Published:
3:54 PM, August 15, 2022
It has played a central role in Cromer Carnaval for half a century.
And now Tony Shipp has been recognized with the “highest honour” the town can bestow – the Freedom of the City of Cromer.
Mr Shipp, 78, said he was surprised and delighted to receive the award for his part in the annual carnival, which is now underway.
He said: “This is not something I would ever expect to be given. I was honored and proud and it was a great surprise.
“It’s a team effort and everyone has a role to play. I’m going to keep going as long as I can.”
When Mr Shipp attended his first carnival in 1971, it was a relatively small affair, with events taking place on the Esplanade.
A parade through downtown was soon added and the carnival grew rapidly.
Mr Shipp said: “It was family fun on a much smaller scale.
“Things really took off in the late 1970s and 1980s when we had over 150 entries in the parade.
“That’s when we got the reputation as one of the biggest carnivals in the country.”
Mr Shipp joined the volunteer carnival team to run the children’s activity week which precedes the ‘main’ carnival week.
He became chairman of the event in 1985.
A certificate from Cromer Town Council, presented to Mr Shipp by Mayor Pat West, said: “We, the council present you with this, the highest honor we can bestow on you for your valuable services to the town , including involvement in 50 carnivals.
“We loudly applaud your valuable and clean service and thank you sincerely.”
Tony Shipp receives an award from City Councilman Jim Smith in 1992.
– Credit: PETER BURROWS
Carnivals have not been held since 2019 due to the pandemic. Mr Shipp said there had been some talk of revamping the event to bring it back, but ultimately a decision was made to stick to its “tried and tested” formula.
The crowning of this year’s carnival queen, Amy Gibson, took place on Sunday, and Monday’s highlights included the waiter and waitress competitions.
Carnival Day on Wednesday will feature a performance by the Red Arrows at 12.30pm, followed by the parade from 7pm.
Fireworks are scheduled for Thursday at 9:15 p.m., but will only go off if there has been enough rain beforehand to ensure it can be done safely.
