PICTURES: Worthing Lions Festival

Thousands of people went down to the promenade and Steyne Gardens on Saturday to enjoy the activities but very poor weather conditions on Sunday prevented much of the planned entertainment from taking place.

Tony Holley, chairman of the festival committee, said: “Saturday was a great day and just as we planned it, but unfortunately we were beaten by the weather on Sunday. Nevertheless our grateful thanks to everyone who supported us and participated to make Saturday a great success. We are now looking forward and planning for the festival in 2016.”

The highlight of Saturday was a spectacular firework display from the end of Worthing Pier. People thronged the beach and the promenade to see the annual display and many described it as one of the best displays they had seen.

New for 2015 was a classic car and scooter display in Steyne Gardens, a mixture of British, American and European cars including Morgans, E-type Jaguars and a Singer, of which there are only three survivors on the country.

About 60 ‘mods’ also arrived with their pristine original scooters, parka jackets and trademark haircuts.

Canine Partners was the Lions’ chosen beneficiary this year and Worthing Lions president Steve Coe presented them with a cheque for £8,000. Assistance dogs and their owners were on the prom giving demonstrations throughout the day.

Stevens funfair provided thrilling rides for young and old and Bartie Presents organised a commercial market and food stalls on the promenade on Saturday.

However, weather conditions on Sunday prevented the charity and commercial markets from taking place and the planned classic American car display on Steyne Gardens was another casualty of the rain and winds.

Nevertheless, several old Southdown and Leyland buses turned up in the area between Heene Road and Grand Avenue, with some giving determined passengers free rides around the town.

Over the past months, Worthing Lions have sold thousands of raffle tickets and on Sunday afternoon, the draw for the 65 winners took place in the Denton Lounge.

To join Worthing Lions Club and make a difference to the people of Worthing and the surrounding area, visit the website or call 0791 924 5336.

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1 Make our website your homepage at www.worthingherald.co.uk

2 Like our Facebook page at Worthing Herald

3 Follow us on Twitter @Worthing_Herald

4 Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

The Worthing Herald - always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.