Sussex Bonfire season: Crowborough and Fletching in pictures

Both are set on some of the highest points of the county with the result that chrysanthemum bursts and exploding snowflakes could be viewed across the Weald.

Once again bonfire society members from right across Sussex visited the two celebrations, resulting in cheers as the fiery pieces were paraded by.

Crowborough Carnival and Bonfire Society was reformed in 1948 after a wartime break. Research shows there are pictures of the Society from Victorian times so this year's event added yet another dimension to its illustrious history.

The town's parade and bonfire is one of the earliest in the programme, and this year it brought a welcome sharp touch of autumn after a sweltering summer. There were floats and walking groups in the parade and watchers note the number has started to increase again which, they say, is excellent news for the Society.

Some of the regulars who take part are members of local football and rugby clubs, Scouts and Guides. One remembers as a child growing up when there would be more than 30 floats taking part - he said it would be wonderful to see that again.

A few miles to the south is Fletching, one of the prettiest and most authentic medieaval villages of the High Weald. After a year's hard-work, members of the Fletching Bonfire Society presented what many dubbed their finest firework display yet last weekend. The glorious village High Street setting with its timbered houses and pubs clearly helped build the atmosphere.

After a three year break in the early 2020's the Society recreated its displays in 2023 thanks to fundraising events held throughout the year. These included summer fetes, sales and quiz nights which all helped to ensure visitors and villagers were rewarded with a breathtaking evening. Government advice meant there was no bonfire this year but that was scarcely missed, thanks to the atmosphere reaching fever pitch as marchers approached.

Like so many in Sussex, Fletching Bonfire Society is more than 170 years old and looks set to continue into a glorious future.

Next on the schedule is Mayfield's celebration on September 19, followed by Northiam, Rotherfield and Mark Cross and Eastbourne on October 3. 'We wunt be druv!'