Littlehampton Bonfire Torchlight Procession
A member of the Eastbourne Bonfire Society holds a lit torch during the Littlehampton Bonfire Grand Torchlight Procession.
Littlehampton Traditional Bonfire Night and Torchlight Procession dates back 62 years and attracts thousands of people to the seaside town in West Sussex. It is a celebration of the anniversary of the overthrow of the attempt by Guy Fawkes and his fellow conspirators to blow up the King and Parliament on 5th November 1605. A community run event that raises money for local charities, this spectacular night is held in late October and is organised by the Littlehampton Bonfire Society (more info can be found here) and is attended by many of the other South East bonfire societies. The night begins with a grand torchlight parade involving members of each bonfire society walking through the town dressed in costumes and holding flaming torches. With torches held high and collection buckets being rattled, the parade winds it's way along the streets and finally arrives at a large bonfire site on the seafront. As the torches are thrown onto the bonfire, setting it ablaze, fireworks fill the night sky. I have covered the event many times before when I was a local newspaper photographer, however this year I wanted to capture the people that take part. The costumes and traditions of each Bonfire Society interest me and along with some portrait photographs (soon to follow) I created these photographs of the Grand Procession.
Prints of the photographs can be purchased here.
Stay safe this 5th of November, till next time. Scott the photographer.
Holding a flaming torch whilst walking through the streets of Littlehampton a member of a bonfire society takes part in the torchlight procession.
Members of the Littlehampton Bonfire Society dressed in North American Indian costumes hold flaming torches as they lead the procession through the streets.
Dressed in a pirate costume and holding a flaming torch a member of the Eastbourne Bonfire Society stands in the street during the Littlehampton Bonfire Torchlight Procession.
Dressed as a clown a bonfire society member holds a flaming torch as he walks with the procession.
A member of the Littlehampton Bonfire Society dressed in a Tudor costume holds a flaming torch as she walks through the Littlehampton streets.
A member of the Eastbourne Bonfire Society dressed as a pirate holds a flaming torch as she walks through Littlehampton during the procession.
A member of the Eastbourne Bonfire Society dressed as a pirate holds a flaming torch as she walks through Littlehampton during the procession.
Dressed as a North American Indian a member of the Littlehampton Bonfire Society holds a flaming torch as she walks in the procession through the streets of Littlehampton.
A smile for the crowd a member of the Eastbourne Bonfire Society holds a flaming torch during the Littlehampton Bonfire Night Torchlight Procession.
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