Cromer Carnival draws to a close with illuminated procession and spectacular fireworks display

Afternoon rain meant a children's tea party had to be moved from Evington Lawns to the carnival marquee, but the skies cleared later in the day and thousands turned out to watch early evening events on the carnival field, ranging from a model aircraft display, to the traditional Cromer Vs Sheringham tug-of-war which, to the delight of Sheringham Carnival chairman Stuart McClean, was won by the Sheringham team for the fifth year running.

Youngsters also lined up to sit at the controls of a fire engine and try out firefighting equipment brought along by local emergency services staff, with adults having a chance to try their hand at crab dressing, take part in the carnival fun run, or listen to live music from local band Bloodshake Chorus.

A young carnival-goer trying out firefighting equipment brought along by local emergency services crew members.Photo: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

The procession, which featured decorated umbrellas, dancing clowns and a fleet of Citroen 2CVs brought along by car club members attending a rally at North Walsham High School, wound its way through the town to the delight of crowds, before gathering at Runton Road for the fireworks, which were hailed the 'best yet' by onlookers.

Sandra Shipp, whose husband Tony is carnival chairman, sold glow sticks and torches from the parade assembly point at the Meadow car park.

Sheringham jubilant in the Tug of War against Cromer. Photo: Jonathon Read (Image: Archant)

She said that, with its 'relaxed, family atmosphere', the illuminated procession had become one of the highlights of the week.

'The picnic was very well attended in spite of the weather and the parade just gets bigger every year,' she added. 'The imagination and ideas people have are fantastic and it's just lovely to see everybody enjoying themselves, which is what carnival is all about.'

Sheringham Carnival chairman Stuart McClean (right) sharing a joke with his Cromer counterpart Tony Shipp, whose team were defeated by the Sheringham side in the traditional tug-of-war.Photo: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

The carnival comes to a close today with crab catching on the pier, followed by a treasure hunt around the town at 2pm and a fancy dress dance in the carnival marquee at 8pm, with a special cup for the best dressed in memory of carnival stalwart Simon Hedge.

Cromer Carnival tug-of-war team member Steven Attew with son Rory, 12 months.Photo: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

Young carnival-goers testing their strength in a boys vs girls tug-of-war contest.Photo: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

Young carnival-goers testing their strength in a boys vs girls tug-of-war contest.Photo: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

The Sheringham and Cromer tug-of-war teams get ready to compete.Photo: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

Sheringham Carnival chairman Stuart McClean (right) sharing a joke with his Cromer counterpart Tony Shipp, whose team were defeated by the Sheringham side in the traditional tug-of-war.Photo: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

A young carnival-goer trying out firefighting equipment brought along by local emergency services crew members.Photo: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

A young carnival-goer trying out firefighting equipment brought along by local emergency services crew members.Photo: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

A young carnival-goer trying out firefighting equipment brought along by local emergency services crew members.Photo: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

A young carnival-goer trying out firefighting equipment brought along by local emergency services crew members.Photo: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

Cromer Carnival illuminated procession.Photo: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

A troupe of clowns on scooters taking part in Cromer Carnival illuminated procession.Photo: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

A troupe of clowns on scooters taking part in Cromer Carnival illuminated procession.Photo: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

A troupe of clowns on scooters taking part in Cromer Carnival illuminated procession.Photo: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

Cromer Carnival illuminated procession.Photo: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

Citroen 2CVs taking part in Cromer Carnival illuminated procession.Photo: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

Cromer Carnival illuminated procession.Photo: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

Cromer Carnival illuminated procession.Photo: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

Cromer Carnival illuminated procession.Photo: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

Cromer Carnival illuminated procession.Photo: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

Cromer Carnival illuminated procession.Photo: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

Cromer Carnival illuminated procession.Photo: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

Cromer Carnival illuminated procession.Photo: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)