I've already commented on how poor I felt this year's Bonfire Parade was. My thoughts were only reinforced last Friday when I was at Lewes Bonfire, which I've got to say was absolutely spectacular. Not only is it a spectacle, but it is always authentic. This was my third visit and each time I've been blown away by the passion of the people involved and by the effort they put into making the event look so good. Yes, it's intimidating, yes it's a pain in the arse to get into and out of Lewes on the 5th and yes, it's not for the feint-hearted. It's no wonder it draws so many people, there's nothing quite like it. It really is something very special.
Whilst in Lewes I got talking to some members of another bonfire society (they shall remain nameless, but they did take part in Littlehampton's Bonfire) and I asked them what they thought of what happened here. They agreed with me, that it was a poor event (and they've seen many more than I have) especially the parade which they said was spoilt by the traction engines, the huge gaps in the parade itself and the inclusion of so many participants more suited to a carnival than a bonfire parade. They also mentioned that Littlehampton isn't really considered a 'proper' event because it's in West rather than East Sussex (where almost all the other societies are)
It got me thinking, what could Littlehampton do to make its Bonfire Night better? Clearly, we can't compete with Lewes. Indeed, it would be insane to even try. To me, the opportunity was to do something that really differentiated Littlehampton (in a positive way). I have a few ideas on what they might be, but before I share them here, I just wanted to draw people's attention to an article that appeared online last night in the Gazette.
This stated that
"without more help and money Littlehampton might have to say goodbye" to its annual Bonfire Night party. So, hard on the heels of losing our Regatta, it now looks like another major event in the town is under threat.
The article also said a total of £7,688 was collected. That's almost exactly the same as the last two years (LBS's own site says it collected £7,728 in 2009 and £8,180 in 2008) so, taking into consideration the economic climate, there doesn't appear to be much change in revenue.
Perhaps not surprisingly, the cost of staging the event has risen. Apparently, this year the figure was £21,000 and £2,000 in previously received grants have been lost due to the cutbacks.
LBS secretary Richard Cooper, who for the record I have never met nor know anything about, said the society
"did not want to cut corners in order to save money". That comment surprised me, because I believe they have cut corners this year (the inclusion of so many 'carnival acts' in the parade which I can't believe costs the organisers any money whatsoever, but undoubtedly damages the events authenticity; the lack of visiting bonfire societies - there certainly appeared to be fewer taking part this year than in previous years - and what to me was a rather lacklustre fireworks display.)
I was also amazed to read that the event drew between 35,000-40,000 people. I know it's almost impossible to be accurate in these estimations, but I think that's a wild exaggeration. Anyone who, like me, attended both Littlehampton and Lewes, will know that unlike Littlehampton, Lewes was packed to the gunnels. Estimates of anywhere between 40,000 and 60,000 people in Lewes would lead me to surmise that the numbers here were far, far smaller. Unlike Lewes, which attracts thousands of visitors to the town, I would imagine most of those who came to Littlehampton were locals.
One can only speculate about the numbers, but of course everyone can have an opinion about the event itself. According to Richard Cooper, Littlehampton is "lucky to have this event" which he believes is not just
"fantastic" but
"the best" in Sussex.
Richard, I have to disagree. The Littlehampton Bonfire Celebrations are certainly not fantastic, and they are clearly nowhere near the best either. That's my opinion, and I'm sure many will think I'm being harsh. All I'd say is if you haven't been to Lewes, or indeed seen other comparable street parades elsewhere, then you're sadly misinformed if you think this is a great event.
I could continue, but I don't want this to be just about me criticising the event, because as I said at the beginning, I do have some ideas that I think could give it a new lease of life. And having spent the best part of 25 years in the live events industry I believe I say this with some semblance of knowledge.
It seems to me that the most important thing for Littlehampton is to create an event that will draw a huge number of people to the town (and as a result bring in much-needed funds, whether that's contributing to the collection or spending money here - something I know we're not very good at making it easy for visitors to do!)
My idea is simple. Turn the Littlehampton Bonfire into (what I believe would be) the only Bonfire Night in Sussex that is water-based.
By that, I mean utilising both the river and the sea (our two greatest resources) and give the whole event an authentic nautical theme.
Imagine illuminated boats on the river (imagine lighting up the river itself!)
Imagine a firework display over the river and over the sea (with fireworks being detonated from a barge and reflected in the water)
Imagine floats that celebrate the town's nautical past (imagine some of those on the river itself)
Imagine all the food possibilities (fish barbeques, fresh local seafood, etc.)
Imagine, if you can, an event that aims to be the second most popular Bonfire Night in Sussex after Lewes, one that is authentic, relevant and spectacular, something that is capable of drawing huge numbers of people and income to the town. Imagine finding new revenue streams such as paid for seating areas, VIP catering areas, souvenir T-shirts, as well as a range of other nautically flavoured activities that put money in the town's coffers rather than into a bog-standard funfair and a few burger vans.
Of course, it's a huge jump from the amateurish parade we have right now, but it could just be the biggest opportunity Littlehampton has to do something special at a time of year when the town could really benefit from an influx of visitors.
I'm sure many will disagree with my thoughts, but surely now is just the time we should be thinking big and try to really raise the bar. I also know these ideas present many challenges, logistically, financially and, most importantly, in letting go of a deep-rooted this-is-how-we've-always-done-it-so-why-do-we-need-to-change mentality.
But let's get real. Our Bonfire Night is far from a fantastic event and unless another way of financing it is found, it's only going to get less fantastic in the future.
Let the fireworks begin!
