A historic bonfire event in Sussex is at risk of "dying" after a council pulled its funding. Littlehampton Bonfire, described as the biggest celebration in the county outside of Lewes, is at risk of not running in 2025 after funding from the town council was pulled. The council said its budget is too thinly stretched to accommodate the costs – but organisers of the event said the bonfire is a “splash of colour in a long dark winter” and should be saved.
Sue Baker, of Littlehampton Bonfire Society, said: “We would have to cut something like the fireworks. We get about 20,000 people each year and they don’t come for sparklers and a Catherine wheel. "It's a hugely successful event and we work all year for this one night.
Littlehampton Bonfire Society (Image: Littlehampton Bonfire Society) "People use local businesses and stay in local hotels - it's really good for the local economy. "One business said it’s the best night of the year for them. "It's so sad that all of these historical events are fading away because of a lack of interest.
"Slowly these events are dying because they are becoming so expensive." Littlehampton Bonfire has been running for over 70 years and attracts thousands of visitors to the town each year, its organisers say. MOST READ: Restaurant 'super proud' after being named best in Sussex Petrol station to close and drivers are told alternative is 10 miles away 'Dogs have gone straight under': Owners' fears over huge hole in park To have access.