Thousands expected in Rye for bonfire spectacle

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

Drumming groups and participants in colourful costumes will add to the drama and atmosphere of the event.

Among those taking part in the procession will be local groups, including Rye College, and bonfire societies from Battle, Lewes, Hastings, Robertsbridge, Staplecross, Newick, Icklesham and Northiam.

Highlights include Rye’s famous burning boat and a fire breathing green dragon.

The procession sets off from Tilling Green at 7.50pm and follows a route along Ferry Road, Station Approach, Cinque Ports Street, Landgate Arch, the High Street, the Mint, back along the Cinque Ports Street and Tower Street and down Landgate to the fire site on the Salts.

Road closures will be in place in Rye and on the A259 at both ends of the town and at Point Hill on the A268 from 7.30pm, while the procession and fireworks take place.

There is parking at Rye Rugby Club at New Road, on the A259 just east of Rye.

The cost is £3, which includes use of the club house, bar and toilets and supports the club.

Full colour programmes for the event are available now, priced £1, from Adams in the High Street and other newsagents in town.

Neale East, from the Bonfire Society, said: “We want to emphasise that this is very much a family-oriented evening.

“Discharging of any form of fireworks and flares will not be tolerated before, during, or after the procession.

“The Police will take action against members of the public, or visiting societies, who discharge any form of pyrotechnic in a public place.”

Rye Bonfire Society chairman Frances Warren said: “We hope that you will your visit to this year’s event and dig deep into your pockets for all that loose change to feed the collecting buckets.

“The Rye Bonfire Society has raised and distributed many thousands of pounds of charity funding for good causes in and around Rye so join in and make this happen.

“We need to raise £10,000 a year to stage this spectacular event.

“The whole of Rye Bonfire Society are no strangers to hard work and fundraise tirelessly each year to stage Rye Bonfire.

“Our costs are rising so please support us by donating coins to our bucket team or directly to the Bonfire office.

“A big thank you to all the agencies who contribute towards making this a safe event, please take notice of our stewards and marshals they are there to help you. Thank you all for supporting us on the night.”