Cromer gears up for World Pier Crabbing Championships and an auction of decorated seahorses.

This Bank Holiday, Cromer will welcome the return of the World Pier Crabbing Championships where crowds of people will line the length of the pier to vie for the coveted title.

On the same day more than 80 decorated seahorses will be displayed on the pier forecourt before they are auctioned off to the highest bidder for charity.

The two annual events, which will be held on Sunday, August 27, are organised by the Crab & Lobster Festival.

The colourful and wonderfully decorated Seahorses have adorned shop windows, parks, hotels, pubs and guesthouses across north Norfolk as part of the Festival’s annual art trail.

The auction, which has become a staple event for the festival, will be the first-and-only-time people will have a chance to see all the seahorses displayed together.

Starting the day off with the World Pier Crabbing Championships from 10am until 12noon, organisers will be looking for the greatest number of crabs caught on a line or net, with
a prize for the largest crab.

The World Championship will be decided on the largest number of crabs caught on a handline. All crabs caught will be returned to the see within 10 minutes of catching.

Registration is from 9.30am.

The first part of the Seahorse Auction will take place at 12noon followed by an interval at 12.45pm when the Old Wild Rovers will perform shanty songs.

At 2pm, part two of the Auction will begin and will run until all are sold.

Cash or card payments will be taken on the day for auction sales.

The auction will also be supported by up to 20 stalls along the promenade, selling a wide range of items including crafts, specialist foods and family activities.

Festival Chairman Tony Shipp said: “Hundreds of visitors and local families have followed the Porthole Art Trail through the season, the auction is your chance to bid for your favourite and is the climax to this year’s festival.

“We hope that locals and visitors alike will spend the day with us in Cromer on August 27 and take part in the Crabbing Championships before attending and bidding at the Auction.”

For more information visit www.crabandlobsterfestival.co.uk

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