Week Of Festivities

Dressed in sensational costumes, Littlehampton Mayor Wendy Squires donned yellow paint and a big blue wig to launch the festival with Arun District Council chairman Richard Dickinson who even took his skateboard along.

They were delighted to launch the festival and were full of praise for the dedicated band of volunteers, without whom the festival just wouldn't take place.

"The festival is a wonderful event, and I am full of admiration for the volunteers and workers who put it on," said Richard.

And Wendy was no less enthusiastic: "I think the festival is one smashing event, it has brought Wick to life since it started."

Hundreds of eager youngsters crowded into the Flora Macdonald and Wickbourne Infant Schools' playing fields to take part in an impressive programme of carefully planned morning activities.

Parents and toddlers congregated in the caf and play area for the SureStart Teddytots Roadshow, where lots of fun was had by mums and youngsters alike.

Next door in The Ark, a contented bunch of three to four-year-olds were busy playing with sand, play-dough and each other.

And across the field in the main marquee, it was fun, fun and more fun for the Live Wires, who were busy enjoying a heady mix of music, art, sport and much more.

Art Attack has its own marquee this year and resident Claire Jones has prepared a superb range of activities, guaranteed to get the creative juices flowing, every afternoon from 2pm 4.30pm.

There are opportunities to make all sorts of things, from a mini racing car to a modrock sculpture.

For those who want to follow more energetic pursuits, X-treme has it all.

Billed as an action-packed event for 11-16-year-olds, it certainly does what it says on the label, offering everything from water fights, graffiti and breakdancing to self defence, crazy sports and scrap heap challenge.

Older members of the community were well at home earlier in the week, enjoying a game of bingo, historic walks or just a nice cup of tea in the friendly caf marquee.

The festival continues until Saturday's big family fun day and programmes are still available from most shops in Wick and Littlehampton.

Events for the rest of the festival are listed in the Gazette, August 15.