Bognor Carnival may make town-centre return

Town councillors are looking into putting on a 21st-century version of the community favourite.

It was in July 2005 that the last parade passed along the seafront and through the town centre, with almost 30, mainly walking, entries.

Organisers at the town's Lions club decided to call a halt to what was decades of tradition because donations failed to match the near year-round effort to stage the event in the face of increasing paperwork.

But the town council has linked with Butlins to see if the summer occasion could be restarted.

Butlins' resort director Jeremy Pardey is willing to provide money and venues and staff for training days to ensure a new carnival gets off to a successful start.

Meetings are now being arranged with Arun District Council and Littlehampton representatives, where a successful carnival still continues, to look at possible dates.

The intention is to hold a green carnival in Bognor with all the entries on foot as part of a series around the district. Local schools will be invited to take part.

The prospect of the carnival returning to Bognor's streets annually has delighted town councillors.

Cllr Paul Wells said: "A carnival is one of the most fundamental community events this town has ever had. I was really sad at its loss a few years ago.

"I think it will be an excellent community event for the future, though I realise everything changes, and it should be whole-heartedly supported.

"We hear about Littlehampton and all the other carnivals which still go on. So why can't one be brought back here?"

Cllr Simon Fyfe said: "I whole-heartedly support this and I hope the carnival does come back."

He suggested a link with bonfire societies to provide a more spectacular walking parade.

Cllr Jim Brooks put forward the idea of having a day of events followed by an illuminated carnival in the evening.

But Cllr Greg Burt, who is involved in the annual illuminations gala, warned such large-scale occasions took place only because a lot of people made an effort.

"Things just do not happen," he said. "There has to be someone prepared to do all the work and without being paid."

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