New date for Picnic in the Park Tarring

Organisers hope the sunshine enjoyed in previous years will return for the rescheduled event

Organisers made a brave start at Tarring Park in torrential rain, with Worthing mayor Michael Donin and town crier Bob Smytherman there to get the free fun day started.

But in the end, the thunder and lightning and continuous wet weather got the better of them, and activities were drawn to a close late morning.

Allie Beddard, from Cre8tive Solutions, said: “Having kept a very close eye on the weather forecast in the days running up to Picnic in the Park, it was disappointing to say the least to wake up to thunderstorms and rain.

Organiser Norah Fisher with Colin and Gill Dean. Photo by Derek Martin DM153580a

“However, undeterred, we all set off to a very soggy park and stallholders arrived prepared for a day of fun – little did we know!

“In the past, the weather has always been amazing, lots of sunshine and families sitting on their blankets on the ground enjoying their picnics. This wasn’t at all possible this year, the ground was sodden and suitable only for a couple of stalls, such as hook a duck and catch the penguin.”

Much to the relief of everyone concerned, a decision was taken at 11.30am to close the event, as it could not safely continue in the weather conditions.

Allie continued: “However, being an undaunted bunch of truly mad people, we have agreed to reschedule the event and Picnic in the Park will now be on Thursday, August 27, same place same time, 10am to 4pm, and there are people willing to come back again to give it another try.

“Everyone is very keen to do this. Let’s just hope we have a glimmer of sunshine on the day. This event takes months of planning, so it’s important to keep the momentum going and give Tarring a family day to enjoy, especially before the children go back to school, when no doubt we will be having a heatwave!”

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