Battle Bonfire takes place this Saturday here is everything you need to know

Battle has the earliest currently known record of an organised bonfire celebration, dating back to 1646 when St Marys Church allocated 2 shillings and 6 pence in funds for gunpowder treason rejoicing. Since then Battel Bonfire Boyes have proudly upheld the tradition.

Bonfire societies from across the county are set take part in the big torch-lit procession which culminates with a giant bonfire on the green outside Battle Abbey and a spectacular firework display in front of the Abbey gates.

Battle’s Guy has a pear-wood head, carved from a local tree in 1795. The Guy features in the procession each year, with the body being burned but the head retained for the following year.

Here is the programme for the day. A maroon signals the start of Bonfire day at 6am. At 10am The Church Bells will signal the arrival of ‘The Oldest Guy in the World’ on the Abbey Green accompanied by Saxon Warriors and children’s procession. The information and souvenir stalls open.

At 10.30am there will be judging of the Children’s Guy and Fancy Dress Competition on the Abbey Green by Battel Bonfire Boyes President.

Roads in Battle will be closed to traffic from 6pm.

At 7.30pm – a maroon will signal the departure of the procession from Market Road. It will then proceed down the High Street and Lower Lake to the Station Approach.

Turning at Station Approach and returning to the Abbey Green. Battel Bonfire Boyes will then enter the Abbey Gatehouse to keep the traditional involvement of Battle Abbey within the celebrations. The procession will then make its way back up the High Street where they will turn and re-torch at the roundabout.

Making its way back down the High Street, the procession will return to the Abbey Green where the bonfire will be lit to the traditional cry and the firework display will commence.

Please note: It is likely there will be loud bangs throughout the day while set up takes place.

Road closure operates from 6pm until midnight along the following roads: Powdermill Lane, High Street, Market Road, Upper Lake, Lower Lake, Battle Hill and Station Approach.

There is strictly no parking along the procession route. Any cars left will be removed and kept over night at the car owners expense.

Trains will be running to Battle from Hastings on the evening.

Battel Bonfire Boyes offer the following safety advice. “Battle Bonfire is a traditional event and is not deemed suitable for young children or those with a nervous disposition. During the event the streets will be crowded and there will be fire and loud fireworks.

“Please ensure you carry any medical supplies you require such as asthma inhalers We advise against trying to view the procession within the area surrounding the Abbey Green

“Follow all marshal instructions. Do not bring any of your own fireworks. Due to crowd numbers the event is not suitable for pushchairs.”