Lewes Bonfire Night 2026
1 Upcoming Event
https://www.lewesbonfirecelebrations.com/
Free. Arrive early. Road closures from mid-afternoon.
About
Lewes Bonfire Night is the most spectacular and intense Guy Fawkes celebration in England — a series of torchlit processions through the narrow streets of this Sussex town by seven bonfire societies, each with their own costumes, burning crosses, fireworks, and enormous bonfires. The town has been celebrating the 5th of November with extraordinary fervour since the 17th century. Each bonfire society parades through the town in elaborate costumes — smugglers, Vikings, Zulu warriors, Tudor figures — carrying flaming torches and burning barrels of tar through the streets. The effigies (of contemporary figures as well as Guy Fawkes and the Pope) are enormous and inventive. The fireworks displays at each society's bonfire site are massive. The atmosphere is thrilling, noisy, and slightly chaotic. Lewes Bonfire Night is free but gets extremely crowded — the town's population of 17,000 swells to an estimated 60,000-80,000. Road closures start early in the afternoon. Train services are adjusted. The narrow medieval streets can feel overwhelming when packed with people and filled with smoke. It's not a gentle experience — it's loud, fiery, and occasionally startling. But as a spectacle of fire, community, and tradition, nothing in England comes close.
Places near here
Duke of York's Picturehouse
Preston Circus, Brighton BN1 4NA
Britain's oldest cinema, still showing films since 1910 — stripy legs on the roof, a Wurlitzer organ, and proper movie magic....
Film , Historical
From £9.00
Preston Park
Preston Park, Brighton BN1 6SD
Brighton's biggest park — thousands of roses in summer, Pride in August, and a Victorian velodrome for cycling enthusiasts....
Nature & Outdoors , Kids & Family
Free
The Level
Union Road, Brighton BN2 1HL
Brighton's people's park — a world-class skatepark, community gardens, and the sunniest, most diverse gathering spot in town....
Nature & Outdoors , Community Spaces
Free
Yellowave Beach Sports
299 Madeira Drive, Brighton BN2 1EN
Beach volleyball on Brighton's shingle — the UK's first permanent beach sports venue, where sport meets sea and everyone's welcome....
Sports & Leisure , Beaches & Coastal
From £8.00
Brighton Marina
Brighton Marina, Brighton BN2 5UF
Britain's biggest marina — boat trips, waterfront dining, and the start of a dramatic cliff walk east along the coast....
Food & Drink , Sports & Leisure
Free
What people are saying about this
Invite your friends by email, any users that already have an account will be sent a friend request.