Celebrating 40 years on the Gem of the Norfolk Coast

Cromer is host to one of the biggest carnivals in the UK thanks to the superb volantary organizers that run it. Every year in August thousands of people travel to North Norfolk to experience this extraordinary event. This year saw the carnivals 40th anniversary so it was inevitable visitors were going to witness something that little extra special. Everything went off to a flying start at the begining of the week when the beautiful Miss Cromer Jade Balfour was crowned by the stars of the town's summer pier show, Keith and Ben Simmons in a ceremony watched by hundreds of fans lining the promenade. The carnival “royal family” also included - prince Brandon Roffey, princess Sophie Abel, and attendants Rhianne Craske, Emma Balls and Becci Cole.


During the crowning ceremony there was also a surprise presentation to carnival chairman Tony Shipp MBE, and his wife Sandra, to mark his 25 years outstanding service as chairman. He thanked everyone in an emotional speech where he underlined the importance of everybody involved, especially the members that had remained loyal throughout a period spanning over two decades. He was delighted that the grandchildren of some of the first organizers were now taking part whom will inevitably help safeguard the Carnivals future.

Carnival day highlights included the dynamic Red Arrows with their breathtaking display of bravery and airborne precision. RAF airmen soared over Cromer pier watched by a gasping crowed as they demonstrated split second timing, flips and turns. It's no wonder people travel from all over the UK to see them. The Red Arrows are true ambassadors for both The Royal Air Force and the United Kingdom. Since officially forming in 1965, the Red Arrows have completed thousands of displays throughout the world. The Red Arrows' famous heart formation was dedicated to the 20 former carnival queens who had returned to help celebrate the carnival's landmark year.


The return of past Cromer carnival queens certainly added an extra touch of glamour to the event. The bevy of beauties included the first-ever carnival queen from 1971, Angela Burton, nee Wild who now lives in Buckinghamshire. 56-year-old Angela commented on how things had changed since her memorable crowning over 38 years ago, she particularly noticed how the Carnival had grown in size with much more going on compared with way back then. The royal party strolled around the various displays and stalls on offer in between official visits and rounded the day off by joining the grand parade through the town.


Thousands of cheering crowds lined the streets of cromer in appreciation of the floats, samba girls and super heroes that proudly marched on route to Holt road. The evening burst into a crescendo of colorful entertainment and joy. Amber Models Photography (AMP News) captured the atmosphere with a series of striking images and crowd reaction movie clips via a mounted camera that followed the floats.

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