Weird and wonderful take float at Brighton's Paddle Round the Pier (From The Argus)

Weird and wonderful take float at Brighton's Paddle Round the Pier

9:51am Monday 9th July 2012 in Video News By Ben Parsons

Cricketers, Hawaiian beach revellers and Albion fans took to the waves at this year’s Paddle Round the Pier Festival.

The Paddle Something Unusual event was one of the most popular and colourful of the weekend which saw thousands of people flock to the beach.

A Back To The Future tribute and an attempt to replicate the Royal Barge – complete with the Royal Family – also smiles to onlookers.

Hardcore waterlovers took part in a “maritime marathon”, paddling to Shoreham and back, while others took part in swims of between 1km and 10km along the seafront.

But water was only part of the story, as organisers attempted their biggest festival yet on Hove Lawns.

A barbecue competition, skate ramps, a music stage, fairground attractions and hundreds of stalls took over Hove Lawns.

The event was held to raise money for the RNLI, Winston’s Wish – a charity for bereaved children - and Surf Aid, which supports ex-servicemen and women.

Organisers said the changeable weather – ranging from bright sunshine to heavy downpours – had not dampened spirits.

Spokesman David Somerville said: “Our aim is to raise as much money as possible for the three charities.

“We have had really good support this year from a lot of local businesses, stallholders and exhibitors.”

Volunteers also took part in a mass beach-clean on Saturday organised by campaign group Surfers Against Sewage.

About 80kg of rubbish was cleared, with 257 people taking part – including Brighton Pavilion MP Caroline Lucas.

The turnout was largest ever for one of the group’s clean-ups, but fell short of the target of 500 for the day.

Aaron Jennings, Brighton rep for the campaign, said:” It went really well. We were really chuffed with the record.”