Burgess Hill Bonfire 2026: Programme and road closure details
Bonfire season begins in West Sussex for 2026 in a ‘spectacular’ evening of torchlit processions, traditional costumes, bonfire and fireworks.
Burgess Hill Bonfire Society is preparing for their annual bonfire event on Saturday, September 26, as over a thousand people are expected to partake.
As streets line with spectators this is the 57th year- societies, drummers and bands will make their way through the town before heading to Fairfield Recreation Ground for the finale.
The event is organised by Burgess Hill Bonfire Society and is free to attend, with collections helping the Society meet the considerable cost of staging the celebrations safely each year.
Previous events have seen around 1,500 people take part.
The programme of events:
- 18:00 Remembrance Service - Burgess Hill War Memorial
- 18:30 Tar Barrel Drag Racing - Church Road
- 19:30 First Procession - Crescent Way to Silverdale Road
- 20:40 Grand Procession - Silverdale Road to Fairfield Recreation Ground
- 21:45 Bonfire & Firework Display to Music - Fairfield Recreation Ground
The evening culminates at Fairfield Recreation Ground, where the bonfire is followed by the firework display.
Society Chairman, Mr Woodward said: “The Committee and Society Members have worked hard in challenging times, between ever rising costs and the recent hot weather it has been an interesting one this year. But I have no doubt that Burgess Hill Bonfire Society will take to the streets and Burn Brightly this Saturday”
“The Bonfire Society will be joined by local walking groups, bands and Kindred Societies from across Sussex. As normal, there has been speculation over what the topical fire banners will be this year, but they have been a closely guarded secret with all being revealed on the night.
"The event is put on free of charge for those attending and is funded via year-round fundraising, local sponsorship and a community grant from the Council. There is a collection taken alongside the procession with monies going to local good causes.
“This event is put on purely by volunteers, and if you would like to join them please stop a member on the night or take a look at their Facebook pa ge for advice on how to join and what you can expect when you are a member.”
Burgess Hill Town Council said on Facebook: “Burgess Hill Town Council are proud to support the Bonfire Society with an annual grant of £7,300. The Bonfire society also supports the Town Council with many of our community events including Remembrance Sunday, Christmas Festival, Summer Fayre, and other national celebrations.
"The Town Council thank the Bonfire Society for their support across the year.
“If you would like more information and detailed timings including the parade route please pick up their programme. This is available to be picked up from the Town Council Help Point plus other locations including Disco Carpets, Town Fish and Chips and Jupps Fish and Chips.”
Travel
Traffic restrictions and road closures are in place between 18:30 and 22:30, as large crowds are expected.
Road closures appear around the town centre on Church Road, Crescent Way, Silverdale Road up to the Fairfield Recreation Ground.
Visitors should also be aware that Leylands Road is closed overnight for resurfacing work.
Parking parking arrangements have not yet been published but visitors are advised to travel by train or public transport where possible.