2018 national annual get together in Cromer

The annual Walkers are Welcome get together will be held in Cromer in 2018.

The Cromer group, part of a network of more than 110 towns and villages all over Britain, will host the event on October 12th to 14th. Invitations will be sent to representatives from all accredited towns and villages.

Group members are planning a series of talks, walks and other events around town. Among these events, a reception will be held on Cromer Pier, which is owned by North Norfolk District Council and operated by Openwide. And the Council Chamber at North Norfolk District Council will be used for the Walkers are Welcome annual meeting.

Cllr Hilary Cox, a North Norfolk District Councillor and Chair of Cromer Walkers are Welcome, said: “This will be a great opportunity for local accommodation providers, restaurants, pubs, shops and attractions to increase their trade at a time of year when the town is traditionally a little quieter. Special offers, events and delegate discounts will be sure to benefit a wide range of businesses, with extra promotion from Walkers are Welcome.”

And Cllr Nigel Dixon, North Norfolk District Council Cabinet Member for Tourism, said: “Behind Cromer’s Walkers are Welcome accreditation is a lot of hard work from a dedicated team of people. Congratulations to them for attracting the annual get together, which will further raise the profile of Cromer as a destination for walkers and provide a welcome boost to the visitor economy away from the high season. It is one of North Norfolk District Council’s aims to support the visitor economy away from the main season so that businesses can benefit from increased activity during an extended season.”

Making the decision to bring the annual get together to Cromer, the national Walkers are Welcome committee in Cumbria acknowledged the hard work and achievements of the small but busy Cromer group. The group has created printed pocket walks, a town food and drink guide, window sticker and discount schemes, town information boards, footpath and signpost monitoring, negotiation with transport companies and liaison with local businesses. The latter of these led to the creation of the Walkers are Welcome beer, made by Poppyland Brewery. The group has also liaised and consulted with Town, District and County Councils.

Walkers are Welcome is a non-profit making Community Interest Company. It is a nationwide initiative, launched in 2007 to encourage towns and villages to be ‘welcoming to walkers’. Businesses, traders, organisations and individuals who would like to get involved in the October visit can contact enquiries@walkcromer.co.uk.