Demonstrators from Worthing will hold a silent protest outside Parliament in protest at the Government's controversial Licensing Bill.

They fear the Bill, if implemented, would severely restrict live music performances in pubs, churches and village halls.

A public meeting is being held at the Charles Dickens pub, Heene Road, on Friday at 8pm to discuss the implications.

The protesters will travel from Worthing railway station to London at 10am on Monday, January 27.

They warn that if reforms to the Bill are not introduced, even street buskers would need a licence to perform, at considerable cost.

Hille Cook, spokeswoman for the Sunny Worthing Arts Group, said:

"Existing health and safety regulations with far less draconian penalties already cover all the issues around the provision of live entertainment.

"A licence would require approval by police, the fire service, environmental health department and local residents and this includes all venues, including your home, garden and village hall.

"Consider this if you are planning a church fete or a marriage this summer.

The penalty for an unlicensed performance would be a maximum £20,000 fine or six months in prison."

Protesters hope to enlist the support of Worthing MPs Peter Bottomley and Tim Laughton.