Worthing's Tide of Light parade will not take place this year

Worthing's popular Tide of Light lantern parade will not take place this year, organisers have announced.
Tide of Light 2017. Photo: Phil WestlakeTide of Light 2017. Photo: Phil Westlake
Tide of Light 2017. Photo: Phil Westlake

But the community volunteers have promised that the event will return ‘better than ever’ in 2019.

In a statement posted on the Tide of Light website, a spokesman said: “We want to deliver the best community event that this town deserves, but with all our ideas we can’t possibly organise this in such a short space of time.

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“We don’t want to provide an under-par event, we want it to be amazing, so we have decided to spend the next 18 months working on our ideas in the community, building relationships and most importantly raising the funds we need to deliver our vision in 2019.

“Tide of Light 2017 unfortunately ran at a deficit, so we also need this time out to apply for funding and raise money and sponsorship.

“We also need more help and volunteers, so would welcome any new members to our community group.”

Last year’s event saw residents line the street to watch the procession, which was filled with dance, music and colourful costumes.

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The Tide of Light team will continue to work hard in 2018 to forge new relationships with community groups, youth groups and schools, bringing a timetable of community arts workshops throughout the year focusing on recycling, the spokesman said.

The team will work with organisations including South Downs Leisure, CircusSeen CIC, The New Carnival Company, SeaChange Arts, Cycling Without Age, Worthing parkrun and existing friends Don’t Believe The Hype.

Time will also be spent applying for funding, raising money and finding sponsorship for next year’s event, the spokesman said.

The spokesman confirmed that the event had separated from the Worthing Lions fireworks display.

New volunteers and sponsors are still welcome to join the community group.

Anyone interested should contact [email protected]