Littlehampton bonfire cancelled for second year

In an open letter to followers, the Littlehampton Bonfire Society's commander in chief, Barry Bastable, said it was with the 'deepest regret' that October 31st's event would have to be cancelled.

Mr Bastable said he expected the ban on large gatherings in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic was likely to stretch beyond the end of the year.

"I fully appreciate that this will be very disappointing for many, but the safety of our members and the public must be our utmost priority," he wrote.

"Our emergency services are also being put under huge pressure and we would not risk to increase it during this difficult time.

"Our society state that will put on the event to 'burn to do good'. Therefore we have taken this decision to do good by protecting our members and communities."

Mr Bastable added that the society had been unable to fundraise this year and wanted to ensure it had enough funds to continue in future.

The next steps for the bonfire would be discussed at the annual general meeting in January, he said, before the bonfire returns with a 'big bang' next October.

This is the second year in a row the event has been cancelled, with organisers pulling the plug in 2019 citing not enough volunteers to guard the bonfire, marshal the event and clear up afterwards.