GALLERY: Broadwater's Big Day Out 2016

The event combined Broadwater Carnival on Broadwater Green with Worthing Fire Station open day in Ardsheal Road for the second year running.

Organisers say the formula works and the event is now one of the biggest in Worthing.

Ann Barlow, chairman of Broadwater Carnival Society, said: “It was an amazing day filled with sunshine.

“People were so involved with it all this year. It is a really big event now, possibly the biggest in any one day in Worthing.

“This year we had the best arena events we have ever had. It was non-stop full and there was something for everybody.

“The vast majority of the money raised will be staying in the town and helping the people of the town.”

Various groups dressed up for the Mardi Gras themed walking and wheeled procession around the green.

There were also more than 125 stalls this year and the society hopes to increase the number for next year.

Around £12,000 for five charities – Guild Care, Cancer United, We Play Too, Worthing and District Scope and The Fire Fighters Charity. The amount raised has already topped last year’s £10,00 total and it is still growing.

Applications are now open for people to nominate a charity for the 2017 Worthing Fire Station open day and Broadwater Carnival. Email [email protected] for more information.

Mrs Barlow said the society tried a slightly different layout for this year’s event and would be looking at improving it again for next year, to help the flow of people.

Firefighters put on a fun day with a serious message at Worthing Fire Station open day.

There was a record turnout to see the town’s firefighters demonstrate their skills at the fire station in Ardsheal Road.

Watch commander Darren Wickens, who organises the open day, said: “Each year it gets bigger and better and this year it was absolutely superb, helped by having fantastic weather.

“We had record everything. More than 10,000 people visited the fire station throughout the day and from the moment the doors opened, it was absolutely chock-a-block with people.

“Since we have combined with Broadwater Carnival Society, there is so much going on now, people stay around for the whole day.

“The purpose of our part of the day is to let people see what the fire service does and to get fire and road safety messages across to people.”

Between 10am and 4pm, the fire crews attended six actual call-outs, though none kept them away from the fire station from long.

Mr Wickens said a huge percentage of fires they attend involve unattended cooking, so raising awareness was a big part of the day.

Demonstrations included the effect of putting water on a chip pan fire and the need for working smoke alarms was highlighted.

Road safety was also a key feature, as West Sussex Fire and Rescue is working with others to reduce the number of deaths on the roads.

People were able to climb in a haulage vehicle to see for themselves the blind spots and realise how difficult it can be for drivers to see cyclists.

Children were given the chance to have a go with the hoses and Mr Wickens said more than 1,000 queued up for the opportunity.

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