Storm Austen: Littlehampton set for spectacular bonfire and fireworks display this Saturday despite Storm Austen concerns

Thousands of people are expected to descend on Littlehampton this Saturday, 24 October, as the town prepares for its annual torchlight procession, spectacular bonfire and fireworks display.

Littlehampton Bonfire Society is celebrating its 74th year, with organisers promising one of the biggest events in its history, featuring marching bands, illuminated floats, fairground rides and a huge fireworks display along the seafront.

Despite concerns surrounding Storm Austen, which is expected to bring strong winds and heavy rain to the South, preparations are continuing for the popular West Sussex event.

The celebrations will begin at 10am, when members of the Bonfire Society will be out in Littlehampton High Street collecting donations, selling programmes and providing entertainment.

William Cole's Family Funfair will open at 2pm along the seafront promenade near East Beach Café, with rides and attractions for families throughout the afternoon and evening.

At 6pm, members of the society will gather for a service at the town's War Memorial, including the traditional laying of a bonfire wreath.

The main attraction gets underway at approximately 7.30pm, when the Grand Torchlight Procession sets off from St Catherine's Road.

Preparing the torches

This year's procession is expected to feature around 50 entries, including marching bands, carnival floats, walking groups and visiting bonfire societies from across Sussex.

Thousands of spectators are expected to line the streets as the illuminated procession makes its way through Littlehampton towards the seafront.

At approximately 9pm, the town's enormous bonfire will be lit on East Beach Green, followed by the fireworks display at 9.15pm.

The fireworks, launched from the promenade near Banjo Road, are expected to last around ten minutes, filling the skies above the town with colour.

Following the display, a return procession will take place at approximately 9.40pm, ending at Littlehampton Baptist Church in Fitzalan Road, where traditional bonfire prayers will be held at 10pm.

This year's event is taking place a week earlier than usual, having been moved from the final Saturday in October.

Organisers say the change was made following discussions with the local authority over holding the event on Halloween and the need to keep East Green Car Park accessible during half-term.

The society has previously said staging the celebrations costs more than £35,000, with fundraising and donations helping to ensure the annual tradition continues.

Motorists are being warned that several roads will be closed throughout Saturday.

Beach Road's residential section will be closed from midday until 10.45pm, while closures affecting Maltravers Road and St Catherine's Road will begin at 5.30pm.

Other road closures will come into force from 7pm, with restrictions being lifted as the procession moves through the town.

Organisers are also reminding spectators not to pick up discarded flaming torches, which can remain extremely hot, and to stay outside designated bonfire and fireworks safety areas.

With Storm Austen bringing unsettled conditions to the region, people planning to attend are advised to check for any last-minute changes before travelling.

The Bonfire Society says all advertised timings are subject to change and updates will be issued through its official social media channels.

The event remains scheduled for Saturday 24 October, bringing one of Littlehampton's best-loved traditions back to the streets and seafront.

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