Concert flops

But Fat Boy Slim it certainly was not, with only around 100 spectators at the Manor House car park venue.

One of the event organisers, Derdriu McLaughlin, said lessons had definitely be learned from Saturday, and they were determined to draw big crowds to the next Centre Stage event on August 14.

"We are certain this was a learning experience and what we have learned would be that amenities need to be on hand and seating needs to be available," she explained.

Derdriu said the event was well advertised and the audience figures did not reflect the quality of performance.

St James' Concert Choir, Chandler Variety and the Green Hill Boys were just three of the acts giving their services free at Saturday's event.

"The performances were very strong, they really were excellent," Derdriu said.

But it would seem noise restriction levels imposed by Arun District Council added to the difficulty of attracting spectators.

"The car park is very sheltered and, if people cannot hear the music from elsewhere in the town, they wouldn't know there was a concert going on."

The concept of Centre Stage began early this year and its aim was to bring music to suit all tastes to the people of Littlehampton and the surrounding areas, using Littlehampton Town Council's newly acquired inflatable bandstand.

Organisers are now working hard to find an alternative site for the next event.

Derdriu added: "We realise that we need to bring the event to where the people are rather than expect people to come to us.

"We got it the wrong way round and this is something we have learned from. It's very much trial and error."