Robertsbridge set to burnbright for bonfire night

Robertsbridge has a well deserved reputation for holding one of the most colourful and lively events in the local bonfire calendar.

A torch lit procession involving bonfire societies and drumming groups from across Sussex will parade through the streets before arriving at the recreation ground for the huge bonfire and fireworks display.

The Society is well known for it’s eye-catching topical effigies and last year saw a satanic looking Jimmy Saville go up in flames.

A loud firework will start proceedings at 7am.

There will be activity on the recreation ground all day and no public access across the field once the fireworks are in place.

It is not too late to help by being a marshal or a collector. The marshals meeting is at 8pm at Robertsbridge Club. You can go and be briefed in your duties and pick up your high viz jacket.

There are programmes still available from the shops in the village.

The Guy Competition is taking place with the judging at 2pm with entries at the recreation ground by 1.30pm. Prizes are sponsored by Floral Boutique.

All of the Guys will have the honour of being on the Bonfire that evening unless you want to take it home, which must be done as soon as judging is over.

From 6pm – 10pm there will be a road closure covering the High Street, George Hill, Station Road and Northbridge Street.

The route has changed slightly this year and will not be covering Northbridge Street. The procession will assemble at the Station at 6.45pm and will process at 7.15pm. It will leave the Station and make its way to High Street and up George Hill, turning at Heathfield Gardens it will come back to High Street back along to the Station for re-torch and then at 8.15pm will return along Station Road and then continue down through the High Street to the recreation ground.

The Bonfire will be lit at 8.30pm followed by the Grand Firework Display. All times are approximate.

There is a disability area for those requiring wheel chair access at the gate to the left of the football pavilion.

Please adhere to instructions issued by the police and marshals. Do not push out onto the road as the procession comes by, as this can be dangerous with the flaming torches that are involved. Do not push children’s buggies too close to the kerb edge as the torches are discarded into the gutters for pick up by the torch carts at the back of procession. Do not attempt to pick these torches up. Children can be frightened by the noise and fire.

It is advisable that children under 16 are accompanied by a parent or guardian.

It is illegal to discharge fireworks in the street and you could be arrested if caught doing so.