Two things have become synonymous with Cromer and our stretch of the North Norfolk Coast: Crabs and Poppyland Radio!
In a glorious coming together of these two iconic stars of Poppyland life, The Cromer Crab & Lobster Festival held out a friendly claw and invited Poppyland Radio to get involved in this years famous Festival - a highlight of the Norfolk springtime calendar.
Unique Festival Art
You'll be hearing from the Festival organisers in The Mardle. They'll be keeping us up-to-date with the latest developments as the Festival builds up to its glorious climax on 31 August. For those that aren't familiar with this local institution, specially made pieces of art have been created by local charity About with Friends. This year the artworks are treasure chests. The chests are raw and unfinished, and are sold to raise funds for the Crab & Lobster Festival charity.
Public Voting
57 businesses and organisations have now purchased the treasure chests, and are busy decorating, beautifying and customising them. Soon, they will start appearing in shops, restaurants and public places in and around Cromer. The public can then appreciate and admire all the different customised treasure chests, and will be able to vote for their favourites.
Dragons Den-style Pitches
All the treasure chest owners are able to submit a 60 second Dragons Den-style pitch to earn more public votes. These pitches will be played out every week on Poppyland Radio in The Mardle (Thursday from 3pm) until the most popular one is crowned champion in August.
Pavilion Theatre Show
From 16 to 18 May, it's Festival weekend in Cromer. On Friday 16th, The Pavilion Theatre on Cromer Pier hosts a spectacular Cromer Crab & Lobster show special featuring Norfolk funny man and star of BGT Ben Langley, singing sensation Dale Bullimore, The Pot of Gold Shanty Crew and the latest crop of talented students from local dance school Live & Let's Dance.
Stalls, Cookery Demonstrations & Fishing Exhibitions
On 17th and 18th May, there'll be stalls, cookery demonstrations and entertainments on Evington Lawns Carnival Field, fishing exhibitions at the town museum and all manner of things to do and see in the town. Words is, there'll also be crabs in their shell suits waiting for you to catch them from the pier itself!?
World Pier Crabbing Championship & Festival Auction
As the holiday season peaks on August 31st, the focus returns to the pier. At 10am, you can watch or compete in the World Pier Crabbing Championship. Everyone looks forward to that (apart from the crabs). Later on, at 12.30pm, all the unique 2025 Treasure Chests will be auctioned to the highest bidders to raise funds which will be used to make Cromer an even more beautiful, special place to live and visit.
For the full Cromer Crab & Lobster Festival itinerary, just visit the website or search on Facebook. To hear about the latest Festival news and the Treasure Chest vote pitches, listen in to The Mardle from 3pm on Thursdays on www.poppylandradio.co.uk.
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