Still no decision on 2013 Battle bonfire site

Battel Bonfire Boyes are currently locked in discussions with landowners and the emergency services over where to put the firesite this year.

Last year BBB were forced to find a new firesite at the eleventh hour after heavy rain and the annual 1066 re-enactment took its toll on the battlefield.

A scaled-back bonfire took place on the Abbey Green.

In a bid to keep crowd numbers down, visitors from outside the area were discouraged from attending.

The event was hailed a success with some branding it ‘the best bonfire since ‘95’ - the last time it was held on the Green.

English Heritage has already ruled out the possibility of holding the event on the battlefield in 2013.

Talks between BBB, landowners and emergency services have been ongoing for several months as the Boyes hunt for a new site.

Earlier in the year, Battel Bonfire Boyes revealed they were considering switching the day the event is held from the traditional first Saturday in November to Tuesday November 5 in a bid to keep down crowd numbers.

If this had been agreed, it would have been the first time the event has taken place on a weekday since before World War II.

But it appears the Boyes have decided to stick with tradition and have confirmed the event will take place on the usual weekend.

Matt Southam, spokesperson for Battel Bonfire Boyes, said: “We are working on the plans to hold the event on Saturday November 2 and we are working with the relevant authorities regarding this year’s bonfire.”

A further meeting with Sussex Police is due to take place shortly.

A decision on the firesite is expected to be made in September.