Cliffe to declare independence

On May 27 the Cliffeinians will take affairs into their own hands and reassert the independence they had until 126 years ago.

Elections will be held and borders, including a specially constructed portcullis on Cliffe bridge leading to the Cliffe, will be set up but it'll all be in name of fun.

A variety of events are planned including a market, an ale trail and entertainment for the whole family.

Phil Lucas, commander in chief of Cliffe Bonfire Association, said: 'The area is well-know for having independent traders and independent brewers, and of course Cliffe used to the be a town in its own right until 1881, and I think that spirit has endured.

'I think it'll be a great day and traditionally there hasn't been a lot to do in Lewes on Bank Holidays but hopefully this will change all that.'

The fun starts at 10am on Sunday May 27 with the results of the presidential elections and a new Cliffe flag will be hoisted above Harveys Brewery and the bridge.

Hustings for the presidential elections take place in the four Cliffe pubs on Saturday May 19 starting at the Snowdrop from 8pm.

Voters will be able to hear the manifestos of the candidates including the current Mayor of Lewes, Cllr Merlin Milner.

The market will also be officially opened at 10am and many of the Cliffe Traders will be open for business.

There will be a demonstration from the Cliffe Volunteer Fire Brigade, featuring a replica of the original Cliffe fire engine.

Cliffe Bonfire Association who will take on the Lewes Arms Wanderers in an 'international' Dwyle flunking match at 3pm in the Brewery Yard.

To the uninitiated this traditional team game involves a damp beer towel and a lot of hi-jinks.

A collection will be taken in aid of Cliffe branch of the Royal British Legion and the Sussex Martyrs Commemoration Council.

A host of other attractions are planned in the days leading up to independence.

Three talks will take place in the John Harvey Tavern.

On May 22 Miles Jenner, head brewer at Harveys, will give a talk about the history of independent brewers in the Cliffe.

The next evening John Bleach will describe the historical journey of the Cliffe from Anglo Saxon times.

On May 24 author Dr Jim Etherington will give a talk about the history of Cliffe Bonfire Society. Tickets for all three talks can be brought in advance for 3 from the John Harvey Tavern and Harveys Brewery shop.

* To commemorate this historic event a brand new Cliffe flag is needed.

The main organisers of the event, Cliffe Bonfire Society, Cliffe Traders Association and the Cliffe Residents Association, have invited Express readers to design a new flag for the area.

The flag should represent the history and traditions of Cliffe and will fly proudly throughout the independence day and beyond.

Send designs to: [email protected]