Battel Bonfire Boyes ready for another Big Weekend

With new activities added to the usual line-up, the weekend is set to be not just a great event but a key fundraiser for the Bonfire Boyes.

Building on the success of last year’s extra events, the Boyes will kick the weekend off at 7pm tonight with a barn dance in a large marquee on Battle Recreation Ground.

Live music and calling will be supplied by the Catsfield Steamers and a barbecue and licensed bar will keep dancers refreshed.

Tickets are available on the door priced at £10 per adult, £5 per junior and £25 for a family ticket (two adults and three juniors).

Saturday sees a day of non-stop family fun starting with a carnival parade at 11am which will commence at the recreation ground, make its way to the Abbey Green before returning to finish back on the recreation ground.

This will herald the official start to the summer fayre, which features traditional stalls such as a coconut shy and crockery smash with modern attractions including a laser tag.

Battle Community Fire Station’s firefighters will be on hand to show off their skills, with plenty of exciting displays and demonstrations planned throughout the day.

Firefighter Clive York said: “This family event will be a great opportunity to meet the firefighters, learn about our roles in keeping the community safe and making them more sustainable through fire and road safety education, together with Sussex Police and Sussex Safer Roads Partnership.”

A dog show will be run in the centre arena starting at 12.30pm.

In the evening the marquee once again becomes the scene of live music with local band the 1066 Rockitmen headlining along with support acts Hunky Dorey and Jamie Smart.

The barbecue and licensed bar will continue to keep everyone refreshed.

Doors open at 7pm, tickets are £10 per adult, £5 per junior and £25 for a family ticket (two adults and three juniors).

Meanwhile Sunday brings a brand new event, organised by bonfire member and businessman Dale Cromwell.

For the first time soapbox racing will take place in the High Street from midday, with a number of prizes up for grabs (see story below).

Matt Southam, spokesperson for the Battel Bonfire Boyes said: “We are all really looking forward to the weekend.

“We learnt lots of lessons from last year and have booked more toilets, changed a few timings and ordered more beer!

“Tickets for the evening events have been selling a lot quicker than last year and with new attractions booked for the summer fayre and the new soapbox race on Sunday this will be a great weekend for everyone.”

For more details, visit www.battlesbigweekend.co.uk