Children’s fancy dress full of spirit in Littlehampton

More than a dozen youngsters took part in the Littlehampton Bonfire Society’s fancy dress competition, at the Maltravers Social Club, in Maltravers Road.

And many were looking forward to taking part in the children’s procession. But these hopes were dashed, as organisers took the tough decision to call-off the bonfire celebrations on Saturday (October 26), as weather conditions across the town worsened.

However, in spite of the upset, children still had a fun time dressing up during the competition.

Judges for this year’s event included former Gazette editor, Brian Shewry, Gazette reporter Tom Cotterill, Jordan Burne-Cronshaw, of the East Preston Community Responders and first-time judge, Sue Krueger, of the Motor Neuron Disease Association – West Sussex south branch.

Competition for the boys’ five years and under category was slim, with only two youngsters entering. Wizard, Lucas Maddison, four, took the title for the fourth year running, with five-month-old Christopher Tayler being awarded the second prize trophy for his imaginative outfit.

He was dressed as Guy Fawkes, with his pram being decorated as a bonfire.

There were also only two entries in the girls’ five and under, with five-year-old Chloe Beer’s creative costume winning the judge’s over. She was dressed as the Mystery Van, from long-running cartoon show Scooby-Doo! Second place went to Mirlarnia White, one, who had transformed into a ghoulish witch.

The competition was more intense in the boys’ aged 
six to 16 category. Cameron Beer, eight, was the victor for his frightening devil 
costume.

Colourful Oliver Tayler, seven, was a close second in his home-made clown suit, while 15-year-old cowboy Charlie Baker took third.

Izzy Swinburn, six, won the girls’ first prize in the six to 16 age group with her elegant Tudor costume. Zombie cheerleader Eadie Maddison, eight, took second, with Tudor Holly Davie, nine, third.

Lucas Maddison and Mirlania White won the group first prize, with cowboy and cowgirl Cody Jones, eight, and Zoe Jackman, 15, second, and Tudors Izzy Swinburn and Holly Davie, third.