Littlehampton Bonfire 2024 in pictures: event lights up town in 72nd year

Up to 20,000 attended what was the biggest bonfire event for years, after appalling weather led to last year’s being cancelled.

Crowds lined the streets to watch the parade, which featured illuminated floats, traction engines, walking groups and massed torch-bearing bonfire societies.

Entrants travelled from as far afield as the Isle of Wight and visitors from as far away as the Midlands to join in the fun.

Sue Baker, of the Littlehampton Bonfire Society, said: “The atmosphere in town was one of excitement and awe. The huge bonfire was still burning well Monday afternoon! Many on social media thought the firework display was the best ever.

“The society wishes to thank everyone for coming along and making all the hard work worthwhile – it was fabulous for us to see so many people just loving our event. We also want to thank all of our amazing sponsors who make this whole thing possible. And, of course, our lovely volunteers!

“The street collection raised just over £6,000 and this week our Just Giving Appeal has raised just shy of £1,000 so far.

“If you love the event as we do, why not come and join us? Members may attend bonfire events across Sussex from September through to November. All are welcome. Please see www.littlehamptonbonfiresociety.co.uk for details of membership and for our Just Giving appeal.”

This year’s Miss Bonfire was Isobella Buckley and awards given were as follows:-

Biggest street collection: Beverley Sorrell

Best group street collection: Littlehampton Musical Comedy Society

Parade/walking groups: 1st Littlehampton Mini Rugby Football; 2nd 4th Littlehampton Scouts; 3rd Littlehampton Wave.

Parade/floats: 1st Ryde carnival (Isle Of Wight); 2nd Sandown carnival (IOW); 3rd Newport carnival (IOW).

Overall youth floats/walking: Littlahampton Scouts.

Parade/steam engines: 1st His Majesty – Kevin and Naomi Chambers (Littlehampton); 2nd Ian Grantham (East Grinstead); 3rd Lady Marion – Dave Jacobs (Hastings).

Best Dressed Visiting Society: 1st Meeching & District; 2nd Eastbourne; 3rd Barcombe.

Best dressed banner carrier: Worthing.

Best dressed Littlehampton Bonfire Society male: Ben Francis (Tudor).

Best dressed pair (Christopher Blanchard-Cooper cup): Charlotte Grimes and Jeffrey Driver.

Best dressed visiting junior: Leah Holland-Jones – Waterloo (stripes).

Best dressed visiting female >17 years: Catherine Carr – Who the devil are you?

Best dressed visiting male >17 years: Alex Butcher (Waterloo).

Littlehampton Bonfire Society junior: Toby Bastable.

Littlehampton Bonfire Society Female >17 years: Melanie Baker (Tudor).