Marching bands lined up for illuminations

The addition of the musicians to the parade will be their first appearance since Bognor Regis Seafront Lights took over the event five years ago.

The night-time procession is set to brighten the Sunday of the bank holiday weekend at the end of this month.

While summer has only just appeared to have begun, the team at Bognor Regis Seafront Lights is gearing up for the traditional end of summer occasion.

The gala is the town's only remaining community procession. This year's event has the theme of travel.

A total of 250 is available in prize money for the three categories of entrants - illuminated floats, illuminated walking groups and illuminated pram, bicycle or even pushchair, wheelbarrow or shopping trolley.

The prize money and the broad theme is intended to encourage a bumper number of entries to continue the gala's growth since the lights group took it over in 2002.

More than 100 invitations have been sent out to businesses, sports clubs and community groups.

Any groups which are stuck for bulbs and cable to decorate their floats will be able to borrow some for a donation to the lights.

Lights chairman Jason Passingham said: 'Sometimes people don't enter because they can't think what to do.

'If you need some ideas, please ask us. We have loads of suggestions to suit even the smallest budget.

'It is essential if such events are to continue that the community support them. We can't create all the floats ourselves.'

The Bognor Regis Observer and Bognor Regis Town Council are again sponsoring the gala with support from Arun District Council.

Entry forms should be sent to The Secretary, Bognor Regis Seafront Lights, c/o Tourist Information Centre, Belmont Street, Bognor Regis PO21 1BJ.

Further details will be sent to entrants nearer to the event. More information from contact@bognorseafrontlights. fsworld.co.uk or Greg Burt on 01243 862287.