Littlehampton’s Love Local events are returning once again this summer! Head down to Littlehampton High Street each Wednesday of the summer holidays for a free fun-filled day. 

The events, organised by Littlehampton Town Council, consist of live music, commercial stalls, pop-up performances, funfair rides and many free activities for children such as art and craft workshops, a pop-up petting farm and meeting their favourite characters! 

The programme of events includes:

• Wednesday 31 July – Love Local Launch, 15:00 – 20:00

Come and celebrate the start of the Love Local Arts in Littlehampton with our first summer High Street event! With a colourful roller-skating street performer, a bunting creation workshop by Creative Heart and design and take home your own badges with Art by Tricia. You can also enjoy a fun filled performance from Comedy Club 4 Kids, pet the friendly petting farm animals, plus free face painting! Then finish your evening with a pizza from Arcade Lounge’s Pizza Oven Pop Up, whilst watching local favourites Broken Box Band perform! It’s an evening you won’t want to miss!

• Wednesday 7 August – Under the Sea, 11:00 – 15:00 

Dive under the sea with a meet and greet from our own Little Mermaid, surf your way over the High Street on a surf simulator and build sandcastles in the mini sandpits! Alongside a performance of songs of the sea by a local Sea Shanty group, arts and crafts from Saltwater Creations and some fun filled interactions with fisherman duo ‘The Trawlers’

• Wednesday 14 August – Wonka Themed Fun Day (inspired by Screen on the Green on Saturday 17 August), 11:00 – 15:00 

Get ready for Screen on the Green with our Wonka themed family fun day! Including performances from a hypnotic hula hoop artist, spinning fairground rides, a ‘Make n Doo’ characters workshop, and magic shows from an eccentric illusionist. Alongside visits from a mischievous Oompa Loompa and the competitive Violet Beauregarde!

• Wednesday 21 August – Storytelling Week, 11:00 – 15:00

A magical pop up Shed of Stories is coming to Littlehampton to tell you a tale every hour! Bring your favourite teddy or toy and a lunchtime picnic and listen to a story, with a guest visit from a very special bear (who loves marmalade!). The Knucker-Dragon has awoken and is hungry for more stories of the town! Take part in a storytelling workshop with Xanthe Gresham and bring a memory, or an object from the beach, river or town to add to the dragons hoard. Plus enjoy free face painting, a kids giant soft play area, and an art workshop with Daina’s Art Studio!

• Wednesday 28 August – End of Summer Party, 11:00 – 15:00

Enjoy one last fun day before school starts again with classic funfair games such as hook a duck, one ball on any colour, and a penalty shootout! There will also be musical performances throughout the day, as well as a dazzling juggler, free face painting and a pottery workshop from Daina’s Art Studio! We look forward to seeing you there!

Speaking about the exciting programme, Chair of the Policy and Finance Committee, Councillor Alan Butcher, said “It’s fantastic to see the Love Local events programme return after the success from previous years! I am really looking forward to seeing what’s on each week. The events provide families with a great free day out during the summer holidays and supports local businesses in the Town Centre. Make sure to visit our website and keep an eye on our social media for more details about the events.”   

Also, throughout the Summer, shoppers have the chance to win £500 in September by participating in the Love Local prize draw. To enter, shoppers will collect a sticker each time they spend £5 or more in participating shops, restaurants, hairdressers and cafes. After completing their card, they can return it to Manor House, Church Street. The prize draw will take place on Sunday 1 September 2024.  More details including a list of participating businesses can be found online.

To see the full programme, head to the Visit Littlehampton website and follow Visit Littlehampton on social media for updates.