Hungry revellers give businesses a boost

FOOD, drink and confectionery businesses all received a welcome boost thanks to the Tide of Light last Wednesday.
WH 071114 Pupils from Chesswood Middle School in  the children's paradeWH 071114 Pupils from Chesswood Middle School in  the children's parade
WH 071114 Pupils from Chesswood Middle School in the children's parade

An estimated 35,000 people visited Worthing town centre for the event, with many spending money.

Sharon Clarke, Worthing Town Centre Initiative manager, said: “We are starting to get into the realms of the Lewes bonfire with the amount of people who turned up.

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“Part of its popularity is it’s such a family event. There’s such a nice feeling in the town of friendliness and community and that’s something some other towns have lost along the way.”

Paul O’Brien, owner of I Love Candy, in Bath Place, said he made as much money in three additional trading hours than he would on a normal Saturday.

Mr O’Brien said: “It was fantastic. It was phenomenally busy. We were packed all evening.

“It was such a good boost, especially this time of year when it’s usually quiet. I’ve spoken with a few cafe owners who didn’t stay open and they are kicking themselves.”

Retailers selling non-food products did not fare as well.