Sun brings thousands to 23rd Durrington festival

Thousands attended the 23rd annual event, which had a theme this year of Do You Remember?

The finale was on Saturday when around 2,000 people enjoyed a festival, carnival and fair.

Following a launch at The New Life Church in Durrington, activities included music from pupils at Hawthorns First School, readings from Durrington Middle School, storytimes, a country market and library talks.

Tracy Bloxham is heavily involved in the running of the festival and is the widow the festival’s former chairman, Peter.

Following his death four days before the festival finale in 2011, the committee decided to create an award to pay tribute to him.

This year it was awarded to Pippa Couch of Flipitas Gymnastics Club, for her ‘outstanding work teaching gymnastics and fundraising work for many charities.’

Northbrook College received a special award for ‘making so much effort with the festival and in particular with the carnival year after year.’

Mrs Bloxham said: “It was a great afternoon and everyone was really enjoying themselves. We were so lucky and the weather really helped us.

“We could not have asked for more. There were a lot of activities on offer throughout the week and plenty going on.”

New Church received first prize in the carnival with Flipitas coming a close second and St Symphorian’s Church in third place.

Deputy Worthing mayor Vic Walker and mayoress Rosemary also took part in the procession along with festival prince and princess Harley Goss, 7, and Libby Bunn, 6.

Evening entertainment included a fun fair, arena events, a singer, two bands, charity stalls and refreshments.

Mrs Bloxham said: “The festival is about giving Durrington a platform to show all it has to offer and is about celebrating what is happening here.

“It is also about people having a wonderful time.”