Battle for the Cromer Crab: PETA attack annual crab & lobster festival

The Countryside Alliance has blasted calls by controversial activist group PETA to make a popular local crab and lobster eating festival 'go vegan', as part of a new campaign.

In a story originally covered by North Norfolk news, it has been revealed that PETA have written to the organisers of the Cromer and Sheringham Crab and Lobster Festival to urge the committee to start a new tradition by shifting to 'plant-based seafood'.

The popular event, which celebrates the coastal towns of Cromer and Sheringham, was due to be held for the 11th time last weekend, but was cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak.

And in response, PETA wrote to the festival committee calling for an 'animal-friendly' celebration in 2021.

Locals have already expressed their outrage at the suggestion, branding it "ridiculous" online.

The PETA letter concludes: "If the festival committee chooses to move forward with a crabulous animal-friendly event, PETA would be happy to become a sponsor, host delicious vegan crab cake cookery demonstrations, and provide free samples of vegan seafood."

Despite the bizarre request from the group, who have previously called for a ban of owning pets, locals appear to have laughed off the suggestion.

Cromer crab fisherman John Davies told North Norfolk news: "Considering that the vegan population is a very small minority, why limit ourselves? It's called the crab and lobster festival and that's what we do. It's a popular event on the calendar and growing each year."

He added: "Everyone to their own, but it's like me suggesting that a vegan festival change its name to a meat factory."

Another pointed out that 'plant-based seafood' was simply not seafood. By definition, seafood is any form of sea life regarded as food by humans, usually including fish and shellfish.

Mo Metcalf- Fisher of the Countryside Alliance said: " PETA have demonstrated, yet again, how to alienate the masses. It's no surprise locals, who want to celebrate their coastal community, have given this idea a big thumbs down. By nature of the longstanding festival's purpose, it's not vegan. Clearly everyone, regardless of dietary preference is welcome to attend, so this is just PETA kicking off in an absurd bid at self-promotion. Long may the people of Cromer and Sheringham enjoy their delicious crab & lobster."

According to its website, the crab and lobster festival is a lively weekend celebration of two fine North Norfolk coastal towns dedicated to promoting the local seafaring heritage and active fishing community. The festival celebrates the proud crab and lobster delicacies, as well as local restaurants, chefs, crafts, chutney's, jams, cakes, charcuterie and more.