Footie Fever At Festival

Fears that the number of people lining the streets might be hit by live television coverage of England's match against Denmark proved groundless.

But then, England were winning 3-0 by the time the procession set off through the village, a scoreline which seemed to add to the festive feel along the route.

The fine weather and sunny intervals helped, too, and when it came to the carnival participants, just like the World Cup, there were some knock-out entries.

Barbara Windsor look-alikes on the village British Legion float showed it wasn't just the England strikers who were good up front.

Their Carry on Camping theme was a winner in the adult floats competition, with exercising beauties and glimpses through the hedgerow of the nudist camp antics, attracting much mirth from the spectators, top marks from the judges and a trophy and 75 first prize.

Patient Link's Beside the Seaside float featured wonderful Edwardian costumes, an ice cream stall, deck chairs and seagulls, and took the second prize of 40 and a trophy.

East Preston Twinning Association's World Cup scene, with goal nets, pitch and England players drew lots of cheers, while their counterparts from Rustington were surfing the net on their float, as a tribute to their American twinning partners Los Altos, in Silicon Valley.

Immaculately turned out guardsmen, in smart red tunics and busby hats, were on duty for the delightful Royal Garden Party float entered by Happy Days Pre-school, which won the youth floats category, with a trophy and 75.

Sentry boxes, and a Buckingham Palace backdrop added to the regal scene.

Sussex Autistic Society's young buccaneers, on their amazing pirate ship, with mermaids, mast and rigging, took the second prize bounty of 40 and a trophy, just pipping East Preston Guides, Brownies and Rainbows, with their Jubilee Bug Garden, full of colourful creatures.

The walking group honours went to East Preston Village Pre-school, who brought alive a bookful of fairy tales.

For all the festival news and a whole host of pictures, see the Gazette, June 20.