Love it or hate it, it’s that time of year again when the skies light up and we celebrate the failed Gunpowder Plot – an attempt to blow up the Houses of Parliament (I’m saying nothing). There are dozens of events across Sussex from large to small with amazing processions, fancy dress, sparklers and lots of effigies. We’ve picked some of the best across the region in 2025, so wrap up warm, prepare your vocal chords for the obligatory “Oooos” and “Ahs” and head out to enjoy these Sussex bonfires and fireworks displays.
We are continually updating the dates and details so please continue to check this article again. However, in order to avoid disappointment, please check event details before you travel. Things can and do change, and events can sometimes be cancelled at short notice due to unavoidable circumstances.
Uckfield Bonfire Night
6 September 2025
A children’s procession in the afternoon and then a torchlight procession in the evening. Please note this is a bonfire event, not fireworks.
Crowborough Bonfire and Carnival
13 September 2025
A daytime fete and Children’s Carnival on Chapel Green, followed by a torchlight procession and bonfire. Again, this is a bonfire event, rather than fireworks.
Mayfield Bonfire Society
20 September 2025
First procession starts at 7:15 pm, followed by fireworks at 9:45 pm.
Buxted Bonfire Night
27 September 2025
Torchlight procession, bonfire and fireworks, starting at 6:30 pm.
Burgess Hill Bonfire Night
27 September 2025
Held at the Fairfield Recreation Ground, 6:30 pm. Following Processions, the firework display and bonfire are at 9:45 pm.
Northiam Bonfire Night
4 October 2025
Torchlit procession marching down Main Street, followed by fireworks.
Rotherfield & Mark Cross Bonfire Night
4 October 2025
Carnival starts in the morning with stalls and heritage buses, followed by a torchlit procession, bonfire and fireworks.
Eastbourne Bonfire Society
4 October 2025
A torchlit procession with dozens of visiting societies, drums and their 2025 Tableau. Followed by a giant bonfire and free fireworks display on the seafront.
East Grinstead
18 October 2025
To the High Street at 7 pm for a torchlit procession, bonfire and fireworks.
Hastings Bonfire Night
18 October 2025
This event includes a torchlit procession with fireworks along the route, drumming, a bonfire, an effigy and the Grand Finale Firework Display on the beach. You do not have to buy tickets.
Horsham Fireworks
25 October 2025
Held at the Horsham Sports Club in Cricketfield Road, gates open at 5 pm and the firework display starts at 7.30 pm. There are also fairground rides, gourmet food stalls, and a large beer tent and bar area. You do need to buy tickets (although under 5s are free, they will also need a ticket) and plan ahead for parking – there is no parking in the immediate vicinity. Booking is via Horsham Firework Night on Eventbrite.
Firle Bonfire, near Lewes
25 October 2025
Another event taking place in October is the Firle Fireworks which includes a torchlight procession around the village followed by fireworks at the fire site on the playing fields. There is food, a bar and free parking but again, you’ll need to book.
Littlehampton Bonfire Night
25 October 2025
Littlehampton’s bonfire celebrations include a torchlit procession and of course, a bonfire and fireworks. As always, parking restrictions and road closures apply!
Ardingly Fireworks Spectacular
25 October 2025
Held at the showground, this is a paid event (under 5s are free) but includes a fairground, children’s display and main display. The event promises to be a sensational feast for your eyes and ears, with fireworks crafted by the award-winning Illusion Fireworks team.
Sussex Cricket, Hove
1 November 2025
Get ready for a spectacular evening of family fun and dazzling displays as Fireworks Night returns to Hove Cricket Ground with tickets in aid of the Sussex Cricket Foundation. Gates open at 6 pm.
70% of seated tickets are already sold, with 90% of Premium Seats also already booked!
Cuckfield Park
1 November 2025
This event is held in the beautiful grounds of Cuckfield Park and includes a huge bonfire followed by a professionally run firework display, choreographed to music. Gates open at 5.30 pm, the bonfire will be lit at 6.45 pm and fireworks begin at 7.30 pm. Tickets are available online as well as on the gate.
Lindfield Bonfire Night
5 November 2025
The torchlight procession starts at 7.30 pm with the lighting of the bonfire at 8.15 pm. It is free although there is a suggested £2 donation for the programme and attendees are invited to donate as much as possible to support local charities.
Worthing
5 November 2025
Free (but donations appreciated) and on the pier, fireworks will be let off at 7.30 pm and there will be a fun fair and food stalls.
Lewes Bonfire Night
5 November 2025
We cannot mention the 5th November celebrations without mentioning Lewes, which hosts the biggest such event in the world. If the 5th November falls on a Sunday, the Lewes Bonfire Night is held on Saturday 4th November. There are seven bonfire societies in Lewes and the different societies and processions make their way through the narrow streets. Each procession and society has its own traditions, costumes, bonfires, fireworks and fire displays. In short, Lewes bonfire night is a truly spectacular event with a carnival festival the likes of which you’re not likely to see anywhere else.
It really is a massive event and you do need to be mindful of the challenges this presents for a Medieval town with narrow streets and old buildings. This event is aimed at local people, and there will be a police cordon in place, as well as road closures throughout the town. No trains will stop at Lewes or other local stations from 3 pm Saturday to 6 am Sunday. Buses will stop at designated locations on the outskirts of the town. A lot of walking can be involved. Tickets are available to different bonfire society events via Eventbrite. You can find out more at: Lewes Bonfire Society.
Photo credit to Carlotta Luke / Visit Lewes
Battle Bonfire Night
8 November 2025
Battle has its own unique firework traditions and traditionally only the body of the guy was burnt and the head kept for the following year. The head you see at this display is believed to have been created around 1795 and is made from pear wood. Each year a new body is made including an excessively tall body in 1897 when the guy was a good 12 feet tall! The tradition of detaching and burning the body stopped around the 1940s and since then the effigy is used as part of the celebrations but doesn’t see the flames of the fire. Of course, there’s also a procession and fireworks. It’s free to attend but you’re asked to make a donation for local good causes.
Wadhurst Fireworks
8 November 2025
Organised by the Wadhurst Warriors at Stone Cross Farm, you need to buy tickets for this event. There will be a bar, BBQ and one of the biggest displays in the county!
Rye Bonfire
15 November 2025
Another iconic Sussex bonfire event takes place in Rye, with a procession (from 7.50 pm) through the streets before the main display. There will be parking restrictions and road closures so plan ahead. Again, you are invited to make a donation to support the event.
If you like this post about Sussex bonfire and firework displays, you may also like:
