Under-threat Littlehampton bonfire to go ahead

Fundraiser Tyndall Jones prepares for Littlehampton's bonfire event to go ahead on Saturday

Fears that a popular bonfire event could be axed have been allayed after organisers plugged a £7,500 black hole.

The Littlehampton bonfire and parade, which has run for more than 70 years in the town, will go ahead on Saturday night and in future years, organisers say.

A question mark was thrown over the event after Littlehampton Town Council rejected a £5,000 grant application towards costs this year.

The Littlehampton Bonfire Society (LBS) said the public had raised more than £10,000 after an appeal for help.

Organisers held fundraising events in the town over the summer, including selling second-hand goods from a shop in Littlehampton.

LBS fundraiser Tyndall Jones said: "The population of Littlehampton have been wonderful."

The annual bonfire and parade last went ahead in 2022

The society also saw sponsors increase funds towards the yearly spectacle.

Mr Jones added: "It's always a battle with funds and of course its an ongoing thing.

"But we are really excited and pleased that we are able to put on a show for the town."

Last year's bonfire had to be cancelled at the 11th hour after rain and a tornado ripped through the town.

The cancellation cost £15,000, according to the LBS.

A town council spokesperson said in May: "With a finite pot of money available and so many community organisations in need, we are not able to grant support to them all."

Clarification 29 October 2024: This article has been updated to clarify the figure in the 3rd paragraph.