However carnival will run as normal and the society is urging people to come out and support them with ‘battery powered lanterns and fairy lights’.
The society took advice from East Sussex Fire and Rescue, the local authority Safety Advisory Group and their insurers and was told that if they used torches they would not be insured.
In a statement on its Facebook page, Uckfield Bonfire and Carnival Society, said: ”Since the Government emergency announcement on 14 August we have been reviewing the situation.
"As of today the Government Emergency Announcement is still current and as such our insurers have confirmed that our use of torches in the procession will not be insured.
"Tonight we have made the decision to cancel the firework display and will not be using torches...to minimise the risk of harm to the town.”
The statement stresses the group has ‘a duty of care’ to follow the guidance and minimise the risk of starting fires ‘even in the recent wetter weather’.
They continued: “We hope everyone will still support the society and come out and see the fantastic costumes from carnival and bonfire societies across Sussex and uphold one of the town’s oldest traditions in this, its 199th year. Bring out your battery powered lanterns and fairy lights and help us light the town up.”
Uckfield is the opening event in Sussex’s famous bonfire three-month long calendar.