Creative kids sought for Fish Fayre competitions

Local children are being encouraged to show their creative streak at the Lowestoft Fish Fayre on 19 June 2004. The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), based in Pakefield, is inviting children to take part in two competitions to liven up the atmosphere of this annual event.

The judges of the fancy dress competition, aimed at children 10 and under, are looking for the most creative, witty or funny costume on a marine theme: from sea monsters or pirates to mermaids or sailors. Only two winners will be chosen. The prizes are free entry to the Adventure Island Play Park, Pinbush Road, donated by owner Anita Houchen. ‘We are delighted to get involved in this way,’ said Anita. ‘The age range is spot on for us, and I think it will be quite fun to see the various costumes at the Fayre.’

Cefas’ 4th painting competition is aimed at a wider range of youth and has ‘Sea Creatures’ as its theme this year. Any media can be used, for example crayons, paint, chalks, inks, tissue paper, etc. There are no size restrictions for entered pictures, but bigger will not necessarily be better. Imaginative, pleasing designs with a good use of media are the criteria the judges will use.

There are four age categories for this competition: 3–6; 6–9; 9–12 and 12+, with one winner per category. Once again Ottakar’s Bookshop, London Road North, are donating the prizes. In addition, selected paintings will be displayed in the Lowestoft Library at the end of the summer.

Cefas Communications Manager, Anne McClarnon, said: ‘We have had a tremendous response in the past, with some superb paintings. We are looking forward to seeing even more imaginative efforts this time.’

Notes to editors

1. Cefas is an internationally renowned scientific research and advisory establishment, based at Lowestoft since 1902. It became an executive agency of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (formerly MAFF) in 1997.
2. Cefas is one of the main sponsors of the Fish Fayre. In April it handed over a cheque for £2,000 to the Fish Fayre organising committee as part of its continuing involvement in this local community event.
3. The 2004 Fish Fayre takes place at the Waveney Road Fish Dock on 19 June 2004, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event is staged to raise funds for The Royal National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen. Last year the one-day event raised £16,000.
4. Children taking part in either of the two Cefas competitions will be allowed free access to the Fish Fayre, if accompanied by an adult. Those entering the competitions should report to the Cefas stand (at the far end of the Waveney Fish Dock, next to the fish stalls and cookery demonstrations) to register their entry.
5. The costume competition will be judged throughout the course of the morning. The final winners of that competition will be announced at 1 p.m. on the Cefas stand. The painting competition will be judged at the end of the Fish Fayre. The winners will be notified after the event.
6. It is likely that the entries to the competitions will provide photo opportunities.

Press contact: Anne McClarnon 01502 524370/anne.mcclarnon@cefas.co.uk