Clowns set to pour in to town

The anticipated turnout between March 9 and 12 will be the largest gathering of the humourists in the town for 13 years.

They could be coming back for many years to come to continue Bognor's reputation as clown town.

Early indications from Clowns International show that the 2007 clowns weekend will be larger than last year's initial 83-strong revival of the world famous conventions between 1984-94.

The biggest public aspect of the clown crazy weekend will be a parade along the seafront and through the town centre on Sunday, March 11.

This will have a longer route than last year to enable as many people as possible to join in the mayhem and merriment.

Butlins and Bognor Regis Town Council have again joined forces to attract the clowns to Bognor. The holiday company is staging another Circus Circus weekend after the success of last year's occasion.

Resort general manager Martin Jackson said: 'We are delighted to have the clowns back for another year after having such a successful weekend last year.

'The whole resort is looking forward to working with them again and hope to make it into a long-term partnership.'

The fun-filled event will stretch over three days.

Next Friday '“ Clowns gather in Butlins. Afternoon presentations will be held in the holiday resort Butlins for the clown picture competition winners. Entries closed on Monday for the five age groups between four and 16 years.

A spectacular balloon launch will follow as the clowns launch into their hilarious routines all over the packed resort.

Saturday '“ Saturday morning will see plenty of clowning around in Bognor town centre as the funnymen and women take to the streets between 10am and noon to entertain shoppers.

The clowns will return to Butlins to their very own Big Top where children can learn new circus skills in specially crafted clown workshop sessions. Spinning plates and juggling rings will be just two of the talents which can be learnt.

Sunday '“ the fun continues inside and outside Butlins. The morning will feature clowns performing their mystifying magic, cracking comedy, baffling balloon modelling and scintillating circus skills as the Big Top adventure carries on.

At 2pm, the clowns leave the resort for their public parade.

Their route will take them back to Butlins for one more night before they leave the following morning.