Lewes Bonfire Event Anticipates Thousands of Attendees

The annual bonfire event in Lewes is expected to draw thousands of attendees this evening. Six distinct bonfire societies will conduct processions through the East Sussex town, where onlookers will observe large effigies being paraded through the thoroughfares. Past effigies have featured former Prime Ministers Rishi Sunak and Boris Johnson, alongside other political figures such as the current American President Joe Biden. Sussex Police has advised individuals who are not local residents to avoid the historic event, citing concerns about “crowd crushing and crowd movement” within the town’s constricted streets. Chief Superintendent Howard Hodges informed BBC Radio Sussex that “The celebrations are always busy, challenging and complex.” He added, “This is an event steeped in history, culture and tradition but it’s one we can’t be complacent about. There are inherent risks and that’s why the police, ambulance and fire service work really closely to make sure people can attend safely.” Although Guy Fawkes and the 1605 gunpowder plot are central to the UK’s autumn bonfire customs, the Lewes Bonfire Society additionally commemorates the 17 martyrs executed by burning under Mary I in the town during the 1500s. This event is a collaborative effort of seven bonfire societies, with the majority established in the 19th Century. Each society maintains a presence in a distinct area of town, typically based at its own pub, which serves as its headquarters. Lewes District Council reports that six societies are participating this year. The Lewes Borough Bonfire Society and Cliffe Bonfire Society, two of the participating groups, trace their origins to 1853, though the festivities reportedly predated this by many years. Attendees also bear burning barrels and 17 burning crosses. These elements symbolize the 17 Protestant martyrs who were immolated in Lewes during the reign of Mary I, approximately 50 years prior to Guy Fawkes’s attempt to detonate the Houses of Parliament. The Lewes Bonfire event is also recognized for its effigies depicting politicians and celebrities, such as former FIFA President Sepp Blatter and Donald Trump during his tenure as US President. These effigies are maintained in strict secrecy and are unveiled exclusively on the evening of the event.