Country fair to be last for a long time

The fair will be the last until 2009.

Next August's celebration of rural crafts on the coast will not take place because of the extensive work in the park as its long-awaited restoration gets underway.

The Hotham Park Heritage Trust volunteers have crammed as much as possible into this weekend'sfair to make up for the 12 month absence. The fair will open between 11am and 5pm on Saturday and Sunday. In its sixth year, it has established itself as a summer favourite on the town's events calendar.

Regular attendances have reached 10,000 as the crowds have poured in to enjoy hours looking round the host of attractions.

Young and old will find plenty to do. Live entertainment will take place on both days.

Among those performing in the arena will be the Aziza belly dancers, Arun Sounds singers and a Bognor Regis Dog Training Club obedience team on Saturday.

Sunday's line-up features Star Struck dance troupe, Elmer Entertainers, Family Sez street theatre and the Regis Jazz Band.

Plenty of demonstrations on both days will provide insights into jewellery making, canal ware painting and a working pole lathe.

There will also be attractions '“ such as a coconut shy, ball in the bucket, an assault course and quad bikes '“ to provide plenty of interest throughout the weekend.

Admission is free but the fair has raised plenty of money because of the demand for space among stall holders, to improve the park's children's playarea and clock tower. This year's project is to help the renovation of the fish pond.

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