This year's festival will see events held across the district from Friday, May 30, to Sunday, June 15.

Organisers, local dignitaries and the people involved gathered at Southwick Community Centre for the annual launch event, on Tuesday, April 22.

Positive contribution

Adur council chief executive Ian Lowry said: "I am proud of my 10 years' stewardship of this council and seeing the festival develop.

"More than 200 community groups are putting their efforts out for others to see.

"It makes a massively positive contribution to the wellbeing and sense of place."

Mr Lowry recognised the festival's ability to pull the community together and paid tribute to the organisers and people running events.

"There are some things that I shall probably be first in the queue for," he added.

"I wish the festival well and I thank all the people who have put their work-time and the voluntary efforts in.

"I think that is a tremendously powerful statement about what this community means to all of us."

Guides sent out

Festival guides have now gone out to homes in the district, featuring cover art designed by Naomi Roberts.

Naomi runs graphic design firm Rebel Diamond from her home in Upper Shoreham Road, Shoreham, as well as the website www.rebeldiamond.co.uk

The 29-year-old's design – which includes local landmarks including Shoreham's Ropetackle Centre, footbridge and a houseboat – was picked for the programme after local artists were invited to submit their work.

Naomi told the Herald: "I wanted to merge together all the buildings which hold events. I was just playing and drawing stuff and fitting it all together.

"I like the art-deco shapes with the airport."

Festival productions

Also at the Tuesday (April 22) launch were cast members from Adur Theatre Company's festival production, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

Directed by Fiona Cameron, the show will be performed at Southwick's Barn Theatre from Wednesday, June 11, to Saturday, June 14.

Tickets for the shows are available now, priced £8, by calling 01273 597094 or online at www.ticketlord.com/barn.htm

More information on the Adur Festival is available by calling 01273 263311 or by logging on to the festival website, at www.adurfestival.com

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