Arundel comes to a standstill for stunning St George’s Day parade

The marching band from Littlehampton Nautical Training Corps unit TS Implacable PHOTO: Steve Flynn Photography

Hundreds of parents and passers-by watched as Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers from the Arundel and Littlehampton district marched by in honour of St George – the patron saint of England and Scouting.

Crowds cheered as the procession made its way from outside Arundel Castle, in Mill Road, into High Street.

Nigel Wilson, West Sussex district commissioner, said: “The day was incredible and the crowds were really supportive, clapping and cheering them along.

More than 700 scouts joined the march through Arundel PHOTO: Steve Flynn Photography

“I think for a lot of the children it’s quite inspiring to realise that they’re part of such a big organisation. But obviously this is just a small part of our wider community across the country and globe.

“Everyone was really excited and happy to be there, it really was a great atmosphere. The weather helped, of course, which was pleasant. It’s difficult to get that many people together and it can be a bit of a challenge.”

The District Scout Band and the band from Littlehampton Nautical Training Corps unit TS Implacable provided music both up and down the hill of High Street.

The parade continued along London Road and into the Arundel Cathedral where a brief ceremony was held.

Scouts from across the Littlehampton and Arundel district joined this year's spectacle SUS-150427-181528001

During the service, youngsters from the 1st Arundel Scouts made a presentation about St George, his heroics and the impact the Scouting patron had on the movement. Scouts then reaffirmed their promise before marching out of the cathedral and back through the town to the castle.

Mr Wilson added: “On the way up we moved as one big district. But the way back was more relaxed with individual groups walking off together.”

The Littlehampton and Arundel District covers ten Scout groups and is made up of Beavers, Cubs and Scouts from Angmering, East Preston, Rustington, Littlehampton, Arundel, Yapton/Ford and Barnham.

It is also hosts four Explorer units and the District Scout Band, as well as the District Active Support unit.

Mr Wilson added: “We continued to grow this year and have exceeded 1,000 people across the district which is brilliant.”

However, he is appealing for more adult volunteers to join the Scouts. For details, see www.al-scouts.org.uk