Littlehampton Town Council, organiser of some of the largest community events in the Town, are delighted to confirm that the vast majority of its events programme will go ahead this summer following the release of the Government's road map out of lockdown. This is on the assumption that the current dates concerning the easing of restrictions do not change.

Residents can look forward to a morning of sunshine and sand at the annual Sandcastle Competition (date TBC), family film fun at Screen on the Green on Saturday 14th August and supporting the remarkable local talent at the Town Show and Family Fun Day on Saturday 11th September.

Information about the Sandcastle Competition and the Town Show and Family Fun Day will be released in the coming months. In the meantime, members of the public are encouraged to visit the Town Council Facebook page and submit suggestions of which PG certificated movie they would like to watch at this years’ Screen on the Green event. A shortlist will be selected by Town Councillors, before going back to the public vote on 1st April.

Whilst the news of events returning is sure to be welcomed by residents, the Town Council’s Armed Forces Day event will not take place again this year. The difficult decision was made to cancel for a second successive year. The event, which is supported by Harbour Park, was due to take place on East Green on Saturday 26th June and is always a popular draw for local residents and tourists alike. It is the Town Council’s priority to ensure the health and safety of all those involved in the staging and running of the event, as well as wider public health. The Council will mark the national celebration through a series of virtual activities that will be available on its Facebook page.

The ever-popular Easter Out and About sessions have also been cancelled. However, the Town Council have organised three fun trails for families to complete in their own time over the Easter period at Mewsbrook Park, Southfields and Rosemead Park.

The Chair of the Community Resources Committee, Councillor Billy Blanchard-Cooper said: “Whilst we are disappointed that our Out and About and Armed Forces Day events have been cancelled, we are really excited at the prospect of welcoming back families to the Sandcastle Competition, Screen on the Green and the Town Show and Family Fun Day later in the year. I look forward to seeing you all there! Don’t forget to look out for details on how to submit film suggestions for this years’ Screen on the Green event.”

Speaking on behalf of Harbour Park, the main Armed Forces Day sponsor, Wes Smart added: ‘‘Harbour Park are fully supportive of the difficult but understandable decision to cancel Armed Forces Day 2021. We look forward to being able to celebrate service and to supporting our local uniformed groups & veterans in future as we exit this difficult time.’’

Members of the public are still encouraged to follow NHS advice and seek information from legitimate sources such as https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus