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Firework displays
<P>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.</P>
Lewes bonfire celebrations 2008
Please read the following information about the Lewes Bonfire Celebrations on Wednesday 5th November.
Due to the fact that Lewes has narrow streets and pavements, and cannot accommodate vast crowds, we advise that visitors from outside the town attend less crowded firework events in their area and avoid coming into Lewes on the evening of the 5th November. From 5 pm Lewes Town is closed to traffic. On street parking is restricted on many roads and you are not permitted to park on procession routes. If you are parked within the area of the road closures after 5.15 pm you may find you are unable to get your vehicle out before the end of the evening after midnight.
There is no official car parking areas arranged for this event. Rail travel is likely to be crowded. Please expect long queues and follow the signs carefully.
There are six different Bonfire Societies in Lewes each with their own marching procession, bonfire and firework display. Lewes Bonfire Celebrations are unique. They involve 31 different torchlight processions and six different bonfire displays. While providing a great spectacle, it can also be very confusing to spectators as bonfire societies process around the town at the same time. Do not attempt to follow a procession in the road, as doing so causes unnecessary congestion and can delay other processions.
Some roads in the town centre are closed to the public to create safety zones for emergencies.
Between 7 pm and 9.30 pm the High Street, between the War Memorial and the top end of the High Street, becomes very congested and movement is very restricted. It will get noisy and the air will be thick with smoke from burning torches. It can become very uncomfortable for some people, especially the very young, elderly and those with disabilities.
At each fire site the Bonfire Society will light its bonfire and hold a display. From about 10.15 pm the Societies return from their fire sites and from 11 pm most Societies have their final processions leading to 'Bonfire Prayers' to round the evening off.
Remember with over 30 different processions, you won't be able to see everything.
Lewes is a designated area limiting street drinking and measures will be taken by Police Officers and the Licensing Team from Lewes District Council to enforce the Order. Many public houses have a door policy or a ticketing system for regulars. No alcohol should be brought into the town in glass vessels.
Any inappropriate behaviour will be swiftly dealt with by the Police. Fireworks of any kind should not be carried or discharged for crowd safety measures. Do not pick up discarded torches. The event is not suitable for persons with physical disabilities or children under the age of nine. The event is not suitable for pushchairs and buggies.
On lookers should please bear in mind that their personal safety is their responsibility.
Please note that each Society sells its own programme containing detailed information about their processional routes and events. These can be purchased from the Lewes Tourist Information Centre at the above address.
Cliffe Bonfire Society's firework display is ticket only, which must be bought in the town in advance.
For more information about events in the area visit
What's on in the District >
Recommended guidance if you are having a bonfire at home
Bonfires >
Documents
Visitors to Lewes may find this map helpful
Map of Lewes Town (0.82mb)
