RAIN and wind failed to dampen bonfire celebrations across Sussex at the weekend.

In Brighton, the bad weather stopped just in time for a spectacular Hallowe'en firework display at Wild Park.

Crowds gathered around a huge bonfire for the event, organised by Sussex Fireworks.

Throughout the evening an eerie soundtrack, with a selection of dramatic classical music, was played over huge speakers at the park.

There were also Hallowe'en characters and a spookily-dressed fire-eater before the display started at 8pm with huge rockets screeching into the sky.

One high point of the night was when a skeleton made of timber was unveiled. Fireworks were attached to the spooky frame, lighting up its bones, as more shells shot into the sky.

The organisers had designed a witch on a broomstick, made out of fireworks, to fly through the air, but due to the wet weather she had to remain on the ground.

A grand finale of explosions echoed around the park to the 1812 Overture - met by cheers and applause.

Despite the conditions Martin Winter, managing director of Sussex Fireworks, said the £5,000 display had been a success.

He added: "I must admit the earlier rain did keep a lot away, but those who turned up had a wonderful time. The acoustics were great in the park."

Although the weather did not keep the crowds away from the Party in the Dark in Eastbourne, there was another disappointment.

Hundreds of teenagers booed when top act 911 called to say they were stuck in traffic. Fans had queued in the rain to see the chart-

topping band at the Southern FM event at Saffrons cricket ground on Saturday night.

The band, which played its first ever concert to a packed school hall in Eastbourne more than two years ago, had been planning to show off a new dance routine.

In an interview with the Argus on Friday, 911 singer Lee Brennan said: "We love the town and are looking forward to meeting all our fans and having a quick paddle in the sea."

However, the crowd of about 5,000 gave a warm welcome to other acts including former soap star Adam Rickett, female singing trio Fierce and soloist Leilani.

The evening ended with a giant firework display.

In Littlehampton, bonfire celebrations also just escaped the weather, a year after the event was totally washed out.

Worried organisers thought history was repeating itself when a torrential downpour forced them to cancel a

children's procession on

aturday evening.

But the weather eased in time for the main torchlit procession to wind its colourful way through the town to the seafront. The rain then held off long enough for a spectacular firework display.

Richard Cooper, of Littlehampton Bonfire Society, said: "We were extremely lucky. The rain held off and it was just a little bit blustery on the seafront."

Money raised at the event is going to charities including the RNLI, towards its new lifeboat house at Littlehampton, and St John Ambulance.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.