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 2023, 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.
Eastbourne Bonfire Society – 7th October 2023
They have 3 processions 6.30 pm is the memorial procession. From the Crown and Anchor to the memorial by the pier. At 7.15 pm there is the procession towards the fishermen and at 8.35 pm the effigy is paraded towards the fire site. Then at 8.50 pm, there is the main procession from the Crown and Anchor to the Wishtower slopes, where the bonfire will be lit and the fireworks will be set off.
Horsham Fireworks – 28th October 2023
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 – 28th October 2023
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 – 28th October 2023
Littlehampton’s bonfire celebrations start at 2 pm with the fun fair opening on the seafront. There’s a torchlit procession at 7.30 pm and of course, a bonfire at 9 pm and fireworks at 9.15 pm. As always, parking restrictions and road closures apply!
Hastings Bonfire Night – 14th October 2023
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.
Shoreham – 3rd November 2023
Hosted by The Harbour Club, there will be a DJ for this event which is described as a “massive firework extravaganza!”. Fireworks from 7 pm.
Lewes Bonfire Night – 4th November 2023
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. Events kick off with a smugglers’ barrel run at 5.30 pm and thereafter there will be seven processions.
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
Wadhurst Fireworks – 4th November 2023
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! You can buy tickets here: Wadhurst Bonfire
Cuckfield Park – 4th November 2023
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.
Battle Bonfire Night – 4th November 2023
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.
Worthing – 5th November 2023
Free and on the pier, fireworks will be let off at 6.30 pm and there will be a fun fair and food stalls.
Ardingly – 27th October 2023
Held at the showground, this is a paid event (under 5s are free) but includes a fairground, children’s display and main display.
Ashington Fireworks Extravaganza – 10th November 2023
To be held at Ashington CE School (RH20 3PG). Gates open at 5.30 pm and there will be fireworks, a raffle, refreshments, games and a BBQ. Advance tickets are available from the school office or Cubitt & West Ashington. £4 each. £12 family four.
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.
Lindfield Bonfire Night – 4th November 2023
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 £1 donation for the programme and attendees are invited to donate as much as possible to support local charities.
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