Dandara Helps West Wittering Start 2026 With A Splash

New Year’s Day in West Wittering began with shrieks, laughter and a fair bit of shivering as hundreds of brave locals took part in the annual Big Dip, supported this year by a £500 sponsorship from local housebuilder Dandara. 

Held on 1 January at Shore Road in East Wittering, the popular community event once again drew crowds to the coastline, with participants of all ages charging into the sea at 1pm after registering at The Shore Inn earlier in the day.

Now a firm fixture in the local calendar, the Big Dip is as much about community spirit as it is about icy water. Families, friends and spectators line the shoreline each year, cheering on the dippers and welcoming the new year with a shared sense of fun, resilience and togetherness.

Dandara’s sponsorship reflects its growing connection to the area through Wittering Place, its current development in West Wittering. Located just five minutes from Wittering beach, the development offers a collection of 3, 4 and 5-bedroom homes from £400,000, set within a desirable village setting close to good Ofsted-rated schools and with easy access to Chichester via the A27 and local bus routes. Designed for modern coastal living, the homes feature high-quality kitchens with integrated appliances, generous layouts and thoughtful details for everyday life by the sea.

James Keenan, Organiser at The Big Dip, said, “There’s something really special about seeing the beach full on New Year’s Day, with people laughing, cheering each other on and doing something a bit daft for a good cause. The Big Dip simply wouldn’t happen without the backing of local supporters, so we’re incredibly grateful to Dandara for getting behind the event. It means we can keep the Big Dip going and keep bringing the community together year after year.”

Zoey Rampton, Head of Sales at Dandara Southern, said, “The Big Dip is one of those events that really sums up life on this stretch of coast – a bit bold, a lot of fun and very community-minded. We’re proud to support something that brings people together on New Year’s Day and gives everyone a reason to start the year smiling, even if it is a little chilly.”