A beer festival celebrating the best of Norfolk's independent breweries marks the start of Cromer Carnival on Friday (August 16) and, with Cromer Voluntary Entertainments Organisation (CVEO) celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, the hugely popular annual event looks set to be bigger and better than ever.
Hosted by Cromer Town Council from 1957-1965, the carnival was a small affair before being reintroduced by the newly-formed CVEO in 1969.
It went on to become one of the biggest events of its kind in the region, with the main carnival day now attracting around 10,000 people from all over the country.
To celebrate its half century, CVEO has brought together some of the best arena events from the past 50 years.
From dog shows and falconry demonstrations, to aerial displays, medieval jousting and the ever-popular knobbly knees and glamorous grandmother competitions, here's a one-stop guide with everything you need to know about Cromer Carnival 2019.
When is it?
Carnival week starts on Friday with a beer festival running in the carnival marquee from 7pm. Tickets, priced £12.50 (including four half-pint tokens) are available on the night.
Closing day events on August 23 include crab catching on the pier from 10.30am and a walking treasure hunt starting at the White Horse pub at 2pm.
Where is it all happening and where can I park?
The main events take place on the carnival field, on Runton Road.
Manned car parks at the Meadow, Cadogan Road and Runton Road will be open all week (strictly no parking on the carnival field on carnival day, August 21). Additional parking will be available at Amazona Zoo on Wednesday and Thursday evening from 5pm, with a relief car park near the carnival field open on Sunday, and from Tuesday-Thursday. A park and ride will be in operation off the A148, with coaches dropping passengers off at the carnival field.
When is crowning day?
Crowning day, on Sunday (August 18), kicks off with a performance on the pier forecourt by father and son Britain's Got Talent stars Jack and Tim Goodacre.
TV star Bradley Walsh, who launched his career as a comedian in Cromer Pier Show, will be crowning Miss Cromer, Jessica Foster, her attendants and the carnival prince and princess at 12.30pm, with carnival chairman Tony Shipp also be introducing some of the carnival queens from the last 50 years.
Other crowning day attractions on the carnival field include a children's fancy dress competition and knobbly knees, bonny baby and glamorous grandmother competitions.
When is carnival day and what time is the parade?
Carnival day, on Wednesday (August 21) gets off to a bright and breezy start with yoga on the pier at 7am, with a performance by Romford Drum and Trumpet Corps and the presentation of prizes at Cromer Museum gardens starting at 10.15am.
The carnival field gates open at 9.30am for an emergency services display, followed by attractions including demonstrations from the West Lancashire Dog Display team and the RAF Parachute Display team leading up to the arrival of Miss Cromer, Jessica Foster, and the royal party at 12pm.
Events continue on the field until 4.15pm, when floats will begin arriving for judging at 5.45pm.
The parade sets off through the town at 7pm, passing via Runton Road through Prince of Wales Road, Hamilton Road, Church Street, Mount Street, Louden Road, West Street and Beach Road.
Parade day finishes with a performance by the Helen Ashton Band on the carnival field at 8.30pm.
When are the illuminated procession and fireworks and what time does it all start?
The illuminated parade sets off from Meadow Road on Thursday (August 22) at 8.30pm (floats assemble at 7.30pm), with the fireworks kicking off at the Runton Road arena at approximately 9.15pm
What else is on during carnival week?
A packed programme of arena events runs every day on the carnival field, with events around town including music and quizzes in pubs and clubs; an open mic session at North Lodge Park on Saturday at 11am; a fun horse show and gymkhana near the carnival field on Sunday; the popular waiters and waitresses' race on the pier forecourt on Monday at 3pm; a concert from Norfolk Wherry Brass at Cromer church at 8pm on Tuesday and an afternoon tea for couples celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary at North Lodge park on Thursday.
How do I get involved?
Cromer Voluntary Entertainments Organisation would be happy to hear from anyone willing to help with carnival jobs ranging from plumbing and electrical work, to ticket selling, marshalling and administration. For more information, download an application form from the website.
For a full programme, and updates, visit the Cromer Carnival (official) Facebook page or www.cromercarnival.co.uk
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