Big crowds will gather at Cromer on Saturday for the end-of-pier New Year's Day firework display and fun events in the North Norfolk town, says Richard Batson.

Cromer Pier will become a 'battleship' firing explosives over the sea on Saturday in a spectacular event that has become one of Norfolk's must-see winter attractions.

The pier is already renowned for the shows it stages at its pier-end theatre throughout the year. But the New Year's Day fireworks is another production that brings in big crowds from near and far.

It was hatched as a way of beckoning in the new millennium with a bang at Cromer back in 2000 but what could have been a one-night stand is now an established annual event that is an ideal way for people to blow away the excesses of the previous night's partying and help charities.

The growing event has also been a boost for town traders. Cafes and pubs had opened up over the years, with some saying the day was second only to the carnival for their takings.

Organisers had also added some extra activities, such as a music, tea and mulled wine in and round the church. There is also a fun-run and a torchlit parade from the church to the pier just before the display.

Cromer's spectacular fireworks symphony is at 5pm on Saturday, with activities around town from 2.30pm. The fun-run, organised by the North Norfolk Beach Runners, begins at the prom at 3pm. The torchlit parade leaves the museum gardens at 4.30pm. People are advised to arrive early to get parked – using the town's main council car parks, which are free, and Morrison's supermarket.

Find out how the organisers can put on such a spectacular display in the unique setting of Cromer Pier in the Sunday supplement in Saturday's EDP.