Rye Bonfire: No trains running on bonfire night

The big bonfire celebrations in Rye usually sees several thousand people travelling from the Hastings and Ashford areas to attend.

In an announcement, Southern says it is taking the action for ‘safety reasons’ and that it has the backing of Rye Bonfire Society. They say it will deter anti-social behaviour from youths travelling in from out of town.

The move is not a first for Southern who, for some years now, have been cancelling trains to and from Lewes on November 5, for the town’s bonfire celebrations.

In A statement, Southern said: “Southern’s train service cannot accommodate the number of people expected to visit the town. As well as long queues at neighbouring stations, there would be a very real risk that visitors would be stranded trying to get home because they would not be able to board the last train home.

"Essential engineering work on the Brighton Mainline throughout the weekend prevents Southern from bringing in additional trains to supplement the service. The same engineering work is exhausting the local supply of buses which would be needed to provide back-up.

“As with many other bonfire activities across the region, the advice is for people to attend their local events rather than travelling too far afield.”

Customer Services Director Chris Fowler said: “In the interests of public safety we have no choice but to close Rye station from 3pm on Saturday 12 November. We’ve worked closely with the community organisers of the event and members of the local multi-agency Safety Advisory Group who back this decision.

“I’m sorry because I want people to use their local rail services as much as possible and I know this may cause difficulties for some people travelling to and from Rye on this day. We are publicising the closure now to give people as much notice as possible.”

The station also had to be closed last year due to Covid safety concerns. As a result, there was less antisocial behaviour caused by out-of-town visitors.

Francis Warren, Chair of Rye Bonfire Society, said: “Rye Bonfire Society fully supports the closing of Rye Station. Feedback from traders, public and authorities all remarked on how much better behaved the crowd was last year making for a more safe and enjoyable event for all. Rye is keen to keep our event family friendly and safe, keeping numbers attending down will help all.”

The multi-agency Safety Advisory Group is formed of representatives of Rother District Council, the emergency services and emergency planning.

Bonfire societies from across Sussex, including Hastings, Battle, Roberstbridge, Ninfield, Staplecross and Northiam, are expected to take part in the celebrations which will see a torchlit procession moving through the street to the Salts where there will be a huge bonfire and fireworks display.

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