If you’re still lamenting the premature death of the Zombie Walk, fear not: the third annual March Of The Mermaids flops ashore next month.

Last year, rock lobsters, pickled squid and fruity pirates decorated the seafront in shades of glittery turquoise for a two-hour sea shimmy in aid of marine conservation. Later, punters at The Fortune Of War were left agape when the parade’s after party turned up and started doing the swim to a ’60s garage/surf beat DJ. We can tell you first-hand, it was like a family-friendly frat party from National Lampoon’s Animal House.

This time, the post-parade bop will be at Bar Azure, on the seafront just east of the pier, while the after after party is at The Tempest Inn from 8pm till 3am. So that’s an under-the-sea party in a pub that looks like a cave. Things could get pretty surreal in there. It’s not all about partying though, the march also aims to raise cash for a worthy cause.

“This year we’ve teamed up with WhaleFest and on the day we’ll be raising funds for the World Cetacean Alliance,” Chief Mermaid Hannah Chilton told SOURCE.

“WhaleFest is another wonderful Brighton-based event who share the same passions and interests as March of the Mermaids, so it seemed like a perfect pairing. There are rumours of huge inflatable orcas and whales to greet everyone on Hove Lawns.”

In terms of costumes, ‘merlesque’ appears to be the style to go for. Judging by previous events, this covers a pretty broad spectrum, but if you think vintage cabaret with fins you shouldn’t be far off the mark. And in traditional prom style, there’s a prize for the catch of the day…

“Everyone who takes part in the march really goes for it,” continues Hannah. “Each year we crown our Queen Mermaid and King Prawn based on our favourite and most imaginative costumes.”

You have just four weeks to prepare…

Hove Lawns, 2pm, Saturday 18th July 2015
The Facebook event is here.

Words by Gary Rose
Photos by Ivan Gonzalez