Littlehampton braces itself for a storm of festival visitors

The weekend bonanza will feature around 30 Ferraris, high-speed powerboats, dozens of Harley-Davidson motorbikes, horse rides, stalls, bands and other attractions.

Organiser David Coppin said: “It’s going to go ahead, come rain or shine. We have got the powerboats in the river and the Iron Man Swim, too, that weekend.

“There is a whole abundance of things happening on land that will certainly draw the crowds. However, it is all dependent on the weather, as to how many people turn up.”

The event will see attractions spread out across South Terrace, Arun Parade and Pier Road.

Powerboats raced by members of the Offshore Racing Drivers’ Association will be based at Littlehampton Marina, with practices taking place throughout the weekend culminating in an adrenaline-fuelled race along the coastline on Sunday afternoon (June 24).

Visitors will be able to take a closer look at lifeboats from Selsey and Shoreham, which will be moored outside the Harbour Office.

Tomorrow will also see dozens of brave swimmers take to the River Arun as part of the Iron Man Swim, which begins at 3pm from the Ford Marina and ends at the Surrey Street slipway an hour later.

Roads in South Terrace, Arun Parade and Pier Road will be closed between noon and 6pm on tomorrow and 10am and 6pm on Sunday.

For details about any of the festival events, call 01903 721215.