Bonfire is a serious business in Sussex, with annual events attracting thousands. The historical significance of the evening may have faded somewhat, but come November 5th, Sussex is aglow with orange bonfires, burning effigies, and spectacular fireworks displays.
November 5th commemorates the day when Guy Fawkes and his fellow Catholic conspirators were foiled in their plot to blow up the Houses of Parliament. Today, the Sussex Bonfire Societies celebrate the occasion with style, staging huge gala events with fires, parades and festivals. The tradition has remained strong for over a century, becoming the highlight of the year for many towns and villages in the area.
Dubbed the 'Bonfire capi
tal of the world' the Lewes festivities are second to none, forming the UK's largest and most famous Guy Fawkes celebrations. Six societies put on five separate parades and firework displays on the 5th of each year. This can mean 3,000 people taking part, while another 80,000 arrive as spectators in this small market town.
During the parades, society members (the bonfire boys and girls) carry torches and bangers, as well as burning crosses, musical instruments and flaming letters. These groups, some dating back to the mid 19th century, bring an atmosphere of tradition and history to a fun and raucous evening.
Bonfire season lasts over ten weeks, with the Uckfield Carnival beginning proceedings on the first Saturday of September. The Littlehampton Bonfire Society holds its annual event on October 31st bringing the month to a close with torchlit processions, a mammoth bonfire, and fireworks that stream over the sea. Other noteworthy seasonal events include the Battle Bonfire Society, whose annual processions take place on the site of the infamous Battle of Hastings and continue late into the night.
Celebrations are concluded with Robertsbridge and Barcombe on the third Saturday of November, though preparations for next year's events are usually well underway by the following month!
