Mayor hopes Boxing Day dip can be saved
North Norfolk Beach RunnersA mayor has urged an organiser to step in to save a Boxing Day tradition that draws thousands of swimmers and spectators each year after a council decided not to run it.
Cromer's Boxing Day Dip has been taking place for decades and it raises thousands of pounds for charity. But last year, the North Norfolk Beach Runners group stepped away from organising it.
The town council had explored taking it over but at a recent meeting members voted against doing over concerns about costs and safety.
Patrick Bennett, mayor of Cromer, said he hoped a different organiser could be found so it can continue in future years.
Chris TaylorThe Boxing Day dip in Cromer has been a longstanding annual event, running since at least the 1980s.
Last year it was cancelled due to bad weather.
Bennett said the annual event had brought income to local businesses and raised thousands of pounds for local and national charities.
"Sadly at our full council on 14 September, it was agreed that due to increasing costs of putting on this event and several safety concerns and the possible lack of volunteers on the day, it was felt that the council could not take on the running of this event for 2026," he said.
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The mayor added that anyone thinking of taking a dip on the sea on Boxing Day should listen to any health and safety warnings issued and keep an eye on the weather forecast.
He urged first timers to seek advice from experienced swimmers before plunging into the cold water and also to speak to their GP before doing so.
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