Organisers getting ready for The Illuminations Gala on Bognor seafront

The Illuminations Gala will again be taking to the seafront for the annual night time spectacle on bank holiday Sunday.

The volunteers planning the event, Bognor Regis Seafront Lights, hope the theme of children's stories will encourage plenty of entrants in all three main classes - float, walking and bicycle/pram.

Lights chairman Jason Passingham said he was confident of a good line-up for an event again sponsored by the Bognor Regis Observer. Bognor Regis Town Council is also backing the event along with support from Arun District Council.

"We have already had quite a few entries and lots more inquiries from people thinking about entering than ever before. We are really hopeful the gala will be well worth watching," he stated.

The gala will leave West Park at about 8.30pm on August 24 and make its way to Waterloo Square.

The prizes will be handed out about an hour later in front of the Royal Hotel before a fireworks display ends the evening. The occasion is in aid of the seafront lights.

More than 100 invitations have been sent to prospective entrants. The lighting team hope businesses, sports clubs and other community groups will use the night time illuminated procession to promote their good causes alongside families and individuals who decide to enter.

Once again, two full-scale marching bands will lead and end the snake of decorated and lit-up entries.

It is hoped the prospect of being able to use wheelbarrows, shopping trolleys, bikes and prams will help to make up for the decline in traditional lorry-type floats.

Groups who are stuck for bulbs and cable to decorate their entries can borrow some from the organisers for a donation. Lorries can also be loaned in exchange for a donation to the lights.

Prizes of up 50 await the winners.

For an entry form for the gala click here.