Adur sea of lights parade set to return as funding target reached

Lancing's popular lantern parade is set to go ahead after the fundraising target for the event was met.
Adur Sea of Lights parade 2017Adur Sea of Lights parade 2017
Adur Sea of Lights parade 2017

A crowdfunding campaign was launched in June to try and raise £15,502 to secure the return of the Adur Sea of Lights this November.

The annual parade sees hundreds of schoolchildren and families march through the village with an array of handmade lanterns.

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Andrea Ballance, chairman and project manager, said she was ‘thrilled’ to announce the target has now been met.

Adur Sea of Lights parade 2017Adur Sea of Lights parade 2017
Adur Sea of Lights parade 2017

She said: “We are all systems go!

“West Sussex county council, the Esme Fairbairn Foundation, ASP Express and Michael Jones – thank you!

"It is the small donations though that made the bigger pledgers have faith in the project.

“Thanks to you we will have a security team to protect the attendees and volunteers, artists and materials for local schools and some massive lanterns for our 2000 parade attendees to enjoy.

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“We will also be providing an autism-friendly hour between 11-12 at the free lantern making session.

“Join us for an exciting, beautiful and deeply creative parade.”

The parade will take place on Saturday, November 24, from 4.30pm at Monks Recreation Ground.

This year’s event has the theme of space.

Andrea said: “Each year we walk together and share beautiful lantern creations, great music and lots of laughter.

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“From the smallest handheld lanterns made at one of our lantern making events, to huge pieces constructed by local secondary schools and artists, there’s always a lot to see and everyone can join in and take part.

“It will be an exciting year this year. We will have huge rockets lanterns, aliens, stars, planets and astronauts!”

In addition to the parade itself, organisers at Adur Sea of Lights work throughout the year to hold a number of workshops, providing people with opportunities to put volunteer work on their CVs, such as taking creative projects into local care homes.

Free lantern making session will be held at Lancing Parish Hall in the morning ahead of the parade.

Organisers had to crowdfund for the parade for the first time this year due to changes to the way the council funds community projects.