On Saturday 21st February, the second annual Littlehampton Charity Pancake Olympics was held in the High Street. Just over £1,000 was raised on the day which was donated to a variety of good causes.
This year there was a record breaking 19 teams taking part with over 100 participants from all backgrounds including solicitors, local businesses, voluntary groups and sports clubs. The High Street was buzzing with teams and spectators who had Pantastic time.
There were four categories in this unique event including, pancake relay, sprint, throw and the all important fastest flips.
The overall top three winning teams were given prizes courtesy of Littlehampton Gazette and Sweet Surprises from Surrey Street with the Gold Team scoping away £30 worth of vouchers for the Bognor–based Dutch Pancake Restaurant “Little Holland”. Other traders also contributing to the event included The Fabric Shop who donated ribbons for the trophies and David O’ Jones who gave a football for the ‘bottom’ team.
Overall winners were Worthing Churches Homeless Project. Second place was Sainsbury’s Littlehampton and in third were the Moyles Solicitors Team.
JUNE
Folk & Roots Festival - Various locations
5th-7th June
The 5th Annual Folk & Roots Festival showcased Littlehampton’s great musical talent. Fourteen lively music sessions took place across several Town locations including the Coco Lounge, the Badminton & Squash Club, the Windmill Theatre, the Cob & Pen, the New Inn and the Dolphin. The weekend programme was co-ordinated by local musician Mal Simms who also played in the internationally acclaimed Celtic Band, Triskel at the Badminton & Squash Club.
LEGACY at the Windmill Theatre
Triskel at the Badminton & Squash Club Big Yellow Taxi at the New Inn
Images courtesy of Pete Shaw
Littlehampton Regatta
13th June
On Saturday 13th June Littlehampton’s jewel, the River Arun, sparkled again with the Regatta event bringing it alive with activities which not only encouraged people to get on the water but also promoted the importance of safety on water.
The water activities included a historic Thames Barge called “Alice” which was open for the public to visit during the whole afternoon and took bookings for trips out the harbour for the following day.
Throughout the afternoon there were many water activities including exhilarating rib rides out to sea and leisurely cruises up the River Arun.
Images courtesy of Mike Northeast
ARMED FORCES DAY DRUM HEAD SERVICE
27th June
Littlehampton Town Council celebrated Armed Forces Day (formerly Veterans Day) on Saturday 27th June. Littlehampton veterans met at the town’s clock tower and the Parade, which included the marching bands of, T.S. Implacable: Nautical Training Corps and T.S. Sussex: Sea Cadet Corps marched through the town towards Caffyns Field. The Drumhead service took place on Caffyns Field and was conducted by Fr Roger Caswell.
Following the service the celebrations carried on at Caffyns Field, where there was a large display of military vehicles for people to explore, an Assault Course, music and marching bands, the Sussex Army Cadet Force Kitkar Display Team, and various other displays and stalls.
At approximately 16:00 hrs there wa a final muster of all the organisations for a Sunset Parade.
Sandcastle Competition
17th August
Over 200 people enjoyed the sunny weather and a great Sandcastle competition on Littlehampton’s seafront.
The Competition was organised by the Town Council and Spirit FM with prizes courtesy of Shop Aarty Party, High Street and the Littlehampton Carnival.
The internationally renowned sand sculptor, Mark Anderson was on hand to help participants with tips on how to creat amazing sculptures.
The first 50 entries received a FREE ice-cream from East Beach Cafe.
Mark Anderson’s Sculpture Under 5s category winner
Wick Week
17th - 21st August
Fun and families was at the heart of the week long celebration of the Wick community. Activities for all ages ran from a range of locations across the area in an event that was truly delivered through partnership. The Town Council once again co-ordinated the week which is so valued by many of the Wick residents.
The week included favourites from previous Festivals including Wick Idol, Quiz night, Bingo and Art Attack plus the return the ever popular play scheme “Fun House” for 5-11 year olds at Flora McDonald School. There are also new additions including a Poker Night, Kids Quiz and a Treasure Hunt.
SPACE
24th-28th August
This year there were an incredible 1000 free places for the young people of Littlehampton. These included opportunities to participate in a wide range of indoor and outdoor sports ranging from wrestling to athletics. This year’s sessions featured a range of new sports including archery, boxing and lawn tennis.
The art activities were provided by talented and experienced after school club team from Arun Community Church and Razzamataz Theatre Schools. There were 17 workshops to choose including painting, craft, circus skills, stage make-up and many more.
Town Show
12th September
The Town Show & Family Day is one of the biggest town events organised by Littlehampton Town Council and the Town Show Committee. It attracts over 5,000 visitors throughout the course of the afternoon/
This year there were lots to do from participating in the Fun Pet Show, organised by the Littlehampton Dog Training Club to visiting the Mobile Pet Farm with its many animals including the amazing Spud the Tortoise. The stage performances brought the whole Rosemead site to live with sets from Ultimate Madness, Razzamataz Theatre Schools’ students and Andrew the Balloon Magic Show. Members of the audience of all ages took to the dance floor to compete to win a signed Madness T-shirt.
The community marquee was packed with local voluntary groups promoting their services and an estimated £10,000 were raised for charity.
A Nintendo Wii Console was given away in a free prize draw courtesy of Cuff Miller. Wick 50 Up Club ran two bingo sessions which proved popular as ever.
Community Marquee Cuddle me Do Pet Farm
Horticultural Show Andrew’s Baloon Magic Show
Christmas Lights Switch On
27th November
On Friday 27th November traders and the Town Council joined forces to start the Christmas festivities with a variety of entertainment in the High Street. Around 200 children enjoyed donkey rides and got creative in the Arts and Crafts section in Hunnies. Outside Clinton’s Andrew the Balloon created amazing models for children. In the afternoon three teams took part in the Christmas It’s a Knockout Competition outside Superdrug where they had to stuff a turkey whilst blindfolded, wrap a football with oven gloves and eat a cookie and drink a pint of milk. The teams included Inspire Leisure, Sainsbury’s and Rivendell. The winning team, Rivendell won three out of four games and scoped four pairs of tickets to the Cinderella Pantomime at Worthing Theatre.
Over 30 shops stayed open late with some setting up stalls outdoors. Hunnies did mulled wine, burgers and roasted chestnuts. Baguette me Not had a stall with their range of fresh food including sausages in a bun. The Crown also joined in with a stall of roast pork and stuffing rolls. The Dolphin sold homemade soup and Spokes Cycles roamed the High Street handing out toffee apples.
On stage there were performances from George the fire poi performer who created amazing patterns and shapes with fire. Razzamataz performed Christmas Carols just before the switch on and the event ended with Littlehampton Player’s Operatic Society singing.
The town centre was turned into a winter wonderland with snow falling over the High Street as the Town Mayor, Cllr Mark Butler and Lucinda Kennard, Cinderella at Worthing Theatre and Ugly Sister Annie switched on the town’s illuminations.
Image courtesy of Mike Northeast
