Celebration of village life

EAST Preston Festival launches tomorrow, celebrating village life with nearly 100 varied events.
Victorian showman Billy Biggs, right, with festival committee chairman Ian Gordon and Seaview Hotel owner Jacquie JacquesVictorian showman Billy Biggs, right, with festival committee chairman Ian Gordon and Seaview Hotel owner Jacquie Jacques
Victorian showman Billy Biggs, right, with festival committee chairman Ian Gordon and Seaview Hotel owner Jacquie Jacques

The annual ten-day festival includes events led by the East Preston festival committee, as well as fundraising activities organised by individuals and community groups.

Take the Scarecrow Tour throughout the week and follow the Open Gardens and Art Trail on Saturday and Wednesday afternoon.

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Be entertained by Arun Young Musicans, play shuffleboard, see the fashion show or watch model planes being flown and try your hand at flying them on the computer simulator.

Janine Nicholson, committee member, said: “Don’t miss the Party on the Green on Sunday, with its traditional tug-of-war, follow the Festival Carnival Parade on Saturday, June 6, and come to the Fun Dog Show on Sunday, June 7, with food and drink stalls and where the grand prize draw will take place.”

East Preston Fire Station, in North Lane, has an open afternoon on Wednesday, from 3pm to 6pm. Meet the firefighters, find out about fire safety, look round the station and try out the driver’s seat in the fire engine.

Main events include:-

Tomorrow, 3pm to 6pm, Punch and Judy with barbecue at the Seaview Hotel. Traditional puppet mayhem for children and grown-ups with Victorian showman Billy Biggs. There will be two 30-minute shows at 3.30pm and 5pm.

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Saturday to Monday, 10am to 5pm (3pm Monday), An Exhibition of Art and Flowers, Conservative Hall, Sea Road. Themed floral arrangements and paintings by local artists. Raffle and refreshments. Entrance 50p, donation to St Barnabas House. Organised by East Preston Floral Club.

Sunday, 10am to 4pm, Festival Antiques and Collectables Market, Village Hall Complex, Sea Road. Ceramics. Raffle, refreshments and homemade cakes. Admission 70p. Organised by the East Preston festival committee.

Sunday, midday to 9pm, Party on the Green, Sea Road. Entertainment, tombola, boules, face painting, children’s zone, real ale marquee, burgers, hot dogs and live music. Organised by Royal British Legion Club. The Festival Tug of War, organised by the Seaview Hotel takes place at 3pm.

Monday, 10.30am to 1.30pm, Antiques Valuation Morning, Warren Room, Village Hall Complex, Sea Road. Take along antiques and family heirlooms, and Paul Campbell from Campbell’s Auction House, Worthing, will value them, £1.50 per item or three for £4 (maximum three items).

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Wednesday, 2pm to 4pm, Lashmar Ladies Tea Party, The Guide Hut, Lashmar Recreation Ground, Sea Road. Afternoon tea with East Preston’s new afternoon WI. Bring and buy tables, tombola, cakes, jams and chutneys for sale. Cake raffle.

Friday, June 5, 9.30am to 12.30pm, Charity and Community Market, Village Hall Complex, Sea Road. Charity stalls, food, cakes, plants from Ferring Country Centre and crafts. Listen to the steel band while having a drink and a bacon bap. Organised by the East Preston festival committee.

The full programme with details of all events, competitions and tours is available at libraries and from selected East Preston shops. The programme can also be viewed at www.eastprestonvillage.co.uk

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