Free festival celebrates British engineering and design in aid of charity

The free history and engineering themed event, put on by Littlehampton’s Organisation of Community Arts (LOCA), was held at Caffyn’s Field on Saturday, August 13.

A selection of vintage British cars and motorbikes were on display throughout the day, with visitors getting the chance to take a look under the bonnet of some vehicles.

Staci Mendoza-Quinn, chair of LOCA, said: “It was a fantastic, funfilled day with music- a real community event- that celebrated diversity and design. Everyone was dressed up and the field was decorated.

“We had fantastic weather and there was something for all ages which really worked. There were kids rides and activites but also a nostalgic element for older generations.

“This was the first event of its type in Littlehampton and people were really excited. Its quite clear that this type of event, looking at modern and older, vintage engineering, is very much wanted in the town.”

She said the organistion had agreed to put on the event to raise money for Coastal West Sussex Mind, the chosen charity of the mayor of Littlehampton, Ian Buckland.

“He is a fantastic mayor and has really done a lot for Littlehampton,” she said. The total amount raised by the event is yet to be announced.

Performances featuring music of a variety of genres, from Northen Soul, Ska and Calypso to vintage war time music and British rock and roll, also entertained the crowds.

Bands including The Speak, Johnny Zero, LEVI, The Bamboo Band & Slim Jim and the Wildcards, all took to the stage.

Living history associations reenacted World War Two battles, while children learned classic British entertainment skills like unicycling and juggling at a workshop by Circus Seen CiC.

British food favourites such as bangers, bacon butties, cream teas and scones were served.

Coastal West Sussex Mind is an independent charity with a centre in Littlehampton where residents suffering from mental health problems can access services and support.