Crab pot Christmas tree returns to north Norfolk town

That is the number of cages which go into making the quayside crab pot Christmas tree, which has returned for its third year in the coastal town.

The tree was originally thought of as just a stopgap by the team at the harbour.

But this year marks the third year on the bounce it has been put up in the town.

Gabrielle Bird, left, and Joanna Barton, with the annual crabpot Christmas tree at Wells-Next-the-Sea. (Image: Denise Bradley)

With the lockdown of 2020 in place, the team were caught in limbo with the traditional tree cancelled.

The restrictions also put a stop to Wells’ Christmas Tide Festival and cast doubt on whether the town’s normal festive decorations would be able to be put up. 

Wells Harbour Commission and the festival organisers then set about trying to find a solution - which has now become a staple of Christmas on the coast.

The festive ingenuity brought the 15ft tall ‘tree’ to Wells constructed of crab and lobster pots which sits down by the harbourside.

It is decorated with crabs, fenders, Christmas lights and topped with a fishing boat topper which was specially commissioned for the tree to represent the fishing fleet.

Gabrielle Bird, left, and Joanna Barton, with the annual crabpot Christmas tree at Wells-Next-the-Sea. (Image: Denise Bradley)

It also features buoys with the names of local boats.

“We only put it up this morning, but the amount of locals and visitors who are already down there taking photos and have a smile on their faces is great to see,” said Robert Smith, harbourmaster in Wells.

“It's so great to have it back, it feels like Christmas has arrived in Wells.”

Robert Smith hanging a decoration on the crab pot Chrismas tree at Wells-Next-the-Sea Harbour in 2021 (Image: Danielle Booden)

Mr Smith along with the team down at the harbour had spent two and a half days putting the tree up.

The harbourmaster has thanked all the groups involved in making the tree a reality.

He said: “From the businesses down at the front who support us, like the Wells Deli who kept us all warm with their supplies of hot drinks, to the fishermen who kindly donate the pots, and the Christmas Tide committee who will put the lights on for us, its a real community effort, showing off the best of Wells.

The annual crabpot Christmas tree at Wells-Next-the-Sea. (Image: Denise Bradley)