Seafront lights updated for new season

The work also saw organisers make a number of vital repairs and updates to the traditional lights.

Now all but one of the displays – which is still awaiting a transformer – use 0.6 watt LED lamps.

The work was organised and funded by Bognor Regis Sea Front Lights, a community initiative which aims not only to preserve Bognor’s historic illuminations but to keep them fresh, updated and entertaining for years to come.

The group was formed in 1997 by Greg Burt and a number of colleagues who wanted to continue the seaside town tradition of having lights on the seafront.

Despite starting with only three displays, the group has grown and evolved to maintain more than 100 lights installations, stretching from Hotham Park to West Park, each of which are changed, updated and renewed on a yearly basis.

“(The seafront lights) are important to people,” Mr Burt said. “At night, they liven the town up. People might stop and think ‘oh I’ll have a drink here’.”

This year’s upgrades were made possible, in part, by the surprising generosity of the community over the last year.

Unable to hold traditional fundraising events, organisers raised nearly £1,500 by selling items kindly donated by members of the community.

This is in addition to the success of a public appeal launched last year.

Organisers had originally only intended to fill a £4,426 fundraising shortfall caused by the cancellation of their annual events but wound up raising nearly £20,000 for the cause.

Mr Burt said: “I know it’s a bit of a hackneyed phrase but the lights are there because the community wants and supports them.

“It shows that even when the country’s on its knees and people are more worried about their health, they still care about groups like ours.“

To find out more, contact the group on Facebook.