The Season of Sussex Bonfire Processions

Sussex is steeped in bonfire history, dating back to the burning of protestant martyrs in Lewes during Tudor times.

Local traditions go back even further with face painted workers in disguise, annually visiting households door to door for food and alcohol.

Sussex is renowned for bonfire celebrations and the procession season is well underway so we have put together a list of all the exciting processions throughout Sussex.

This Saturday, 5 October, the Eastbourne bonfire procession takes place. Starting at the Crown and Anchor pub on Marine Parade at 7.30pm, the procession will walk east to Fisherman’s Green before reversing and heading towards the Wish Tower slopes to arrive around 8.30pm where the bonfire will be lit on the beaches opposite and the fireworks display will be fired shortly after.

Led by Cllr Mike Thompson, Mayor of Eastbourne the procession will include the fantastic local Pentacle Drummers along with 17 other bonfire societies, a number of bands, Morris dancers and more!

In addition, Rotherfield will also have their Bonfire night celebrations on 5 October.

To follow, Hailsham, Hastings, Neville and Seaford Bonfire celebrations take place on 19 October, with Hastings celebrating both the gunpowder plot and the Battle of Hastings. The evening is a spectacular torchlit procession from The Stade with bonfire and fireworks from the beach.

Next up is the Fletching, Staplecross and Littlehampton bonfire nights on 26 October. Littlehampton is a day long celebration and torchlit celebration with colourful floats and steam engines, ending in a mammoth bonfire and fireworks display.

To start November, Battle will celebrate on 2 November. Guy Fawkes is said to have sourced his gunpowder from the Battle powder mills, and one of the world’s oldest membership societies, the Battel Bonfire Boyes celebrate this occasion every year with traditional torchlit processions, bands, fireworks and brilliant tabs and set pieces. Also on the 2 November is Newick and Winchelsea Bonfire processions.

Which leads to the biggest bonfire celebration in the world; Lewes Bonfire 5 November. Featuring six different torchlit processions throughout the town, plus tar barrel rolling, marching bands, drummers, traditional fancy dress and floats with topical bonfire effigies. Each procession ends in a bonfire and fireworks display.

Also taking place on 5 November is Lindfield Bonfire night. Chailey, South Heighton, East Hoathly, Shoreham by Sea and Rye will follow on 9 November, Robertsbrigde on 16 November and Hawkhurst and Northiam finishing the season on 23 November.

East Hoathly is a popular bonfire event with a cowboys and Indians theme. It features a Grand procession through the village which is followed by a remembrance procession.

 

Shoreham will celebrate with a family beach bonfire with fireworks, fire performers and face painters.

 

Expect eerie torchlit processions with marching bands, drummers, Morris Men, traditional and themed fancy dress, pirates, pip

ers and floats featuring bonfire effigies.

Many events are family orientated with a carnival atmosphere, however larger events may not suitable for children.

You can find all the details for each of the processions on www.lovesussex.com