Adur Sea of Lights will be ‘bigger and better’

Santa will lead the children’s parade on Saturday, November 21, and Worthing town crier Bob Smytherman will be among the guests of honour.

Sarah King, one of the organisers, said: “Each time, it grows and grows. Last year, we had approximately 2,000 people attending, and more watching.”

When she started her business, SK Dance, in January 2011, teaching Zumba and Street Kidz dance classes, she wanted to be a face of the community to build trust from her customers.

Sarah looked into running charity events, then the opportunity arose to get involved with Adur Sea of Lights.

“I was asked by one of the Street Kidz mums if I would be interested in helping at an event she wanted to start,” explained Sarah.

“Andrea Ballance had the idea of putting on a fun, free and artistic community event for children, in the area. This was going to be the Sea of Lights children’s winter parade in Lancing for local families to attend. Schools and groups could make lanterns and march them around the village behind Santa Claus.”

It was suggested Sarah could organise a performance with children dancing while glowing in the dark, as a finale to the parade.

“I loved the idea about being involved in a new community project, it was something I was good at,” said Sarah.

“What a great event to be involved with in the place where I grew up and was building my business. I thought this could even help me increase my client base and give the children a chance to perform what they do in class.

“I am a great believer in confidence building and hoped the children would be excited to perform to their families and friends.”

Sarah became the entertainments manager and brought together other local groups to display their talents.

She said: “Local dance and drama groups, singers and cheerleaders are featured in our entertainment and create a fabulous atmosphere before the parades sets off around the village.

“We are all volunteers and each year we strive to be bigger and better than the last. We rely on local shops and businesses for funding and make most of our amazing lanterns to create a ‘sea of light’ from recycled materials.”

This year’s event kicks off at Monks Recreation Ground, in Crabtree Lane, at 2.30pm, with the likes of Shoreham Allstars, Worthing Panthers, SK Dance and the Silhouettes.

Schools and nurseries will then line up with their colourful, handmade lanterns for the parade at 4.30pm, with music and sound from Euphoria Steel Band, NTC Intrepid and Brighton School of Samba.

The parade will travel around the village then return to the recreation ground for music from The Daytonas.

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