Littlehampton set for another bonfire spectacular

It is back the Littlehampton Bonfire Night promises to be as grand as ever L43643H11

Thousands of people are expected to flood the town on Saturday (October 26) to celebrate the annual bonfire night and grand fireworks display.

Organised by the Littlehampton Bonfire Society, the evening promises to be a stunning mix of fire, colour, music and steam.

Some 50 entries from all over the south-east will be featuring in this year’s grand torchlight display.

The Ryde and Cowes carnival associations, together with the Wight Diamonds Carnival Club, will be attending the night.

Littlehampton Bonfire Society, led by its North American Indian pioneers and supported by members depicting the Tudor era and in other costumes, will head-up the torchlight section of the parade.

Following on will be ten other visiting bonfire and carnival societies in their traditional costumes and bearing flaming torches.

These will include the members of Phoenix, who will be attempting to retain the title of best-dressed visiting society, together with the coveted Butlin Silver Challenge Trophy, which the group has retained for the past two years on the trot for their spectacular regalia.

Leading the ever-popular contingent of steam engines will be Mick Sayers with his 1921 Aveling and Porter steam roller ‘Naiad’, whose efforts have earned him the award for best presented steam engine for the last two years.

Taking part in this year’s display will be Miss Bonfire, 13-year-old Jessica Baker, of Wick.

She will ride on a brand-new float in the torchlight procession.

A total of seven marching bands will provide the music for the event.

A street collection will also be raising cash for good causes. The society, which so far holds the record for the largest street collection at any Sussex bonfire celebration of £9,110, hopes to raise £10,000 on the evening.

For the full details, including times for the bonfire, firework display and processions, pick up a copy of the official bonfire night event programmes.

They are available at shops in Littlehampton, Wick, Rustington and East Preston, and at the Look & Sea Centre, in River Road, Littlehampton, for £1.