With Bonfire Night just around the corner, it’s time to start planning some fun family trips to mark the occasion.
Here in East Sussex, we’re fortunate to have lots of local events to choose from. Many of the bonfire celebrations that take place in Sussex are traditional ceremonies, so they tend to include a procession by local bonfire societies as well as firework displays.
Below, discover some of the top firework displays from across the county. Which one will you visit?
1. Lewes Bonfire Night
If you want to celebrate Bonfire Night with a bang, Lewes is the place to be: the village hosts the biggest firework night in the world.
On 4 November, the night begins with a smugglers’ barrel run at 5:30pm. After this, seven bonfire societies kick off their individual processions through the streets, each one demonstrating their own traditions, costumes, and fire displays.
As you can imagine, it’s a huge event that can get very busy. Organisers are requesting that you only attend if you are local to Lewes to ensure that crowds don’t become too big. Make sure you check the website for full details so that you can plan a fun-filled and safe evening.
2. Firle Bonfire
The Firle Bonfire is a longstanding tradition that many locals love getting involved in. This year it will be held on 28 October and includes a procession through the village followed by a firework display at the fire site.
It promises to be a night to remember, but make sure you book your tickets beforehand. Free parking is available at the site.
3. Hastings Bonfire Night
Hastings Bonfire Night has something for everyone, including a torchlit procession, dancers, drumming, an effigy, and of course, a dazzling firework display.
The event takes place on 14 October and is organised and run by the volunteers of Hastings Borough Bonfire Society. As such, there’s no need to buy a ticket – you can just turn up – but the society do ask you to consider supporting them where possible.
4. Wadhurst Bonfire and Firework Spectacular
Wadhurst Bonfire and Firework Spectacular takes place at Lower High Street in Wadhurst on 4 November. It’s one of the biggest firework displays in East Sussex and even includes a bar and BBQ to keep you fed and watered as you admire the show.
The festivities begin at 5.30pm, and the firework display will run from 7.30 to 7.45pm.
5. Battel Bonfire Boyes Guy Fawkes Celebrations
The celebrations in Battle are a great choice for fans of history as the bonfire society – the Battel Bonfire Boyes – is said to own the oldest effigy of Guy Fawkes in the world.
The head of the Guy was made in 1795 out of pearwood, and each year up until the 1940s, a new body was attached to the effigy for the procession. It was then removed for burning on the bonfire. Nowadays, the effigy isn’t burnt, but it does still take centre stage at the traditional procession.
Please note that this event isn’t suitable for very small children or pushchairs as it is usually very busy.
6. South Heighton Bonfire Night
On 11 November, the South Heighton Bonfire Society will present their annual bonfire ceremony and firework display.
The traditional procession will begin at 6.30pm at the Flying Fish in Denton. The society members will carry traditional torches through the streets to South Heighton recreation ground where the firework display will begin at 8pm.
There’s no need to buy tickets beforehand, they’re only available on the gate, although the organisers recommend arriving at the site early to avoid disappointment. You can also watch the procession as it makes its way through the streets.
7. Ewhurst and Staplecross Bonfire Society
The Ewhurst and Staplecross Bonfire Society was first founded in 1882 and they describe their annual celebrations as “deafening” and “spectacular”.
The society takes great pride in their traditions, so expect lots of torches and flags at their procession. The night culminates with a firework displays at around 8pm. There will also be food stalls serving refreshments to enjoy through the evening.
Get in touch
If you’re looking for a reliable financial planner in East Sussex, we can help. Our friendly team, based in Lewes, are experts in providing lifestyle financial planning that can help you to grow your wealth and achieve your long-term goals.
Please get in touch by emailing us at financial@barwells-wealth.co.uk or by phone on 01273 086 311.
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