Rye Bonfireinformation:

Bonfire Societies from across the county will be taking part in a colourful procession through the streets of the ancient town before mystery celebrity Rye Fawkes is chaired down to light the enormous bonfire on The Salts.

The procession leaves Tilling Green at 7.50pm and the route follows Ferry Road to the Crown Inn, turns left into Cinque Ports Street, Tower Street, through Landgate Arch, Hilders Cliff (East Cliff) in to High Street, The Mint, turning right into Wish Ward, Cinque Ports Street, Tower Street, left down Landgate, right into Bedford Place and on to the Bonfire site.

A Bonfire Society spokesman said: “The Rye Bonfire Society receives no financial support from public funds in staging this event, which now costs over £10,000 a year to set-up and manage.

“All necessary funding is raised by voluntary contributions, program sales and advertising, fund-raising events and street collections on the night.

“ Without the support of the town’s traders, citizens and visitors, the event could not take place.

“If you wish the Rye Bonfire to continue please give generously on the night.”

Societies marching on the night include those from Battle, Hastings, Lewes, Robertsbridge, Staplecross and Icklesham.

Tilling Green residents will have their own smugglers themed float this year, which will carry young drummers from Rye.

Tilling Green Community Centre will be open at 5pm on Saturday for the lead up to the start of the Procession.

Flora Williams said: “The Cafe will be offering Bonfire night style hot food to eat in or take away. Come in to have your face painted or come in to just soak up the atmosphere.”

Rye Bonfire society issued the following warning: “Please do not pick up discarded torches, that is the job for the firecarts at the rear of the procession.

“Marshals protect the whole route. If they advise you to move away, please follow their instructions, they are concerned about your safety.

“Do not use fireworks. We do not tolerate fireworks in the crowd, it is dangerous and offenders will be reported to the police.

“At the Fire Site, please remain outside of the barriers, it is dangerous inside. We cannot be held responsible for any loss or injury sustained by people crossing safety barriers.

“The Rye and District Bonfire Society do not accept responsibility for any personal injury, loss or damage to personal property and remind you that you attend this evening’s event entirely at your own risk.”