Bonfire celebrationsare set to ignite Rye

Bonfire societies and drumming groups from across Sussex will be taking part in the torch-lit procession which will be led by Rye Bonfire Society.

Procession highlights are likely to include Rye’s ‘Burning Boat’ float and a fire breathing green dragon.

The procession ends at the Salts where Rye Fawkes will be chaired down to light the enormous bonfire before a stunning fireworks display takes place.

Collections on the night will raise hundreds of pounds for charity and good causes.

The procession sets off from Tilling Green at 7.50pm but Tilling Green Community Centre will be open from 5pm serving hot food and refreshments.

The procession route is as follows: Ferry Road to the Crown Inn, turn left into Cinque Ports Street, Tower Street, through Landgate Arch, Hilders Cliff (East Cliff) in to High Street, The Mint, turn right into Wish Ward, Cinque Ports Street, Tower Street, left down Landgate, right into Bedford Place and on to the Bonfire site.

From 4.30pm, vehicular access to the town will be severely restricted and all vehicles are cleared from the processional route. Any vehicles on the procession route will be removed by recovery trucks.

The A259 Folkestone – Hastings trunk route will be closed at times between 20:00 and 21:30 to allow the procession and crowds to pass and will be subject to long delays at all other times. Please be aware that is unlikely that you will allowed out of your car park before around 10.30pm.

The Rye Bonfire Society receives no financial support from public funds in staging this event, which now costs over £10,000 a year to set-up and manage.

People are reminded that This is a traditional Sussex custom, not a carnival or ordinary display. It can be loud and frightening, there will be fire and very loud bangs.