VIDEO: Littlehampton Bonfire is back as bright as ever

But on Saturday (October 25) evening tens of thousands of people gathered on The Green to witness one of the most spectacular Bonfire Night celebrations in recent years.

Cheers and applause from the crowds erupted as the fireworks exploded in the night sky, with revellers staring in awe at the dazzling 10-minute display.

Streets, too, were packed – six or seven deep at some points – with people marvelling at the grand torchlight procession, which had fewer groups than normal.

However, in spite of the slight dip in numbers since 2012’s last procession, the quality of the floats and atmosphere of the parade was as good as ever before.

There was a real eclectic mix of themes, with Bognor-based pompom troupe the Wonder Girls and Wonder Boys adding some friendly Hallowe’en horror to the parade, with a number of zombies, ghouls and even a werewolf coming out.

Some Christmas magic was brought to the night courtesy of the stars of Worthing Pavilion Theatre’s Jack Frost, who were spraying out foam snow into the jubilant crowds.

However, one of the most impressive groups on display proved to be Littlehampton Churches Together, who recreated Noah’s Ark, complete with animal puppets, an elephant and dozens of children and adults parading behind the float.

Flix Gillett, 42, of Littlehampton Churches Together, said: “This is something we had been working to have in last year’s event.

“But after it was cancelled we decided to try and make it bigger and better for this year.

“We are just trying to bring light, not just visually but with our presence, to the streets of Littlehampton.”

For the full story, plus a special picture report, see this week’s Gazette (Thursday, October 30).