It’s a beautiful day to be by the sea as Cromer carnival queen crowned

Crowds of well-wishers lined the promenade to watch the traditional ceremony on the pier forecourt.

It was a beautiful day in Cromer as Michael Bublé tribute act Dale Bullimore crowned the town's carnival queen to celebrate the start of a week of festivities.

Crowds of well-wishers lined the promenade to watch the traditional ceremony on the pier forecourt on Sunday.

Carnival Queen Joanna Annison arrived at the venue in an open-top car before taking her position on a golden throne. She was joined by Senior Attendant Sammy Armstrong, Junior Attendants Trinity Sayer-Folley and Sian Clarke, and the Carnival Prince and Princess, Ashley Beshir and Ebony Barratt, who all arrived in separate chauffeur driven vehicles.

The fun got underway early at the carnival ground, where there was a custom and American car show, with over 300 vehicles; gymkhana and live music as well as competitions including bonny babies, knobbly knees, glamorous grandmothers and children's fancy dress.

Reflecting on the day, Joanna, 23, a hospital support worker, said: 'It's nerve-wracking but exciting. I've never had so many people look at me but I'm definitely enjoying it – it's been lovely weather.

'My family are so proud. They were quite surprised when I first told them I would be Miss Cromer, everyone is really happy for me. We all get on brilliantly.

'Every girl wants an excuse to dress up nice and look fancy so it's going to be a fun week ahead.'

A total of 79 entries were received in the bonny babies competition which was won by eight-month-old Lily Maude from Cromer, in one of the highlights of the afternoon, while 78-year-old grandmother Anne Curwood, also from Cromer, won the glamorous granny competition.

And, over the road at Jonas' field, 12-year-old Ethan Hoolhouse, from Cromer, won most points in the gymkhana.

Carnival chairman Tony Shipp, who praised the volunteers who made it happen, said: 'We wouldn't have got to 47 years without the support of our wonderful residents.'

Cromer Carnival continues with a packed programme of events through until the end of the week.

Highlights still to come include Monday's all-new Game and Country Fair in the carnival field from 10am to 4pm. And the best-dressed waiters and waitresses competition on the Pier Forecourt from 3pm.

Carnival Tuesday includes a display from The Wildcats – East Anglia's premier aerobatic display formation team - at 12.30pm.

The biggest day, Carnival Day, starts with the Red Arrows soaring over the Cromer skies at 11am. That is followed by the Grand Carnival Parade, which assembles at carnival field from 5pm; the parade starts at 7pm.

And the festivities end with a bang with a fireworks display on Carnival field on Thursday around 9.15pm.