Happisburgh time and tide bronze bell unveiled in Norfolk

The 'Spirit of Happisburgh' time and tide bell was officially unveiled at the coast on Sunday in a special ceremony celebrating the structure taking its place on the beach – a project nine years in the making.

The special bell, which is made from marine bronze and stands at around eight foot tall, chimes as the tide comes in and out. It is one of 13 time and tide bells being installed across the UK coastline.

READ MORE: Sunrise pictures give first look at spectacular new beach landmark

Rob Payne, steering group leader, back right, and some of the team with the Happisburgh Tide and Time Bell. From left, Liz Dixon; Mark Howson; and Phil Horsley (Image: Denise Bradley)

The Spirit of Happisburgh time and tide bell (Image: Gail D'Almaine)

Despite the rain, crowds formed at the top of the slope down to the beach for the event on Sunday morning after low sand levels and a high tide prevented it from taking place on the beach as planned.

With the backdrop of Happisburgh’s famous red and white striped lighthouse, the event featured speeches from those behind the project to bring the bell to the beach, as well as guest speakers, a dance routine from the Red Rebel Brigade, and live music.

READ MORE: Popular scenic footpath set to close in north Norfolk coastal town

The event at Happisburgh beach (Image: Paul Macro)

The Red Rebel Brigade (Image: Paul Macro)

Rob Payne, who has led a group responsible for the landmark bell, thanked everyone who helped to raise the money required to fund the cost of the frame supporting the bell, as well as various marine and planning applications and licences.

“A time and tide bell has a range of notes which reflects the different meanings people will give to the bell here in Happisburgh,” Mr Payne said.

“Everyone has a different perspective of what it means.

Rob Payne (Image: Paul Macro)

“It’s been nine years of trying to raise money and battling the bureaucracies of red tape. We’re a small village and we managed to get there in the end.

“Hundreds of individuals have put money into our fundraising, and we send a massive thank you to everyone who has supported this project - without you it simply wouldn’t happen.”

Red Rebel Brigade (Image: Paul Macro)

Nicolas Crane, from the BBC programme Coast, spoke at the event (Image: Paul Macro)