Light Up Lewes

About

Light Up Lewes! 6th May at 9pm in Lewes, East Sussex. 

A community event to bring Lewesians together whilst apart. 

"Oh Sussex, Sussex by the Sea! 

Good old Sussex by the Sea! 

You may tell them all we stand or fall,  

For Sussex by the Sea" 

Put Wednesday 6th May at 9pm in your diaries. For one night only, Lewesians will come together whilst apart, lighting up their balconies and windows and joining their voices to sing Sussex's unofficial anthem 'Sussex by the Sea' - led by notable locals. Celebrating the resilience and joie de vivre of Lewes and its people, it will be filmed for a wider audience. 

Supported by Farnham Maltings, this initiative is a positive celebration of the solidarity and community of which we are so proud in Lewes - whilst  observing social distancing.  

Organised by Lewes theatre company Fireraisers - named after the bonfire boys and girls of Sussex, this event  will happen live for one night only on the 6th May and will also be filmed. The resulting short film will be shared on Fireraisers social media channels and beyond, ultimately being screened at Lewes Depot. We want to capture as many Lewesians as possible singing, as a record of an extraordinary chapter in the town’s history.  

What we’re asking people to do: At 9 o’clock on 6th May, light up their homes, come to their windows or balconies and sing Sussex by the Sea. Simple. For lyrics and tune, check out our YouTube video www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4Py0xEkMp8&t=15s

We’d love as many people to film themselves as possible – on a phone is fine - so that even though they’ll probably only see and hear their neighbours, afterwards, we can piece together a more complete record of the event.  They can get their footage to us by WhatsApp 07934 504 287 or with Dropbox or WeTransfer or by any way you can. If you have any questions, our email is info@fireraisers.org.uk   

Director Polly Wiseman explains "We want to light the place up, spread a bit of joy with a brief volley of fireworks and sing Sussex By The Sea - it’s always heard in the processions on Nov 5th." 

Follow @fireraisers on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram or go to our website (link below) for info on how to join in. 

Local psychiatrist (and filmmaker on this project) Jake Harvey says, “Social engagement (and singing!) has important physical and mental health implications. It is important in reducing stress and depression, helps develop and maintain cognitive function and has beneficial effects on the immune system.   

So there you have it. Not only will this be fun – it’s good for you too! 

Light up, sing up!  

Sussex by the Sea 

"Sussex by the Sea" (also known as "A Horse Galloping") is a patriotic song written in 1907 by William Ward-Higgs, often considered to be the unofficial county anthem of Sussex. It is well known throughout Sussex and is regularly sung at celebrations throughout the county. It can be heard during many sporting events in the county, during the Sussex bonfire celebrations and it is played by marching bands and Morris dancers across Sussex. It is also the adopted song of Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club and Sussex County Cricket Club. 

Below are the verses we’ll be singing, so people can get practicing! 

Sussex By The Sea 

Lyrics 

First Verse 

    Now is the time for marching,  

        Now let your hearts be gay,  

    Hark to the merry bugles 

        Sounding along our way. 

    So let your voices ring, my boys,  

        And take the time from me, 

    And I’ll sing you a song as we march along,  

        Of Sussex by the Sea! 

Chorus 

            For we're the men from Sussex, Sussex by the Sea. 

            We plough and sow and reap and mow, 

            And useful men are we; 

            And when you go to Sussex, whoever you may be, 

            You may tell them all that we stand or fall 

            For Sussex by the Sea! 

Refrain 

    Oh Sussex, Sussex by the Sea! 

    Good old Sussex by the Sea! 

    You may tell them all we stand or fall,  

    For Sussex by the Sea. 

Second Verse 

    Sometimes your feet are weary,  

        Sometimes the way is long,  

    Sometimes the day is dreary,  

        Sometimes the world goes wrong; 

    But if you let your voices ring,  

        Your care will fly away, 

    So we'll sing a song as we march along,  

        Of Sussex by the Sea. 

Chorus and Refrain