Littlehampton Bonfire & Fireworks

This is the first year that we have lived in Littlehampton and we were told a while ago that we would be in a prime position for the annual Bonfire & Fireworks, which are held on East Green - right opposite home and with our 3rd floor balcony we were afforded an elevated and superb view.

Held on Saturday evening, though the funfair rides and food stalls were open earlier, the scene that greeted me on arrival home from work was already spectacular. The funfair rides were all illuminated and there were thousands of people on the green and already lining the streets ahead of the pre-bonfire parade which was due to start around 7.30pm from Town Centre.

The atmosphere and overall sight was really something to behold and luckily the weather stayed dry if a little chilly.

We had seen the bonfire being built during the week, starting from the Tuesday as van and lorry loads of wood were delivered and emptied. The Littlehampton Bonfire Society is run by volunteers who devoted a great amount of time to building the bonfire, sealing off the site and generally arranging everything that was required.

Also, ahead of the weekend we had seen the various funfair rides arrive and set-up on the top edge on the beach along the promenade.

Our anticipation before the Saturday grew as the various elements were completed and we really looked forward to the Saturday evening.

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The parade started on time and duly arrived below our balcony, wending its way to the green. The Parade was colourful, interesting and added loads to the atmosphere and we were surprised to see representatives from a good number of other bonfire societies taking part, with the last few rows being those carrying the flaming torches that would light the bonfire.

And so the bonfire was lit and soon you could feel the warmth even across the road on our balcony.

About half an hour later the fireworks started and they lit up the night sky as we looked towards East Pier as they had been set up along the promenade edge of the green.

A colourful and spectacular display ensued and then it was all over - people gradually dispersed and some of the parade participants made the return trip to town.

Summing up, we could only say what an event - amazing atmosphere and great attention to detail from the organisers.

The bonfire continued to burn right through to the following morning, with the Society members camped in the car park keeping a watchful eye.

The eventual clean up of the bonfire site was all well organised, due to many years of experience and the unstinting work of the volunteers. The Council cleaning guys, litter pickers etc, had the green and seafront looking like nothing much had happened within 24hrs - they do an amazing job all year round of keeping the area looking clean and tidy.