Photos and video show scale of Littlehampton bonfire ahead of big event on Saturday

Photographer Eddie Mitchell captured the final stages of the bonfire being built yesterday, as residents donated the final wood, garden waste or pallets in the afternoon.

It comes as Littlehampton Bonfire Society, a volunteer-led group that organises the annual event, confirmed it would be going ahead as planned on Saturday, October 24.

Despite weather warnings being issued due to Storm Austen, Saturday’s parade through the town and bonfire at East Beach Green and following fireworks are still going ahead as planned.

A message posted to the group’s Facebook account today reads: “BONFIRE NIGHT IN LITTLEHAMPTON IS STILL ON.

“We have been getting a lot of messages saying the event is cancelled. THE EVENT IS NOT CANCELLED AND WE ARE RUNNING AS NORMAL.

“A final decision, as always, will be made on Saturday, October 24, 2026 between 2pm and 4pm.

“To everyone that is participating in our procession, we are still running as normal and we wont put anyone in danger.”

Saturday’s event would be the 74th bonfire in Littlehampton. It is one of the biggest events in the town calendar.

The BBC’s outlook for Friday to Sunday reads: “On Thursday night and into Friday, Storm Austen will bring heavy rain and very strong winds, along with potentially damaging wind gusts, especially along the coasts.

"The winds will ease on Friday night with just a few lingering showers. Wet and windy on Saturday. Heavy rain will move in from the west. Sunday will be breezy with sunny spells and patchy cloud.”

A yellow wind warning was issued for coastal parts of Sussex, including Brighton and Hove and areas of East and West Sussex.

The Met Office said: “Gusts of 50-60 mph are possible and some coastal or exposed areas could see 70mph or more, but at this time there is uncertainty in where the strongest winds will be.”

The warning highlights possible damage to buildings, power cuts and disruption to road, rail, air and ferry services. Flying debris and large waves could also pose a danger to life.

Residents are advised to secure loose outdoor items, check travel arrangements and prepare for possible power cuts. People visiting the coast should take care around large waves and exposed areas.

To keep up-to-date with the latest bonfire news, see https://www.facebook.com/LittlehamptonBonfireSociety