In 35 pictures: Thousands enjoy the oldest Guy Fawkes celebrations in Sussex

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.

Saturday November 9 saw the High Street become a river of fire as bonfire societies from across the county take part in the big procession which culminates with a giant bonfire on the green outside Battle Abbey and a spectacular firework display in front of the Abbey gates.

Celebrations were underway much earlier in the day with church bells ringing at 10am signalling the arrival of ‘The Oldest Guy in the World’ on the Abbey Green accompanied by Saxon Warriors and a children’s procession.

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.

Pictures by Andrew Clifton.