Arun withdraws £3,000 seafront festival grant

The festival, formerly the Littlehampton Regatta, is now in its 10th anniversary year and has proved a real boost to the town's economy, with around 20,000 people visiting the event two years ago.

Every year the weekend's festivities, which include powerboat races, sailing races, live music, stalls and lots more, costs around 21,000 to set up and is run completely by volunteers from the Littlehampton Regatta Group.

Terry Mills, chairman of the group, said: "We rely on support from local businesses and on the councils to fund the event.

"Last year Arun gave us 3,000 but this year they told me on June 23, four weeks before it starts, that they would not be helping out with any money.

"It's a kick in the teeth for my group of volunteers, who work tirelessly to raise the 21,000 to put the event on.

"Is this a clear message from Arun that they don't want the festival again. They managed to find 18,000 at the last minute to fund last year's Birdman Rally.

"Generous local traders and businesses have so far sponsored the event to the tune of 11,000 and Littlehampton Town Council have given us 2,000, as they have every year.

"If just two of the people who come to the festival decide to buy property in the town, their council rates they'd pay to Arun would come to around 2,800. That's as much as we're asking for to help fund the event."

Arun responded through press oficer Robin Mackintosh by saying that its grants budget was cut by a third last year and some events, ranked as a low priority, had to lose their sponsorship.

Mr Mills said: "The event is getting more and more popular and with the coverage by Spirit FM and Sky Sports, the town is getting some great exposure.

"People have heard the rumours and are asking whether or not it's going to happen but we will not let them down. The show will go on, even if I have to make up the shortfall in money out of my own pocket."

Any traders wanting to set up a stall on the green or advertising boards at the seafront for the festival should call 01903 730730.