The Sussex Bonfire Tradition
Not many places have stronger bonfire traditions than Sussex. Where in other places, celebrations of the Gunpowder Plot have dwindled to be little more than suburban garden fires and boxed fireworks, the enormous bonfires and stunning fireworks displays across Sussex continue.
Sussex bonfires kick off in October and continue through November. Many of the county’s towns and villages have their own bonfire societies, which organise their event every year. Bonfire societies tour around the county taking part in the torchlight processions in each town and village.
Many of the societies are long established, although Lewes in the oldest of the Sussex organisations. The Lewes societies originated in the 17th century after the 5 November celebrations across the county spiralled out of control and became riotous, drunken events, which sparked a crackdown by authorities. Bonfire societies were formed to bring the bonfire boys, and their events into some kind of order.
Sussex bonfires began to take a more organised form in the 19th century, after an unsuccessful attempt by police to put a stop to the celebrations. This is when the Sussex bonfires became organised torch-lit processions accompanied by drummers and banners, like we know them today. Many of the societies dropped their distinctive disguises for more elaborate fancy dress. Each of the societies still have their own ‘uniform’, which often gives clues to how the society was formed.
In 1066 Country, the Hastings, Battle and Rye bonfire societies play big parts in the gunpowder season, organising events that draw tens of thousands of people to the area celebrate bonfire night in spectacular fashion. Hastings’ bonfire coincides with the anniversary of the Battle of Hastings and takes place as part Hastings Week, our annual celebration of the battle that changed English history.
Battle bonfire normally takes place at the beginning of November and Rye’s, which takes place on ground just outside the town follows the Battle event shortly after.
Check our events listing for details of this year’s bonfires and fireworks displays.
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