Lewes Bonfire Night Celebrations
Lewes' famous celebrations of 1605's gunpowder plot downfall are unrivalled across England. Its raucous parade winds through steep, cobbled streets with colourful costumes, flaming torches and ear-splitting bangers. The smoke-filled air is full of shouts and beating drums.
It's not just Guy Fawkes' downfall that Lewes remembers. In the previous century Protestant martyrs were immolated outside the town's Star Inn during the Marian Persecutions under Mary Tudor in June 1556 and 1557. Given the localised nature of the commemorations, deeply rooted in the history of the town, outsiders are gently discouraged, especially because the narrow streets are easily overcrowded. The event is run by Lewes people for Lewes people.
Bonfire boys and girls, men and women, are divided into separate societies sporting different costumes (up for prizes annually on the fourth Friday of October) and occupy a different area. Some drag huge metal barrels filled with burning tar down the hill to the River Ouse, which are ceremoniously thrown from the bridge.
Towards the end of the evening, the crowds head up to several bonfire sites on the surrounding hills. The steep climb is well worth the effort, as you can see all the firework displays for miles around.
Related Information
Website: Cliffe Bonfire Website
Website: Southover Bonfire Society Website
Website: Waterloo Bonfire Society Website
Website: Lewes Borough Bonfire Society Website
Website: Nevill Juvenile Bonfire Society Website
Website: Lewes Bonfire Council Website
| Town Information: | Lewes |
|---|---|
| Full Name: | |
| Address: | BN7 2DE |
| Directions: | By Rail: to Lewes Station (direct from London Victoria and Brighton) |
| Other Information: | Lewes |
| Website: | Lewes District Council Website |
| Name: | Lewes Tourist Office |
|---|---|
| Location: | Lewes |
| Address: | Lewes Tourist Information Centre, 187 High Street, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 2DE |
| Email: | lewes.tic@lewes.gov.uk |
| Phone: | +44 (0) 1273 483448 |
| Name: | South East England Tourist Board |
| Location: | South East |
| Address: | 40 Chamberlayne Road, Eastleigh, Hampshire, SO50 5JH |
| Email: | enquiries@seetb.org.uk |
| Phone: | +44 (0) 238 062 5400 |
| Fax: | +44 (0) 1892 511 008 |
| Name: | Tourism South East |
| Location: | South East |
| Address: | 40 Chamberlayne Road, Eastleigh SO50 5JH |
| Email: | customerservices@tourismse.com |
| Phone: | +44 (0) 23 80 625 400 |
| Fax: | +44 (0) 23 80 620 010 |
| Name: | British Tourist Authority |
| Location: | United Kingdom |
| Address: | Thames Tower, Black's Road, Hammersmith, London W6 9EL |
| Phone: | +44 (0) 20 8846 9000 |
| Fax: | +44 (0) 20 8563 0302 |
| Name: | The National Trust |
| Location: | United Kingdom |
| Email: | enquiries@ntrust.org.uk |
| Phone: | +44 (0) 20 8315 1111 |
| Fax: | +44 (0) 20 8466 6824 |
