Published on: Friday, 23 March 2018
Last updated: Friday, 23 March 2018
From food festivals to garden festivals, discover the best alternative days out East Anglia has to offer
For the foodies
Crab and Lobster Festival
19-20 May, Evington Gardens, Cromer
Every May, crustacean lovers flock to Cromer for a weekend of “fun, food, art, music and heritage” at the annual Crab and Lobster Festival. Dedicated to promoting the area’s seafaring history and fishing community, there’s plenty to keep everyone amused during the two days, from a traditional seaside variety concert to a crab sandwich-making competition and a cookery theatre. Snap snap…
crabandlobsterfestival.co.uk. Nearest station: Cromer
For the gardeners
Festival of Plants
19 May, Cambridge University Botanic Garden, Cambs
This promises to be a fun-filled, fact-finding, family day out as the heritage-listed Cambridge University Botanic Garden becomes a hive of green-fingered activity. There’ll be a range of special tours and talks, ask-the-gardener sessions and pop-up plant science stalls, where University researchers will share how they are using plant science to address global problems. There will also be a host of activities for little ones, plus live music and refreshments.
botanic.cam.ac.uk. Nearest station: Cambridge
For the activists
WOW – Women of the World
27-29 April, Norwich Arts Centre, Norfolk
WOW is a global festival movement designed to celebrate women and girls. Founded in 2010 by Southbank Centre’s Artistic Director, Jude Kelly CBE, it is now the largest women’s movement in the world. And in April it’s coming to Norwich. Expect fascinating talks (previous speakers have included Malala Yousafzai, Christine Lagarde, Salma Hayek, Annie Lennox and many more), debates, workshops, mentoring and pop-ups.
wow.southbankcentre.co.uk. Nearest station: Norwich
For the nature lover
Ely Eel Festival
4-7 May, Ely, Cambs
It is to the eel to which Ely owes so much, including its name, so it’s little surprise to learn the city hosts a four-day festival celebrating this humble fish. The highlight has to be the Eel Parade, when Ellie the Eel heads a carnival-inspired procession along the city’s Eel Trail Heritage Walk. There’s also an eel-throwing competition (no eels are harmed, just toys) and the chance to sample what was once a staple food of the Fens. Would you like that smoked or jellied?
elyeelfestival.co.uk. Nearest station: Ely
Why not make a long weekend of it and stay in town? In partnership with Booking.com, Greater Anglia are able to bring you some fantastic deals across the region. Go to greateranglia.co.uk/offers/book-hotel