Bognor gala could be last

The organisers are seriously considering the future of the bank holiday weekend event because the number of entries is struggling to reach double figures.

The likely lack of participants for Sunday night's (August 24)spectacular is despite an increase in prize money, more categories being available and offers of lighting equipment to encourage people to join in.

There has even been the chance this year of contacts for vehicles for floats.

But the efforts have only resulted in probably an all time low turnout on the parade for what should be a community occasion stretching back nearly 30 years.

This year's gala will be the sixth to be organised by the Bognor Regis Seafront Lights.

Chairman Jason Passingham urged people to still turn out along the seafront to cheer on those taking part.

"Even though we will be short on entries, it will still be worth watching," he said.

"However, we have to think about whether the event has a future given less and less people are interested each year in entering.

"Having already lost the carnival, it would be a tragedy if the gala went the same way. The gala is such a magical night when the seafront is packed with people enjoying themselves and businesses stay open late.

"It has always provided a fitting end to the summer holidays and brings a lot of visitors to the town. However, we have to be realistic and discuss whether it has a future."

The latest gala will have the theme of children's stories. It will again feature two full-scale bands '“ the Ramsay Caledonia Pipe Band and Horndean Band.

Anyone who still wants to enter should contact Greg Burt on 01243 862287.

Volunteers with the seafront lights hope the thousands of spectators expected to line the procession route will continue to support the street collection to raise funds for the summer lighting.

The gala procession will leave West Park at about 8.30pm and travel along the seafront and Aldwick Road to the pier.

It will circle Lennox Street and the east side of Waterloo Square before returning to the seafront where it will stop between West Street and the pier.

This will allow prizes to be presented from the terrace of the Royal Hotel by local dignitaries before a firework display from the pier at 10pm.

Botton's funfair will operate on The Esplanade from tomorrow evening until Monday (August 25) evening. This will mean traffic being diverted via Clarence Road, Belmont Street and Lennox Street.

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