Christmas Illumination Contest

Written 16/09/06

As everyone clings to the idea that there still may be an Indian summer during September, work goes on behind the scenes with preparation for Christmas.

Looking forward to their second year with responsibility for the town's festive lighting, the illuminations committee of Bognor Regis Town Council has decided to involve children between 5 and 7 years old in making this a memorable event.

Youngsters are being invited to design a special illumination, using primary colours (red, yellow, blue, green) on a seasonal theme. The design, which could include holly, stars, a Christmas tree, or even Father Christmas, should be simple to allow the winning design to be transformed into an illumination.

Chairman of the illumination committee, councillor Rob Gillibrand said, "The new design will bring a special festive spirit to the High Street. The display will be there for everyone to see from the switch on until early January and we hope this will encourage youngsters to take a special interest in their town.

"This is an exciting new project and the council is keen to light up the town with the children's imagination. This year we are hoping to include news designs and we are considering extending the Christmas illuminations into the Queensway. The Town Council is looking forward to a bright and happy Christmas."

To make the competition more exciting for children entering the winner will be invited to switch on their own illumination during the special switch-on ceremony on Friday, 17th November and receive a £20 gift voucher. The winner's christian name will also be included in the illumination.

The competition is open to individual children and entries must reach Bognor Regis Town Council at the Town Hall, no later than Monday, 9th October, before 5.00pm. Entries should be submitted on an A4 sheet of paper with the child's name, age, address and telephone number on the back.

This is not the first time the Town Council has involved young people in a council project. The town's Guides and Brownies submit designs under the guidance of District Commissioner Angela Purser for the gardens outside the Town Hall for each year, as part of the entry for the South East in Bloom competition.

For the second year Bognor Regis achieved another top floral award - a Silver Gilt and Overall Winner in the coastal resort category. Following this success the Town Council was invited by the South East in Bloom organisers to enter the Britain in Bloom event. On Thursday (21 Sept.) Project and IT officer Paul Beckerson, one of the organisers of the town's entry, will attend the prize-winning ceremony to learn if Bognor Regis has won another prestigious prize for the town.