In Photos: The fiery brilliance of Lewes Bonfire 2026

An estimated 40,000 spectators filled the streets of Lewes for the largest bonfire celebration in Sussex yesterday evening (November 5).

The Lewes Bonfire celebrations are regarded as the UK's and the world's largest Fifth of November celebration and always take place on November 5, unless the 5th falls on a Sunday, in which case the festivities move to the preceding Saturday.

Fifa boss Gianni Infantino and Prime Minister Andy Burnham were among the public figures turned into tableaux for this year’s bonfire.

Photographer Jon Rigby was there for the Sussex Express and captured these fantastic images.

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