Bognor Regis Clowns Festival and Parade
Look on any decent clown’s calander, and one of the main events of the year will be the International Clowns Festival and Parade in Bognor Regis
Recognised as the father of clowning, Joseph Grimaldi started what was to become a mastery of comical imagery and action. “Joey” as he was known, was so popular that Charles Dickens wrote his biography, and his nickname became the one applied to all clowns. All around the world clowns of all shapes and sizes now entertain adults and children alike.
In 1947, Clowns International was formed, to further the Art of Clowning, to promote Clowns throughout the World, and provide contact between Clowns and Clown aficionados. Their quarterly newsletter is named “The Joey”!
Now every year they organise their Clowns Festival and Parade, to which members come to Bognor Regis from all the four corners of the globe, and this year is no different. Up to a 100 clowns have been known to want to join in, and to dress up and enjoy the event.
As well as the serious business, they love to revert to form and their clowning, and carry their antics out on the streets of Bognor Regis to sprinkle happiness as they go. An array of colourful wigs, stylish make-up, often unusually large footwear, and red noses are in abundance, as they parade and appear around the town!
Times to watch out for them around the town are: -
Saturday 5th March 2011 10 am - 12noon
Look out for some of the clowns in and around the town centre in Bognor Regis, as they enjoy themselves in letting their hair down, and bringing fun to people.
Sunday 6th March 2011 2.00pm - CLOWN PARADE!
At 2pm the clowns mobilise into concerted action as they leave the Butlins resort, via the Day Visitor Entrance in Gloucester Road, for the parade around Bognor Regis!
Leading the parade this year will be the Samba Band (Bloco Fogo), whose drummers combine their amazing energy and visual impact to create a riot of colour, movement and infectious rhythms from Brazil, Cuba, and Africa.
Prepare for fun, prepare for laughs, and take your camera for some unique photo opportunities!
Make sure you catch the chance to see this special event, as the entertainment season of Bognor Regis begins to get under way.
See the map for the parade route on the website link provided.
