Mayor of Bognor Regis' Weekly Briefing: Attending an array of exciting and important events

Less than two weeks since my appointment as Mayor, and I have already been lucky enough to attend an array of exciting and important events within our Town.

Last Friday saw the official opening of the new Premier Inn hotel on Bognor Regis seafront, a wonderful, modern and welcome edition to the tourism sector, which has brought career opportunities to local people, and is set to bring thousands of visitors each year.

It was a pleasure to see this project come to fruition and to tour the new facilities, alongside senior members of the Whitbread team, dignitaries including the Chair of Arun District Council, Cllr. Freddie Tandy, Alison Griffiths MP and the Bognor Regis Town Crier, as well as local stakeholders. Thank you to Whitbread for inviting me and I wish them all the best with their new venture here.

Bookending the weekend was this year’s Bognor Prom 10K Road Race organised by the Bognor Regis Tone Zone Runners in partnership with the Rotary Club of Bognor Hotham. The event continued its reputation as one of the South Coast’s fastest and flattest 10K races, attracting a strong mix of club runners, recreational athletes and charity participants. The course started and finished at West Park, heading east along the promenade through Felpham before returning along the seafront.

I was honoured to be asked to help with the presenting of awards to participants, and the charity fundraising activities and community stalls, gave the event a community, festival-like atmosphere, which was highly enjoyable. Congratulations to all those who took part and to the organisers for a terrifically organised event.

It certainly doesn’t slow down there, as thousands of visitors are expected to flock to the seafront as the Bognor Regis Carnival returns this Saturday 23rd May, with a packed day of family entertainment, colourful parades and live performances.

This year’s carnival theme, “Jungle Mayhem”, promises a vibrant spectacle of tropical costumes, imaginative floats and community groups, with the parade set to travel through Bognor Regis before finishing at West Park, where the main celebrations will continue throughout the afternoon and evening.

There’ll be all plenty of live music, dance displays, food stalls, children’s attractions and entertainment for all ages, creating a day full of colour and fun for all to enjoy.

The carnival has become one of the highlights of the Bognor Regis events calendar, attracting residents and visitors from across West Sussex each year. With free entry and activities running throughout the day, carnival-goers are encouraged to arrive early and join in the celebrations! For all the details including updates, visit the Bognor Regis Carnival Facebook page.

Taking place next Wednesday 27th May, Bognor Regis Town Council’s annual Book Day event, ‘Festival of Birds’, promises a fun-filled afternoon of half-term entertainment for the whole family.

Hotham Park will come alive with spectacular performances, interactive activities and plenty of feathered-themed fun. Visitors can meet Pongo, the seven-foot-tall giant “Fudgerigar” animatronic, alongside Rio the Macaw parrot puppet and the impressive birds of prey from Huxley’s.

This free event, running between 12pm and 4pm, will also feature giant art installations, storytelling sessions, a book swap, facepainting, Big Top tent and a wide range of family activities throughout the day. It’s an event not to be missed, and both the Town Crier and I look forward to seeing you there!