Wet weather puts a dampener on Wick Week bonanza

Blissful sunshine may have graced the first hour of the opening event of the festival – a party on Heo Green.

But as the clouds gathered and the heavens opened, people opted to abandon the party and seek shelter, much to the disappointment of organisers.

Sofia Chittenden, events and publicity manager for Littlehampton Town Council, which helped fund this year’s Wick Week, said: “It was such a shame about the weather.

“We thought we would try something different by having a launch party and had there not been any rain we would have been fine.

“The first hour of the event was really well-attended. We must have had more than 100 children. So yes, it was just frustrating that the weather turned on us.”

She added: “But despite the rain, the overall mood has been very positive – it hasn’t dampened the spirit of Wick’s community.”

This year’s event has been organised in conjunction with the Wick Information Centre, Wick Village Traders’ Association, Arun Community Church, Project 82, The Keystone Centre, Inspire Leisure, The Littlehampton Academy, New Highfields Residents’ Group, Arun District Council and Age UK West Sussex.

It is one of the biggest yet, featuring 56 activities taking place over the seven-day celebration, which ends on Saturday.

Julie Roby, manger of the Wick Information Centre, said: “The weather has put a slight dampener on proceedings but there is still so much more left for people to enjoy.”

For a full list of activities still remaining, pick up a copy of today’s Littlehampton Gazette (Thurday, August 1).