Rother bonfire societies heading to the seaside

All the major bonfire societies, including Battle and Rye, are expected to join the spectacular torchlit procession through the town.

The procession starts from Hastings Pier at 7.15pm.

This year’s new route will see the hundreds of participants heading east along Robertson Street and down Harold Place to the seafront and through to the Old Town.

The route then goes up All Saints Street, over The Bourne and down the High Street, before moving back along the seafront to the bonfire’s traditional position on Pelham Beach.

The procession will be followed by fireworks and a bonfire on the beach.

As well as visiting bonfire societies, the event traditionally attracts spectators from across 1066 Country and beyond.

Train operator Southeastern is to run an additional service to help revellers get home after the event.

The 22.50 Hastings to Tonbridge service will call at the following stations: St Leonards Warrior Square at 22:53, West St Leonards at 22:57, Crowhurst at 23:02, Battle at 23:07, Robertsbridge at 23:14, Etchingham at 23:18, Stonegate at 23:23, Wadhurst at 23:29, Frant at 23:33, Tunbridge Wells at 23:39, High Brooms at 23:42 and the service will terminate at Tonbridge at 23:50.

The local bonfire calendar will continue with the Ewhurst and Staplecross bonfire on October 25, Battle on November 1, Rye on November 8 and Robertsbridge on November 15.