Lewes Bonfire 2026: everything you need to know for this year's huge celebration

The huge event is organised by the town’s independent bonfire societies and there is no single organiser in charge.

But the emergency services and local authorities have formed a multi-agency group to oversee the safety of the evening.

A Sussex Police spokesperson said: “Emergency services, local authorities and transport operators have been planning for the celebrations for many months. There remain serious concerns about overcrowding in the narrow streets of Lewes. Every year, dozens of injuries are reported, many being on the procession routes and by bangers or other fireworks.”

Public bodies and the bonfire societies are asking members of the public from outside of Lewes not to travel to the event. The message is for people to support their local bonfire celebrations instead of travelling to the town.

Lewes District Council said: “Road closures will affect large parts of Lewes town on the day. Diversions will be in place for traffic to travel outside of the town. Residents are advised to get vehicles home before 4pm to avoid any road closures in place.”

The council is advising people not to bring vehicles into town and to use public transport instead.

LDC has listed the road closures, which start at 4.45pm on the Thursday. These are:

A27 junction with A277 Brighton Road (Ashcombe Roundabout).

A275 Offham Road with B2116 Plumpton Road.

C7 Kingston Road junction with C324 Wellgreen Lane.

A26 junction with A2029 Malling Street.

A26 Church Lane junction with Church Mayhew Way.

The Drove at the junction with Hamsey Lane to the A275.

Parking restrictions will be imposed from midday and parking is not permitted at Brooks Industrial Estate on November 5. On-street parking will also be suspended on certain streets. People who have a parking permit and need assistance on alternative parking locations can contact the East Sussex County Council parking team on 01273 335500 or [email protected]. There is a map of road closures and parking restrictions at www.lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk/article/2299/Lewes-bonfire-travel-information.

The council said trains will not call at Lewes, Falmer, Cooksbridge, Glynde and Southease from 5pm on November 5 until the start of service on Friday, November 6. The last trains back from Victoria to these stations leave at 3.24pm and 3.54pm. Bus diversions are in place too and people can check these with Brighton and Hove Buses and Traveline South East.

Lewes Bonfire Night features fireworks later in the evening at designated bonfire society sites but the main focus of the event is the processions. The bonfire societies in Lewes are set to hold these processions through the streets with the main procession route being Western Road, through the Bottleneck along the High Street, past the War Memorial and down School Hill to Boots corner.

The council said each bonfire society is selling its own programme, which gives details of its procession route.

The webpage about the event at www.bonfire.org.uk/events/lewes-2026-bonfire said processions usually begin at about 5pm with the Grand Procession taking place from about 8pm to 9pm. Societies are set to return to their firesites for bonfires and fireworks from about 9pm.

The webpage said: “Exact opening times and ticket arrangements change each year. As a recent guide (Visit Lewes / society pages): Cliffe – Mountfield Road / behind Lewes Leisure Centre; Commercial Square – Landport; Lewes Borough – Landport Bottom; Southover – Mountfield Road area; South Street – Railway Land near Cliffe Bridge; Waterloo – Malling Recreation Ground.

“Buy firesite tickets in advance where required – many sell out. Street processions can be watched without a firesite ticket, but the town centre fills early and access may be restricted.”

Sussex Police said there will be a ‘substantial police presence’ at the event and have asked everyone attending to remain alert and report anything suspicious or unusual to a steward or police officer. A Sussex Police spokesperson said: “If something doesn't feel right, trust your instincts and report it.”

Police said the event is not suitable for young children or dogs due to the number of people, the layout of the town, and the noise and smoke.

Group Manager Paul Coppard, East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said: “We ask people to support their local organised fireworks events instead of travelling to Lewes on the 5th November. We have been working hard with the organisers and our partners to put plans in place to ensure we keep our community safe across East Sussex. We’d also like to remind everyone to follow bonfire safety advice and the Fireworks Code. Please stay safe, follow official advice and do not put yourself or others at unnecessary risk.”

Chief Superintendent Graham Barnett said: “Sussex Police officers will be working closely with event organisers, stewarding teams and our partners to ensure Lewes Bonfire Night is a safe and enjoyable occasion for everyone.

“Officers will be on patrol and any criminality and anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated. Enforcement action will be taken against anyone who puts others at risk or ignores event restrictions, including those bringing their own fireworks. Our priority is to keep everyone safe and ensure the night runs smoothly.

“Anyone who sees suspicious behaviour or something that doesn’t seem right should report it to stewards, officers on patrol, or call 999 in an emergency.”