PICTURES: Bognor illuminations gala 2012

Greg Burt, of Bognor Regis Seafront Lights, said the event needed to ensure it could thrive as the 21st century progressed.

“More and more people seem to be watching the procession at the pier end rather than by Marine Park Gardens, which used to be the main vantage point, and where the spectators were stretched out thinly this time,” he said.

“I wonder that, because there have been so many special events this year, that the gala has been drowned out.

“We need to think about how we promote the event. We can’t rely on the traditional media to get the message through to people.”

Those who did go along on a perfect night for viewing missed one of the gala’s best parades for years.

He said: “In the end, the procession was longer than usual after we were worried about a lack of entrants.

“We ended up with four entries more than last year, which was excellent,” said Mr Burt.

“Some of the floats have been brilliant.

“We will certainly be back next year at the same time and in the same place.”

Those who turned out also gave £885.15 to the seafront lights to make it the best parade collection since 2008.