We Moved to Sussex and Accidentally Discovered Bonfire Season

Since swapping South London for Sussex in September, we've been busy doing all the things newcomers do. Exploring pretty villages. Testing out country pubs. Finding favourite walks across the South Downs.

What we weren't expecting was to discover that Sussex appears to dedicate almost the entire autumn to bonfires.

Like many people, we were aware of Lewes Bonfire Night before we moved. It's one of those events that regularly makes the national news, usually accompanied by dramatic photographs of torchlit processions, flaming barrels and giant effigies meeting a fiery end. We knew it was a big deal.

What we didn't realise was that Lewes is just the headline act in a county-wide tradition that runs from September until late November and involves dozens of towns and villages, each with their own bonfire society, customs and celebrations.

After moving here, we quickly learnt that in Sussex it's not really Bonfire Night.

It's Bonfire Season.

More Than Just Guy Fawkes

Most of us grew up learning about the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605, when Guy Fawkes and his fellow conspirators attempted to blow up Parliament and assassinate King James I.

Every year on 5 November, communities across the country mark the anniversary, commemorated in the familiar opening words:

"Remember, remember, the Fifth of November..."

That simple line has survived for more than four centuries, ensuring that one of the most famous events in British history remains part of our national memory.

In Sussex, however, the traditions evolved into something far bigger and far more distinctive.

The earliest known record of a Sussex bonfire celebration dates back to Battle in 1646, where church records show that money was allocated to mark the foiling of the Gunpowder Plot.

Over the centuries, different towns developed their own identities. Battle celebrates its links to the Battle of Hastings with Saxon costumes, while Hastings embraces its maritime heritage with pirate-themed processions.

And then there's Lewes.

The Legend of Lewes Bonfire

Lewes hosts one of the largest Bonfire Night celebrations anywhere in the UK, attracting around 40,000 visitors and involving seven separate bonfire societies.

The event doesn't simply commemorate the Gunpowder Plot. It also honours the 17 Protestant martyrs who were burned at the stake in Lewes between 1555 and 1557 during the reign of Mary I. Each year, participants carry 17 burning crosses through the streets in remembrance.

Lewes is equally famous for its satirical effigies, which often provide a commentary on current affairs and political events. Over the years, figures including Donald Trump, Theresa May, Alex Salmond, Boris Johnson and even Pope Paul V have been paraded through the town before being ceremonially burned.

To be honest, that's pretty much all we knew about Sussex bonfire culture before moving here.

We thought Sussex bonfires meant Lewes.

How wrong we were.

Our First Taste of Sussex Bonfire Season

Our education began in Eastbourne this October.

Standing on the seafront watching hundreds of torchbearers march through the town, accompanied by visiting societies from across Sussex, we quickly realised this wasn't simply a local fireworks display. The atmosphere felt part festival, part history lesson and part community celebration.

There was something wonderfully eccentric about it all.

Bands marched through the streets, flaming torches lit up the evening sky and entire communities turned out to support an event that has been passed down through generations.

We came away slightly cold, smelling faintly of smoke and completely hooked.

Firle was next on our list, but the weather unfortunately had other ideas and scuppered our plans. Still, missing one event simply made us realise how many more opportunities there are to experience Sussex bonfire culture before the season comes to an end.

Bonfire Events Still to Come

Lewes Bonfire Night

5 November Location: Lewes, East Sussex

The biggest event of the season sees seven societies holding processions, bonfires and firework displays across the town.

Top tip: If you're thinking of driving, think again. Road closures are extensive and parking is virtually impossible. Public transport is usually the easiest option, although trains can be extremely busy.

Battle Bonfire

7 November Location: Battle, East Sussex

One of Sussex's oldest bonfire celebrations and arguably one of the most atmospheric. Expect traditional processions, visiting societies and a wonderful historic backdrop.

Wadhurst Bonfire

7 November Location: Wadhurst, East Sussex

A classic village bonfire with all the traditional elements that make Sussex events so distinctive.

Cuckfield Bonfire

7 November Location: Cuckfield Park, West Sussex

A family-friendly evening combining procession, bonfire and fireworks within the grounds of Cuckfield Park.

Worth the Trip: Edenbridge Bonfire

Although not technically in Sussex, Edenbridge is close enough to deserve a place on any bonfire enthusiast's list.

Held on 7 November, the event is famous for its enormous "Celebrity Guy" effigy, which towers above the crowds before meeting its fiery end. Combined with a torchlit procession and major fireworks display, it has earned a reputation as one of the South East's most spectacular bonfire events.

If you've missed Lewes, Edenbridge is probably the next best thing.

Travel tip: Arrive early. Roads become congested well before the procession begins and parking areas fill quickly.

The Season Isn't Over Yet

Perhaps the biggest surprise for us has been discovering that Sussex doesn't pack everything away after 5 November.

While much of the country is winding down its fireworks displays, bonfire societies across Sussex continue well into the month.

Events still taking place include:

• South Heighton Bonfire

• Heyshott Bonfire

• Barcombe Bonfire

• Chiddingly Bonfire

• Robertsbridge Bonfire

Many locals will tell you these later-season celebrations are among the best, offering all the atmosphere and tradition but with smaller crowds and a more community-focused feel.

Final Thoughts

When we moved to Sussex, we thought we understood bonfire traditions.

What we actually understood was Lewes.

What we've discovered instead is a centuries-old county-wide celebration that connects towns, villages and communities through a shared love of history, spectacle and more fire than seems strictly necessary.

Eastbourne gave us our first taste. Firle sadly escaped us this year. But there's still plenty of bonfire season left, and we're already planning which events to catch next.

One thing is certain though.

Sussex doesn't celebrate Bonfire Night.

It celebrates Bonfire Season.