The Arts in Cromer

Stunning Cromer, with its impressive beach, picturesque coastline and iconic pier, has long provided artists and photographers with inspiration. The town itself is also home to many artists and galleries with a range of exhibitions taking place over the year.

In May, the town’s Crab and Lobster Festival holds a very popular art trail, lighting up the town in a blaze of colour and creativity.

Previously held in May but now moved to September, Norwich Open Studios offers local artists the chance to open their studios to the public, allowing people to see how they work. It’s a perfect opportunity to purchase work direct from the artist themselves while gaining an insight into the creative process behind the end product. Both music and theatre also play a large part in the life of the town. The town’s grade II-listed pier is home to the Pavilion Theatre which has a

varied programme of concerts and productions throughout the year, including its famous End of the Pier show which opens in June. The extremely popular Folk on the Pier, in May, is a fantastic celebration of folk music.

Cromer hit the headlines in August 2021 when elusive graffiti artist Banksy chose the town’s sea wall as the site for one of his famous pieces of work during what he has dubbed his ‘Great British Spraycation.’ The work depicts a group of hermit crabs with one in a shell holding up a sign stating ‘Luxury Rentals Only.’ North Norfolk District Council has applied a protective coating over the work to help preserve it from the elements for as long as possible.

Photo: Dave Hubba Roberts