Joy of De La Warr

An estimated 5,000 visitors flocked to the building to enjoy the art, theatre and music of the Jour de Fete - the first since the re-opening of the building.

The event began on Saturday with the Bexhill Bow Wow - a dog show with a twist.

Dogs dressed as characters ranging from the Queen, Carmen Miranda, cowboys, Indians and clowns met on the terrace where they were treated to a picnic of doggy treats supplied by Warburtons of Bexhill.

Dodging the odd rain shower, every dog was judged a winner and received a rosette and certificate.

Revellers enjoyed the unusual music of the Fairey Band in the evening. More than 1,500 people congregated on the terrace to dance, eat and drink to the sounds of acid brass.

Sunday saw a record audience for the band as they played more traditional tunes.

Pavilion favourites Hoodwink returned to the event to unleash their own particular brand of chaos. Their new show, 'Gastronomic', soon turned into a meal time melee complete with flying custard pies and a moving dinner table.

A large crowd then danced the night away with a salsa party carried out to the strains of Cuban band El Equipo.

The galleries, featuring works by Jeremy Deller and Mark Anstee, were visited by large numbers of art lovers throughout the weekend.

A pavilion spokesman said: "The Bexhill Bow Wow and Jour de Fete has once again attracted national publicity and has become the highlight of Bexhill's summer - proof of what is fast becoming one of our most popular summer seasons at the Pavilion.

"We would like to thank everyone from the local community who came down to the pavilion and got into the Jour de Fete spirit as well as those visitors from further afield who enjoyed this free weekend of entertainment for all the family"

Daniel Collins