Bognor Regis, 21st February 2007:

Time is running out for young people between the ages of 4 and 16 to win their families a Butlins Annual Family Fun Pass. 

Butlins have offered 5 Family passes, allowing 2 adults and 2 children FREE visits to Butlins for a year, as prizes for the Clowns Colouring competition being run in conjunction with local schools.  The competition is part of the lead up to the Circus Circus weekend taking place at Butlins on March 9 – 12 and the Clowns Parade through the town on Sunday 11 March.

Flyers about the competition have been delivered by Butlins to local schools.  However, if any children have not received details they still have a chance of competing as the flyers containing the competition details are available from the Visitor Information Centre and the Town Hall.  However, speed is of the essence as the competition closes on Monday 26 Februrary.

To enter, just create a picture of a clown -  big or small, painted, collage or drawn.  When it’s done, hand it into the Library with your name, age and contact number.  Age groups are: 4-6 years   7-9 years   9-11 years  11 – 13 years  13-16 years.    Winners will be notified by 7 March and prizes will be presented at the Clowns International launch at 4 pm on Friday 9. 

Details of the Clown Parade route will be given in the Bognor Regis Observer next week.

                          *ENDS*

Bognor Regis, 29th January 2007:

The colourful collection of Clowns will be led by the vibrant and joyful music associated with the Mardi Gras festivals of New Orleans.  The Mardi Gras Joymakers are a ten piece band, led by clarinettist Brian White, who over the years has played at many of the world’s most prestigious jazz festivals. 

The band will play for about 30 minutes in the Skyline Pavilion in Butlins, before leading the clowns out of the Gloucester Road entrance and through the Town Centre.  The Parade will last for about 2 hours before returning to Butlins, where Clowns International will be holding their Annual General Meeting.

Details of the route will be published nearer the time.  Said Bognor Regis Town Council Events Officer Sue Holmes

“The longer route we have organised this year should give ample opportunity for people to see the clowns performing, as well as enjoying the lively music provided by this wonderful band.”

This is the second visit the Mardi Gras Joymakers have made to the Town, as they performed at the Music Festival last July.

Discussions took place last week between Bognor Regis Town Council, Butlins and Clowns                    International to finalise the arrangements for the Clowns Parade through the town.

This year, Clowns International will be at Butlins for the weekend 9 – 12 March and will form part of Butlins Circus Circus weekend. The Parade through the town will take place on Sunday 11, starting at 2 pm from the Butlins day visitor entrance.

Full details of the route will be published nearer the time but Town Council Events Officer Sue Holmes said

"This year the route is a bit longer and will avoid turning back on itself along London Road precinct, as happened last year. We want to give residents and visitors as much opportunity to enjoy the parade as we can"