One of my favourite constituency events of the year is the Worthing Children’s Parade now in its 11th year and this time it was by far the biggest and best yet. No fewer than 23 schools and a debut entry by the youth mayor and the Worthing Youth Council paraded around the town from the promenade to Steyne Gardens and for the 11th time I was privileged to play the part of compere and welcome them to the waiting crowds.
The theme was Harry Potter and some amazing Hagrids, Thestrals, Hippogriffs, Voldemorts and much else besides survived the stiff breeze helped by some heavily perspiring parents and teachers who had done most of the heavy lifting. An enormous amount of work goes into creating the stunning centrepieces and it always strikes me as such a shame that they are nearly all dismantled once the parade is over rather than going on display for more people to see. Congratulations to art teacher Carolyn Woodward and all her team who once again showed that what Brighton does Worthing can do a whole lot better.