always get a laugh. His ‘country boy’ style of presentation adds an extra twist to his performance that has his audience in stitches.
As well as performing their separate acts on stage, these two comedians will team up to perform a double act, and this year sees the return of the ever-popular Norfolk fisherman!
With gags, comedy, songs, and lots of laughs, this is a perfect tribute to those brave men who collect those wonderful Cromer crustaceans.
Over the last 30 years the Sheringham Shantymen have developed their own style of performing songs of the sea. As well as hundreds of local performances the group has entertained at prestigious Maritime Festivals at Bristol, Falmouth, Southampton and Portsmouth.
The Shantymen’s musical director, Brian Farrow, said: “We are really looking forward to performing back in the iconic Cromer Pier Pavilion Theatre for the Crab and Lobster Festival.
“As one of our favourite venues we really enjoy the audience enthusiasm and interaction whenever we perform at Cromer Pier. The show this year promises to be a blend of traditional sea shanties and folk songs with the usual ‘humourous’ introductions!”
Natalie Day, Principal of Marlene’s School of Dancing, said: “We will be taking to the stage and bringing the feel-good factor, with a variety of dance styles that will leave you dancing in your seat.
“We are really looking forward to the opening concert. For the children to be able to dance on the stage and showcase their talents is the pinnacle of their dance training. It’s really exciting for them to have the opportunity to perform.”
Tickets are £15 and are now available from the Pavilion Theatre box office on 01263 512495 and online. People are advised to book early to avoid disappointment.
The Festival weekend continues on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th May at Evington Lawns in Cromer.
The Festival will host an array of local food and drink stalls, cookery demonstrations, activities for children, heritage displays, live music, crab sandwiches, superb seafood, seafaring crafts, crab dressing demonstrations and a crab dressing competition.
On the Saturday evening from 5pm-7pm, bring your own picnic to the Festival marquee for a party picnic with entertainment by Westie’s Warblers.
Festival chairman Tony Shipp said “It will be a great weekend to be in Cromer. We look forward to seeing you there making the most of the cookery theatre, with demonstrations by local and guest chefs, stalls including crafts, food and specialist beers, musical and children’s entertainment and the great atmosphere that makes up the Cromer Crab & Lobster Festival.
“In addition to the Festival, there is all that Cromer has to offer with its beaches, clifftop walks and a wide variety of shops, cafes and restaurants, many of which will be supporting the Festival with special seafood dishes on their menus.”
Visitors will also be able to follow the Festival’s Art Trail to hunt out decorated mooring post lamps located in shop windows around Cromer. The lamps have been decorated by artists and will be displayed all summer before being auctioned off for local charities in August.
Leaflets for the trail will be available in local tourist information centres.
For more information and updates please visit www.cromercrabandlobsterfestival.co.uk or follow the Festival’s Facebeook page.
