International flavour to the festival with a difference

Acts from three African countries plus musicians from France and Ireland, as well as the UK, gave an international feel to the town's only alternative music festival.

The 2008 Nyodema event filled the Regis Centre all day Sunday, August 24, with the overseas sounds. Admission was free but there were plenty of chances to donate in aid of two good causes.

The second of the annual celebrations of worldwide culture organised by Shelagh Hamilton, Kathryn Burrington and Phyl Keane raised 2,050 to more than double the amount from last year's inaugural festival.

The money is being split between the Sussex Snowdrop Trust's work with seriously-ill children locally and their families, children's education and health in The Gambia, and the Regis Centre.

Shelagh said: "This year's festival has been more varied than the first one.

"People know us a bit more and realise we are actually serious about wanting to make a difference in Africa by bringing good music and world entertainment to Bognor. The town has a good environment for music.

"You've got Rox, The White Horse and the Cheers bar, but there were no alternative music festivals here until Nyodema, though there were plenty around West Sussex.

"We would like to be back next year, bringing music from around the world to Bognor."

The festival grew from a holiday which Shelagh and Kathryn took in The Gambia last year. They were shocked by the poverty in the west African country. They decided to combine their love of world music with their determination to help the youngsters.

The 2007 festival's proceeds went towards a nursery school in Brikama in The Gambia as well as the town's hospital.