Clowns to descend on Bognor Regis this weekend

Some 100 clowns are set to celebrate the sixth of their latest weekends in the town.

Those coming the furthest will be travelling from New Zealand to join some from Europe who have previously brought an international flavour to the event.

The Clowns International members will be having fun during March 4-6 on their Circus Circus weekend.

Clowns International secretary Tony Eldridge said: “This is ‘the’ clowning event of the year and not to be missed.”

The gathering will again be centred around Butlins throughout the weekend.

“During the three days of fun,” said Tony, “clowns will be entertaining the crowds with three clown shows in the fabulous Skyline Big Top stage on the Saturday and Sunday in addition to entertaining all round the resort.”

Some clowns will also be in the London Road precinct on the Saturday to keep shoppers amused.

The final afternoon will see the traditional parade – jointly held with Bognor Regis Town Council – from Butlins along the seafront and through the town centre. It will start at 2pm.

“During the parade, the clowns will stop at intervals to entertain the huge crowds that always accompany the spectacle and provide an unrivalled photographic opportunity,” Tony said.

Clowns International will also be holding its annual meeting and awards evening during the weekend.

Clowning and Christianity will mix in the weekend’s traditional service at a North Bersted church.

The Rev Roly Bain, who is an Anglican vicar, will lead the service at Holy Cross Church at the Chichester Road/North Bersted Street roundabout at 5.30pm on March 5.

He will be delighting the congregation with his performance, including his slack rope routine, and his preaching.

A handful of other clowns are expected to join him to delight all ages.