Plenty of music to accompany floats

It will be the first time in many years so many musicians will be taking part in the traditional August bank holiday event.

The Ramsay Caledonia Pipe Band and the Horndean Band are back by popular demand after they appeared separately at the gala in 2005 and 2006.

They will lead and end the parade to ensure good first and last impressions for the cavalcade, organised by Bognor Regis Seafront Lights.

Some 14 entries were lined up for the procession by the start of this week.

Seafront Lights chairman Jason Passingham said: 'As usual, many people leave it to the last minute to let us know they will be entering, so the procession turns out okay.

'However, the danger is if everyone left it to the last minute, we would have to cancel because we wouldn't want to put on a procession we thought had no entries.

'So please get your entries in as soon as possible.

'I would issue a challenge to all those people who line carnival routes and criticise the lack of entries. Don't just stand there. What are you doing about it?'

Last-minute entries should go to Greg Burt on 01243 862287.

The volunteers from the seafront lights group hope the thousands of spectators who usually line the route will support the street collection to raise funds for the resort's summer illuminations.

The broad theme of travel should give rise to some interesting illuminated floats, walking groups and other entries as they make their way from West Park to the pier.

The procession will leave West Park at about 8.30pm and make its way 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 Esplanade to stop between West Street and Pier.

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

Nine trophies and cash prizes totalling 250 are available this year to the best entrants.

Prams and bicycles have a combined category to encourage those who don't have access to a lorry or trailer to take part.

Botton's funfair will operate on the Esplanade from tomorrow evening until Monday evening. A traffic diversion will be in place around Clarence Road, Belmont Street and Lennox Street.

The lights team took on the gala in 2003 when the previous organisers decided to pull out.

The Bognor Regis Observerand Bognor Regis Town Council are again sponsoring the gale with support from Arun District Council.

All proceeds from the weekend go towards helping fund the summer lights stretch from Hotham Park to West Park.