Funding needed for big fun day

PLANS are taking shape for a major event on Lowestoft seafront next month to celebrate the countdown to the Olympics in London in two years' time - but organisers are seeking more support from local businesses.

PLANS are taking shape for a major event on Lowestoft seafront next month to celebrate the countdown to the Olympics in London in two years' time - but organisers are seeking more support from local businesses.

The London 2012 Open Weekend is an annual UK-wide celebration of art, culture, sport and everything that makes up the London 2012 Games. Its aim is for local community groups to showcase themselves and inspire others.

In Lowestoft, the town's tourism group is organising a local event on The Royal Green on Saturday July, 24.

Fun on the Green will run from 10am until 4pm, with a main arena showcasing events headlined by the Waveney Gymnastics Club, a side arena featuring a fun dog show, and a host of other stalls and attractions.

Any money raised will benefit the long-term project to improve the children's play area on the seafront.

Frances Hampshire, secretary of Lowestoft Tourism Group, said a number of companies and organisations had already taken stalls or offered support but about �600 was still needed to cover the main running costs of the event.

'Ideally we are looking for someone to sponsor the event as we need to cover the cost of insurance, a PA system and St John Ambulance cover but any help towards the overall cost will be gratefully received,' she said.

'It's a community-based event that is designed to benefit the local area. Our initial aim is to make this first event as successful as possible but if it goes as well as we hope, we're looking to run two or three events a year in the future.'

Among the local companies, clubs and organisations already committed to attend are: Football in the Community from Norwich City Football Club, Christians Together, the RNLI, Carlton Colville Transport Museum, Lowestoft Maritime Museum, the Royal National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen, the International Training Boatbuilding Company, Suffolk Dog Training, Redwings Horse Sanctuary, Pleasurewood Hills, the Anglian Balloon Company, Chillies Galore, Chris Wightman (fish stall), Cozies (hog roast), Creative Crepes, Farmhouse Kitchen, Playzone Bouncy Castle and Lowestoft Lions.

The Army Cadets (Gorleston detachment) will also be attending, bringing a jeep, tent and display of military ware, as well as helping out by acting as stewards.

Organisers are still looking for businesses and organisations to take stalls.

To book, or for more information, contact Frances Hampshire on 01502 539043, Tony Gittins on 01502 511799 or Ann Ceresa on 01502 573950.