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The Bonfire celebrations take the form of a series of torch-lit processions through the town. We have six individual Bonfire Societies this year with around 3,000 people taking part in the procession and at the firesites.
Lewes Bonfire is organised by the six Bonfire Societies themselves, working together under the auspices of Lewes Bonfire Council.
Lewes Bonfire is an event for local residents only, and we ask that people do not attempt to travel in to the town to spectate. The streets are narrow, and the combination of dense crowds, flaming torches and firecrackers can be dangerous. Trains do not run in or out of Lewes on the night, and roads are closed. However, this year's event will be live streamed from the War Memorial by Rocket FM so can be enjoyed from anywhere in the world!
Cliffe founded in 1853 is one of the oldest societies, alongside Lewes Borough. Their firesite is in Ham Lane, access via Pinwell Lane from approx. 9.45 pm. Tickets are priced at £10. Available from Cliffe Bookshop, Beckworth’s Delicatessen, the Dorset Arms, the Lewes Arms and the Gardeners Arms, or from sellers in the Pedestrian Precinct on a Saturday.
Commercial Square was founded in 1855. Their firesite is in Landport from approx. 9.45pm, off the Offham Road. No charge for entry to the bonfire site.
Lewes Borough is the joint oldest society alongside Cliffe, formed in 1853. Their firesite is at Landport Bottom, at the top end of the town at approx. 9.45pm. Tickets are £10, available from the Tourist Information Centre or online.
Southover were formed in 1886 at the request of the then Lord of Southover, lapsed in the 20th century and reformed in 2005. Entrance to the firesite is at the beginning of Mountfield Road, ticket price £10. Tickets are available from the Tourist Information Centre, the King's Head and the Swan pubs.
South Street was founded in 1913 and originated for children only, but now has members of all ages. Their firesite is on the Railway Land clos to the Cliffe Bridge/Precinct and is the earliest - starting at approx 8.30pm. Tickets are available from the Tourist Information Centre, priced at £10 – under 16s are free but must be accompanied by an adult.
Waterloo was re-formed in 1964. Their firesite is on Malling Recreation Ground at the back of Tesco’s, from approx. 9.30pm. This year, we understand there will be free access with a bucket collection or their Go Fund Me page.
The processions start at around 5.00pm, with most proceedings at bonfire sites beginning at approximately 9.45pm.
The bonfire societies finish their fireworks display around 11.00pm.
If you are not a Lewes resident, you will not be able to visit the town. Roads coming into Lewes will be closed from 4.45pm, so you cannot drive in or out of the town – details are available on www.lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk. There is nowhere to park within the town centre on the day. Check the Southern Rail and Brighton & Hove Buses websites for details of public transport disruption. There will be no trains stopping at Lewes after 3.00pm.
Regrettably, the combination of crowds, steep hills and the distances between the procession and the firesites means that it is not a suitable event for anyone with mobility issues.
The processions are exciting and extremely noisy, with firecrackers, bangers, drums and flaming torches. Some parents provide their children with ear defenders, while some children might find the evening’s experience a bit overwhelming.
Some Lewes pubs will be serving food / drinks during the evening and there are usually a variety of vendors selling refreshments in and around the town.
There are toilets open in behind the Premier Inn, Market Lane or up the High Street near the Black Horse pub. The pubs that remain open on the night have toilets available to their customers.
All firesites are different. Once you have worked out where you are likely to be in the town for the processions, you may want to go to the nearest firesite. These are charged at different prices, some are free. If you pop into Lewes Information Centre at 187 High Street, they will be able to advise you.
Some pubs remain open on a ticket only basis. The pubs are always really busy, and you may need to wait a while for a drink, so please be patient.
PLEASE NOTE: All of the above information is correct at time of writing. If you have any questions, please call into Lewes Information Centre, 6 High Street, Lewes BN7 2AD, where our staff will try to help. You may want to look on the websites of the individual bonfire societies to check for any updates.
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