Festival goers basked in the sunshine at a host of events across Sussex this weekend.

The Brighton Lions Club Carnival proved a hit in Preston Park on Saturday.

The event had hit a setback when its annual carnival procession had to be cancelled due to lack of interest.

But supporter Hugh Harland put on a one-vehicle parade instead, driving his 1970 former London Transport coach from the Peace Statue to Preston Park.

Lions president Brian Slater said the lack of a procession could not spoil such a wonderful day.

This year's carnival included a tug of war - with children pitting their muscles against a steam engine - baton twirlers and motorcycle displays.

The event raises funds for the Leo House Children's Hospice Appeal.

Crowds thronged Worthing seafront for the Seafront Fayre, the town's biggest annual party.

The sun shone on each day of the weekend extravaganza, which proved a huge success despite the cancellation of a series of big-name concerts.

Fans of Atomic Kitten and Artful Dodger may have been disappointed not to see their chart-topping favourites up on the stage. But instead of paying up to £15, pop fans' spirits were lifted by the chance to see a selection of bands for free.

As part of the 11th-hour final line-up, Pink Floyd tribute band the Floyd Project and Madness tribute band Los Palmos got the crowd going with their retro sounds on Friday.

Saturday evening was dominated by reggae band Aswad and solo artist Sharon Woolf, lead singer on Shanks and Bigfoot's Sweet Like Chocolate.

Other events at the fair included a torchlight procession, a funfair and a performance by the Band of the Royal Dragoons.

Denise Nowell, one of the fair's organisers, said: "I have been doing this for 20 years and I've never seen so many people here. The atmosphere is fantastic.

"The concert on Friday was absolutely out of this world. The feeling in the air was so warm and happy."

Bognor carnival, organised by the Bognor Regis Lions, was also pronounced a success.

Saturday's event included a procession of floats from West Park along Marine Drive, the Esplanade, High Street and Aldwick Road.

Mayor Roger Nash was one of the judges of the best float competition. Bognor Regis Roller Skating Club came top, winning a £300 prize for its Bob the Builder costumes.

Councillor Nash said: "This is probably one of the biggest carnivals we've had in quite a few years. It was a great success."

Eastbourne may have basked in sunshine but it was also one of the coolest places to be seen as thousands of skating enthusiasts showed off their skills yesterday.

More than 10,000 people are estimated to have flocked to the town, either on skates or on foot.

Tim Wheals, appropriately-named organiser of the Skate 2001 event, said it was one of the biggest dedicated skating events in the country.

Bands included Toploader and support act Life On Sky while fellow Steve Lamacq show veterans Manner Descriptive played throughout the day.