Emergency services thank Lewes residents for staying at home on bonfire night

All of traditional processions and public displays were cancelled as part of efforts to control the virus.

The East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said in a tweet last night: “As of 11pm there were no significant incidents and no arrests at Lewes this bonfire night - the emergency services, public health and local authorities thank everyone for keeping the town safe.”

Lewes Police echoed their message, tweeting: “We, public health and other emergency services would like to thank those who stayed home, stayed safe and prevented the spread of Covid-19, particularly in Lewes which is usually full on bonfire night.”

A multi-agency group, which includes emergency services and public health, was on hand to monitor the situation in Lewes last night.

There had been concerns after a number of events over the weekend where there were significant breaches of the current Covid-19 rules in Brighton, including youth disorder and large-scale illegal gatherings.

Earlier in the evening, Darrell Gale, Director of Public Health, for East Sussex County Council, praised residents and the Bonfire Societies for keeping people safe.

He said: “In this year of Covid-19 pandemic, many have made sacrifices to help protect others.

“These sacrifices have been pivotal in helping to save the lives of the most vulnerable and minimise wider harms in our county.

“I understand the fierce spirit of independence that Bonfire Societies hold dear.

“There is precedent for the cancelling of bonfire events due to epidemics.

“In 1874, Societies cancelled them due to an outbreak of typhoid in the town.

“I thank you for making this sacrifice and your selfless actions to cancel all events this year.

“I wish you all success for future years and thank you for your valuable community and charitable work in Lewes and beyond.

“Your sacrifices this year will not be forgotten. You are contributing hugely to keeping our town safe and our people healthy.”