Littlehampton Bonfire wows thousands with 'spectacular' fireworks display

The 2026 celebrations were due to take place on Saturday night (October 24), but were delayed following the arrival of storms Austen and Boelo.

Littlehampton Bonfire Society announced on Friday (October 23) that a revised version of the event would take place without the annual procession. The celebrations featured the lighting of an ‘impressive’ bonfire, a fireworks display and a family funfair.

The society’s press officer, Sue Baker, said the event had been set to be ‘the biggest event of its kind in the town in decades’, with 17 bonfire societies due to take part. Bands, walking groups, steam engines and illuminated floats, including some from the Isle of Wight, were also expected to join the procession.

Despite the last-minute change, about 20,000 people attended the revised event, according to Sue.

She said the decision to postpone the celebrations had been made ‘for the safety of all involved’.

Sue added: “The society had, of course already built a very impressive bonfire and this needed to be burnt somewhen.

"Time constraints, money and the sheer logistics of organising an event on this scale meant that the torchlight procession sadly could not be rescheduled.

"But it was agreed that the bonfire and fireworks could go ahead once the weather settled as forecast for the Sunday afternoon. Thus Sunday afternoon from 4pm large crowds gathered on East Beach Green to enjoy a variety of hot drinks and food from a selection of street vendors, and Cole's funfair took pride of place up on the promenade with rides for all of the family.

"At 7.30pm members of the bonfire society lit their traditional flaming torches and used these to ignite the huge bonfire to the delight of the crowds. And then all eyes turned to the sky as the spectacular grand aerial fireworks display lit up the night.”

The bonfire society thanked all who made a donation throughout the night.

Sue added: “Your generosity will help the society to carry on and return in 2027, our 75th year.

“The society has already got plans for something special to mark our 75th anniversary and we'll need to fundraise accordingly.

"Despite cancelling the parade, significant costs were incurred in organising what was planned. We ask the public and local businesses to please get behind us if you want us back next year!”

The society aims to raise £5,000 to support next year’s event.

For more information, and to donate, visit: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/littlehampton-bonfire-society-limited.