DOZENS gathered to celebrate Sussex Day on the seafront this afternoon.
People enjoyed the celebration event by the Martello Tower in The Esplanade, Seaford.
Organised by Seaford Town Council, it involved raising of the county’s six gold martlets flag, as well as singing Sussex by the Sea, the county’s unofficial anthem.
The day is observed to celebrate the heritage and culture of Sussex.
Peter White, Seaford’s town crier for the last 45 years, belted out the 115-year-old anthem in his full uniform.
He said: “Sussex Day has a life of about 20 years, the blue and yellow flag you see goes back to the ancient Saxon kingdom of Sussex.
“Regardless of where you come from, Sussex is united.”
Liz Boorman, deputy mayor of Seaford, along with Laurie Holland, freeman of the town, raised the flag in front of spectators.
The flag of Sussex was also raised at the Martello Tower nearby.
Sussex Day originally came from Worthing resident Ian Steedman who suggested the idea to Henry Smith who was leader of West Sussex County Council.
The current MP for Crawley officially recognised the day while he was leader of the council in 2007.
The event takes place on June 16, the feast day of St Richard of Chichester who is the patron saint of Sussex.
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