Fatboy Slim is on cue to open LagoonFest as the Hove seafront festival returns for a second year.
DJ Norman Cook played a set there last year as the Friends of Hove Lagoon showed off the area, gave a platform to local firms and traders and raised money for improvements.
This year the organisers want to raise money “for an ambitious planting scheme to soften and improve the landscape of the Lagoon”.
They said: “LagoonFest 2019, which is free to enter, will be host to over 50 stalls selling local products, including hot and cold food stands and bars.
“Live music from local artists will be on throughout the day and festivalgoers will be able to try their hand (or foot!) at the skate jam and beginner’s skateboard lessons – as well as get involved with the stand up paddleboard race, enter their pooch in the ‘Coastway Vets Dog Show’ and have a go at 3D art pens.
“They will be able to buy items from local Brighton artists Manic Minotaur and David Allistone (Exploring Senses), get treatments from the ‘Purple Turtle Therapy Tent’ and enjoy the model yacht display.
“There will also be a raffle and tombola with over 50 amazing prizes including dinner, bed and breakfast at the Ginger Pig, afternoon tea at the Grand, underground gym membership, spa treatments, signed books by Peter James, Abie Longstaff, Dorothy Koomson and Julian M Armstrong – and vouchers for restaurants, shops, hair, fitness and entertainment – plus lots more!
“Cassette Lord, LagoonFest’s artist in residence, will not be there on the day but has painted four boards (donated by Chandlers) which will be auctioned off in the autumn after the festival.”
Councillor Robert Nemeth, who represents Wish ward on Brighton and Hove City Council and who chairs of the Friends of Hove Lagoon, said: “LagoonFest is a true community festival and we’ll once again be bringing together hundreds of volunteers and thousands of participants from across Hove and beyond.
“It’s all about showing off what a great place the Lagoon is and raising funds to improve our area.”
The organisers added: “LagoonFest was launched in 2018 by the Friends of Hove Lagoon to raise funds for a new ambitious planting scheme to soften and improve the landscape of the Lagoon.
“The scheme will include natural plantings, wildflowers and a herb garden, the aim being to attract more people and wildlife to this much-loved space.
“The design is by Brighton designer Nicholas Dexter and the landscaping will be by Nigel Bowcock, of Acre Landscapes.
“The project is headed-up by Councillor Nemeth, Friends of Hove Lagoon secretary Sue Johnson and volunteer Chris Flint.
“Nicholas and Nigel are working closely with the Friends of Hove Lagoon committee.
“The design will be consulted on comprehensively in conjunction with local residents and businesses, as well as Friends of Hove Lagoon supporters, before it’s finalised.
“The hope is that this project will be a springboard to redevelop other areas in Hove that need an uplift, including the lawns along Hove seafront.
“Last year the Friends of Hove Lagoon raised £8,000 for the planting scheme. The council has agreed to fund some of this project, but the Friends of Hove Lagoon need to raise additional funds to ensure the project is realised and maintained.
“All profits from LagoonFest 2019 will be match-funded from schemes that provide grant funding.
“The Friends of Hove Lagoon are extremely grateful to the local companies that are sponsoring the event.
“The main sponsors of LagoonFest 2019 are the Cheese Hut, Empire Construction, Shoreham Port Authority and Vero Screening.
“LagoonFest 2019 is also sponsored by the Big Beach Café, Lagoon Pirates and Lagoon Watersports, and Cales Estate Agents.”
LagoonFest 2019 is due to take place at Hove Lagoon on Saturday 7 September from 11am to 4pm.
