Victorian Nights offers a dazzling selection of free events for families, the local community and visitors.  Join us for daring entertainment in the form of fire eaters and escapologists, the chance to dress up and have your photo taken at an fashioned photo parlour, a pipe organ, circus acts, a traditional steam train ride, arts and craft workshops, film, guided walks and the chance to meet lots of costumed characters.  You are very welcome to come in costume if you wish.

The adventure begins in Sheringham on Friday 18 May, and continues in Cromer, Sheringham and Wells on Saturday 19 May, then finishing in Sheringham on Sunday 20 May, with twelve events to keep you entertained throughout the weekend.  Attend at least eight of the events and you will be in with the chance of winning a giant goody bag, packed full of exciting prizes.  (For more information, please see our leaflet, which is now available around Norfolk and on this website).

Events in Cromer

An Evening of Victorian Entertainment

Experience Cromer Museum in a new light with an evening of Victorian entertainment for all the family! Witness daring stunts, escapology and fire breathing with Rollo the Victorian entertainer and enjoy a magic lantern show first performed in Cromer over 130 years ago. Meet Cromer characters from the past and handle Victorian artefacts. Learn how to do traditional cottage crafts and make something to take home.

Venue: Cromer Museum, Church Street, Cromer, NR27 9ES   Date: Saturday 19 May  Time: 4 – 9pm   Booking: This event is drop-in.  Contact: 01263 513543

Parlour Portraits

Dress up in Victorian costume and pose for your very own Victorian photographic portrait. Bring along your family photos to add to a special portrait gallery.

Venue: RNLI Henry Blogg Museum, The Gangway, Cromer, NR27 9ET   Date: Saturday 19 May   Time: 1 – 9pm  Booking: This event is drop-in.  Contact: 01263 511294

The Pleasure Pier and Promenades of Cromer: The Place To Be Seen   

Visit the beautiful Victorian Pavilion to discover a new exhibition about the Late Victorian Seafront and Pier, together with some of the entertainments it offered.  This was an age when well-to-do tourists came from far and wide to holiday in one of the most fashionable towns in the country.  The exhibition has been specially created for Victorian Nights by the Cromer Preservation Society.

Venue: Cromer Pavilion Theatre Bar, The Pier, Promenade, Cromer, NR27 9HE   Date: Saturday 19 May   Time: 4 - 7pm  Booking: This event is drop-in.  Contact: secretary@cromerpreservationsociety.co.uk

A Stroll Through Victorian Cromer

The seaside town of Cromer remains largely unchanged since the Victorian Age.  Join Cromer Preservation Society’s knowledgeable guides and walk in the footsteps of esteemed Victorian visitors to the town, discovering beautiful Victorian architecture and stunning landmarks, such as Cromer Pier and Promenade, which were opened in 1901.  The walks, which will take visitors around the Victorian Nights Cromer venues, will last approximately ten minutes.

Venue: Meeting point – Cromer Museum   Date: Saturday 19 May   Time: 4 – 7pm (short walks throughout the evening, guiding visitors between the Victorian Nights attractions)  Booking: There is no need to book for this event.  Contact: secretary@cromerpreservationsociety.co.uk

Events in Sheringham

At The Picture Palace a Century Ago

Watch unique 35mm comedy, news, drama and animation films of the early 20th century, all hand turned on a 1912 restored projector.  The films are fully introduced, and include commentary about the films, film making and film projection in the golden age of cinema.

Venue: Sheringham Little Theatre, 2 Station Road, Sheringham, Norfolk, NR26 8RE Date: Friday 18 May  Time: 7.30pm  Booking: Please book tickets directly at the theatre, or call 01263 822347. Please mention Victorian Nights when booking.

20,000 Leagues Under The Sea

This 1954 Disney version of Jules Verne’s Victorian novel sees Kirk Douglas playing a trouble-shooting 19th century seaman, trying to discover why so many whaling ships have been disappearing of late.  Teaming with scientist Paul Lukas and diver Peter Lorre, Douglas sets sail to investigate – and is promptly captured by the meglomaniac Captain Nemo (James Mason), who skippers a lavish, scientifically advanced, submarine.  The film’s special effects, including a giant squid, were impressive enough to win an Academy Award.  This event is also part of the Cromer and Sheringham Crab and Lobster Festival.

Venue: Sheringham Little Theatre, 2 Station Road, Sheringham, NR26 8RE  Date: Saturday 19 May  Times: 2.30pm and 7.30pm  Booking: Please contact the box office on 01263 822347.  Please mention Victorian Nights when booking.

The Mo’s Tremendous Victorian Circus

Roll up, roll up for The Mo’s Tremendous Victorian Circus!  On Saturday, be astounded by Victorian clowns (PM) and a Victorian fashion show (evening) and, on Sunday, master amazing circus skills with which to impress your friends.  
Explore and add to the museum’s extraordinary Cabinet of Curiosities.

Venue: The Mo: Sheringham Museum, Lifeboat Plain, NR26 8BG   Date: Saturday 19 May and Sunday 20 May Time: Saturday - 1 – 9pm; Sunday – 12noon – 4pm  Booking: This event is drop-in.  Contact: 01263 824482

A Walk Through Time: The Victorians

Join expert guide Tim Groves as he takes you on a journey through Victorian Sheringham.  Hear how the coming of the railways heralded the transformation of the town from a fishing village to one of the most popular seaside resorts in North Norfolk.  Hear fascinating tales of famous Victorian visitors to Sheringham, discover how holidaymakers spent their leisure time, and enjoy the town’s stunning Victorian architecture which still exists today.  Walk includes a visit to ‘Shipwrecked! Back to 1897′ at the Fishermen’s Heritage Centre.

Venue: Meeting point: The Mo: Sheringham Museum   Date: Friday 18 and Saturday 19 May   Time: 6pm – 7.30pm  Booking: To book, please contact 01263 824482 or drop into The Mo.  Contact: 01263 824482

Shipwrecked!  Back to 1897

Be transported back to the dramatic events of 23 January 1897, when the brave crew of the Henry Ramey Upcher lifeboat came to the rescue of the Ispolen, which was in grave trouble in the stormy North Sea.  Meet Tom Barnes Cooper, a member of the famous crew, and discover what happened to both crews in the presence of the original lifeboat, now looked after by the Sheringham Society, which has undergone recent restoration work to conserve it for future generations.

Venue: Fishermen’s Heritage Centre, West Cliff, Sheringham   Date: Friday 18 and Saturday 19 May   Time:  6 – 9pm  Booking: This event is drop-in.   Contact:  secretary@sheringham-preservation.org.uk

Victorian Shell Artistry

Join the Lady’s Shellcraft Guild to discover more about their absorbing hobby of arranging seashells to create decorative objects to enhance the Victorian home.

Venue: Peter Coke Shell Fine Art Gallery, West Cliff, Sheringham   Date: Friday 18 and Saturday 19 May   Time:  6 – 9pm    Booking: This event is drop-in.  Contact:  secretary@sheringham-preservation.org.uk

A Victorian Journey -This event is fully booked.

Travel back in time to the inauguration of the railway and find how it transformed the area by bringing trade, tourism and travel to Norfolk.  Encounter the novel experience of a free journey on a steam train to Holt (if you dare!), where you will be able to visit the North Norfolk Railway’s museum, satiate your hunger by partaking of refreshments and lift your spirits by enjoying entertainment that will gladden your heart.  During the evening, you will encounter intriguing characters who could be found on the railway during the Victorian age.

Venue: Please meet at Sheringham Station – Station Road, Sheringham, NR26 8RA.  Train departs 7pm from Sheringham Station to Holt Station returning to Sheringham for 9.30pm  Date: Friday 18 May   Time:  7 – 9.30pm  Booking: To book, please contact enquiries@nnrailway.co.uk or telephone 01263 820800.  Please note, booking in advance is essential.

Events in Wells-next-the-Sea

Victorian Family Day

Travel back in time to the time when stunning Wells Maltings was built to experience a packed day of Victorian treats.  Take part in craft workshops, handle real Victorian objects, try some tasty Victorian snacks, experience Victorian entertainment and meet costumed characters.  Enjoy a tour of the Maltings building and quiz trail for children.

Venue: Wells Maltings, Staithe Street, Wells-next-the-Sea, NR23 1AU  Date: Saturday 19 May  Time: 10am onwards  Booking: This event is drop-in.  Contact: 01328 839000