Littlehampton Bonfire at Risk After Council Withdraws Funding

The historic Littlehampton Bonfire is at risk of cancellation following the withdrawal of funding by the town council.

The event, which has been celebrated for over 70 years and attracts thousands of visitors, may not take place in 2025 as a result of the council’s decision.

The Littlehampton Town Council cited budget constraints as the reason for pulling the £7,500 annual funding. Sue Baker, representing the Littlehampton Bonfire Society, expressed concern, stating that the event is a significant boost to the local economy, drawing about 20,000 attendees each year. Baker also emphasised the cultural importance of the event and the challenges faced due to rising costs.

The Bonfire Society, which requires £30,000 annually to host the event, highlighted that the council would face costs between £50,000 and £80,000 if it were to organize a similar event independently. Despite this, the council maintained that the society’s existing reserves did not justify further financial support. The society may still apply for a smaller grant, but the future of the event remains uncertain.