Crowds converge on new-look Pavilion

It was the first time the Pavilion had been opened to the public for more than two years and followed an 8 million refurbishment.

Work had gone on until the very last minute to prepare the iconic venue.

Lottery funding and ten years of hard graft were mainly responsible for the Pavilion's emergence from "princess in rags" status to a building fit for a king.

Guests introduced by director Alan Haydon included Lord and Lady De La Warr and MP Greg Barker.

The Pavilion sets out to celebrate art, architecture and entertainment.

Many present on the opening weekend were happy just to climb up to the roof terrace, a feature denied to the public for a generation.