GALLERY: Bognor lights all switched-on despite the rain

The weekend's Big Switch-on '“ backed by Bognor Regis Town Council and the Bognor Regis Observer with support from Arun District Council '“ was hit by the consistently miserable conditions.

The crowd which gathered in front of the Royal Hotel for the turning on of two miles of lights for this summer was smaller than usual. They were entertained by the Regis Troopers.

The ceremony was performed by Bognor Regis and Littlehampton MP Nick Gibb, Aldwick Parish Council vice chairman Cllr Carole Wiseman and Cllr Don Eldridge, the town mayor of Bognor Regis.

It went ahead despite the fears of the organisers at Bognor Regis Seafront Lights of a possible cancellation because of an appalling weather forecast.

Seafront lights technical officer Greg Burt said: "The shortened pier did not prevent a very good fireworks display afterwards. Our street collection raised 135.99, which was very good as we raised only 194.95 last year with a much bigger crowd."

The poor weather stopped Coles Funfair on the beach opening for the first night Friday, April 18. The rides were stopped short again on Sunday (April 20) afternoon when more rain replaced a welcome spell of sunshine.

One positive aspect of the weekend was the appearance of Bognor's first Italian market which attracted good-sized crowds.

The 18 stalls all had red, green and white roofs to reflect the Italian national flag as they lined most of the London Road precinct.

They sold goods such as olives, sweets, bread, wines, cakes and chocolates. Cheese stall holder Melo Digesu, from Monza, said the market had received a warm welcome to Bognor in spite of the chilly and damp weather.

"People have been pleased to see us here," he said. "Some people have been waiting for us to arrive."

One of their Bognor customers was Pearl Beven (69) of Rose Green. She bought bread, fruit, biscuits and sweets among other items from the stalls.

"I think it does the town good to have a market like this. It's something for people to come out for and have a look around."

The illuminations switched on will be lit from 7.45pm to 11.45pm every night until September.

They include eye-catching displays, dubbed umbrella stands by lights organisers, which have replaced the kite displays that are on alternate columns between the Royal Norfolk Hotel and Gloucester Road.

However, the 1,000 cost of each display has prompted the lights volunteers to undertake the project in two phases, starting with West Street to Lennox Street this year, and the remainder next.