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 2026, so wrap up warm, prepare your vocal cords 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 and any booking requirements before you travel. Things can and do change, and events can sometimes be cancelled at short notice due to unavoidable circumstances.
Uckfield Bonfire Night
5 September 2026
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
12 September 2026
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
19 September 2026
First procession starts at 7:15 pm, followed by fireworks at 9:45 pm.
Buxted Bonfire Night
26 September 2026
Torchlight procession, bonfire and fireworks, starting at 6:30 pm.
Burgess Hill Bonfire Night
26 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
3 October 2026
Torchlit procession marching down Main Street, followed by fireworks.
Rotherfield & Mark Cross Bonfire Night
3 Oct0ber 2026
Carnival Night includes fire, music, procession floats and more. Further details awaited.
Eastbourne Bonfire Society
3 October 2026
A “25th anniversary” torchlit procession with dozens of visiting societies. Followed by a giant bonfire and free fireworks display on the seafront. Full details pending.
East Grinstead
17 October 2026
A torchlit parade, bonfire and fireworks. Further details awaited.
Hastings Bonfire Night
17 October 2026
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
24 October 2026
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, Firle
24 October 2026
Starting at 7 pm, this event includes a torchlight procession around the village followed by lighting of the bonfire and 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
24 October 2026
Littlehampton’s bonfire will feature a War Memorial Service which will take place at the Cenotaph followed by a massive torchlight procession through the town featuring marching bands, floats and visiting bonfire societies. This will be followed by the lighting of the bonfire on the seafront before the sky is lit-up by a spectator fireworks display.
South of England Showground Fireworks, Ardingly
24 October 2026
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
2 November 2026
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. We had difficulty booking via their website.
Cuckfield Park
7 November 2026
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
5 November 2026
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
TBC
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 2026
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
7 November 2026
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
7 November 2026
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
14 November 2026 – TBC
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.
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