Campaigners are mounting a demonstration against a bid to restore the historic West Pier in Brighton.

The latest design to revive the pier, in conjunction with a development on the shore, is being unveiled by the Brighton West Pier Trust and private sector partner St Modwen next Wednesday.

On the same day, members of the Save Our Seafront Campaign will demonstrate with bands, petitions and scores of balloons flying at the height of the proposed buildings.

Campaigners also plan to display their alternative, lower-level scheme to the public.

The group is urging people to join in with drums, musical instruments, juggling and colourful entertainment.

A spokeswoman for the organisation said: "Most people accept the West Pier cannot be restored without some kind of enabling development but the enormous commercial complex that is planned is totally unacceptable and also totally unnecessary."

The plans include building two large pavilions on either side of the shore end of the structure - Britain's only Grade I listed pier - which campaigners say will spoil sea views.

It says the lower promenade will comprise of 70,000sqft of retail outlets and cafe bars stretching for a total of 400ft on either side of the pier, from opposite the entrance to the Metropole Hotel in the east to Al Frescos in the west.

The proposed scheme aims to make the regeneration of the ailing landmark viable.

Dr Geoff Lockwood, chief executive of the West Pier Trust, said the plans had the support of Brighton and Hove City Council, English Heritage and the Heritage Lottery Fund and would mean the pier could be restored to its former splendour.

An application for planning permission is expected to follow soon, after the unveiling of designs.

The trust plans to write to local people detailing the proposals and there are plans to stage an exhibition on the pier.

The campaigners intend to demonstrate at the unveiling, which starts at 11am.

Information on the campaign is available at www.saveourseafront.org.uk