The annual Cromer and Sheringham Crab and Lobster Festival kicked off in saucy seaside style yesterday evening, with an opening concert at Cromer's Pavilion Theatre featuring comedy, dance and song.

The fun continued today with a packed programme of events at Cromer's Evington Lawns gardens attracting hundreds of people from all over the area.

Sheringham and Cromer town criers Tony Nelson and Jason Bell opened the day's programme, introducing chairman Tony Shipp and joint presidents Hilary Cox – from Cromer – and Noel Gant, from Sheringham.

Attractions at the seafront site included a cookery theatre, a crab pot making demonstration by retired local fisherman William Cox, a have-a-go crab dressing stand, a giant crab and lobster tank brought along by the Eastern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority, and stalls selling locally-produced food and drink ranging from artisan bread and speciality cheeses, to hand-pressed apple juice and craft beer.

Fifteen-year-old Cromer Academy students Euan Neave and Alexander Breame wandered among the crowds wearing giant-sized crab and lobster costumes, waving at delighted youngsters and posing for photographs with passers-by.

Young festival-goers were kept entertained by a children's corner with crafts and games run by Cromer Methodist Church, as well as a Punch and Judy show and a music and magic show staged by well-known Cromer entertainers Razz the Clown and Aunty Pearl, with musical entertainment provided by folk group the Old Wild Rovers and local guitarist Nico.

Mrs Cox, who ran a stall selling crab sandwiches made with the help of Mr Gant and a pair of students from Cromer Academy, said the festival, which is now in its seventh year, continued to go from strength to strength.

'I think its success is a demonstration of the commitment of the two towns working together,' she added. 'The atmosphere is wonderful, the festival keeps growing from year to year and I think it brings out the good in people.'

The festival continues this evening with a seafood buffet with music, fire twirler and a bar, with events running tomorrow at Cromer from 10am – 4pm and at Sheringham from 11am – 6.30pm.

For a full programme, visit: www.crabandlobsterfestival.co.uk