Lewes Bonfire Night Celebration 2024

The Lewes Bonfire Night Celebrations take the form of a series of torch-lit processions through the town. They have six individual Bonfire Societies this year with around 3000 people taking part in the procession and at the firesites.

Lewes Bonfire is a properly authentic bonfire event with around 30 visiting bonfire societies from all over Sussex marching bands and blazing processions all taking over the narrow streets of Lewes until the early hours. You’ll see all sorts of wild traditions and costumes as well as fireworks and (of course) huge bonfires. And if you’re lucky you’ll get to see the seventeen burning crosses referencing the Seventeen Martyrs burnt at the stake in the town in the mid-16th century. 

FAQs:

What time does it all start?

The processions start at around 5.00 pm with most proceedings at bonfire sites beginning at approximately 9.45 pm.

What time does it finish?

The bonfire societies finish their fireworks display around 11.00 pm.

Is there disabled access to the fire sites?

Regrettably the combination of crowds steep hills and the distances between the procession and the fire sites means that it is not a suitable event for anyone with mobility issues.

Is it suitable for children?

The processions are exciting and extremely noisy with firecrackers bangers drums and flaming torches. Some parents provide their children with ear defenders while some children might find the evening experience a bit overwhelming.

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