Firework displays

During October and November many Sussex towns and villages hold bonfire nights. These events vary in size and style, but generally consist of torchlit processions and firework displays.

What's on in East Sussex?

Some of this year's biggest bonfire events include:

• Newick. Find out more from Newick Bonfire Society's website at www.newickbonfire.com/
• Lewes, 5 November – see Lewes Bonfire Council's website at www.lewesbonfirecouncil.org.uk/ (for a map of the Lewes firesites see www.lewesbonfirecouncil.org.uk/advice/map.html)
• Barcombe – find out more from Barcombe Bonfire Society's website at www.barcombebonfire.co.uk/

Lewes bonfire night

This year is the 152nd anniversary of Lewes bonfire night. Steeped in tradition and ritual, celebrations start with tar barrel racing down Cliffe High Street. The six bonfire societies then take to the streets with costumed processions. The evening ends with spectacular firework displays at designated sites around the town.

This unique event draws thousands of people to the town. In 2003, some 150,000 people came to Lewes to watch the celebrations. The pubs around Cliffe High Street are usually packed but refreshments and fast food can be bought from food stalls that set up for the evening.

The streets in the centre of Lewes are closed to traffic and transport links can become strained. Special trains run from Lewes to major towns in East Sussex on the night.

Due to the number of people and noise levels, the event is not suitable for children under 11. Nevill Juvenile hold its children-oriented fireworks display two weeks before 5 November.

Visitors to Lewes may find this map of the town helpful.

For more information about events in the area, visit the What's On in the District page.

Southern Railway, Telephone 08451 272920. Website:
www.southernrailway.com/index.php

Get firework advice, including the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents top ten safety code for adults, sparklers, pets and more via the following external link to their website
www.rospa.com/homesafety/advice/fireworks/index.htm

The external link below goes to the RSPCA's Keep your animals safe from fireworks webpage which includes tips for cats, dogs, horses and more
www.rspca.org.uk/servlet/Satellite?pagename=RSPCA/RSPCARedirect&pg=FireworksHomepage1&marker=1&articleId=1203427066866