Brightonians flocked to the beach in their thousands over the weekend to celebrate what could be the last Paddle Round The Pier. The largest free beach festival in Europe returned to the scorching Hove Lawns with a bang.
The festival stayed true to its surfer roots with endless water activities on offer including the hugely popular water races. These water activities were also given that extra adrenaline rush by the unusually high waves of the weekend. The pool built for scuba diving lessons also proved a hit and attracted the majority of aimless passersby.
Sporting enthusiasts aside, the festival again proved that it could provide for all the family. The littles ones were instantly captured by the bouncy castle, Ferris wheel and breathtaking slide (that got adults asking what the age limit was!). The rest of us soaked up the sunshine infront of the live band tent and indulged in the mountain of cuisines available. The Thai stand proved to be very popular and a few drunken grumbles were definitely heard when the Pad Thai ran out! The Brunswick tent was also full to the brim throughout and kept visitors happy and hydrated (well sort of!) well into the night.
Paddle Round The Pier again captured that summer festival spirit and brought the whole of Brighton together. But if the event cannot find a sponsor for next year, it faces a definite cancellation. Let’s keep our fingers crossed – this is one event Brighton cannot afford to lose.
Words by Sheira Gorris
paddleroundthepier.com
