Bonfire societies
Why? Well a lot of it has to do with the Lewes Martyrs, 17 Sussex Protestants burned for their beliefs in the reign of Queen Mary, well before Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot became etched in the public consciousness and Guy Fawkes Night became a prominent national event.
While East Sussex is the real hotbed of bonfire, West Sussex isn't far behind. Bonfire night is a raucous Sussex tradition that stretches back hundreds of years, with plenty of excitement guaranteed and occasional rowdy behaviour a given.
Torchlit processions and the urge to, well... just burn stuff give a stimulating hint of pagan menace and a connection with centuries of Sussex folk who have enjoyed similar excitement each November.
The Bonfire season is Sussex is a long one - it's not just about the 5th of November. The Bonfire societies of West Sussex spend a lot of time fund-raising and putting together their bonfire and firework displays each year.
Burgess Hill Bonfire Society
Proudly claiming to be the "Official Home of Bonfire in Burgess Hill".Chailey Bonfire Society
The Bonfire Society organises a bonfire and fireworks plus a Christmas party and hold around 10 events a year to raise the funds for these festivities.Cuckfield Bonfire
Held in the grounds of Cuckfield Park manor house.Lindfield Bonfire Society
Firework displays
Really lovely photos on the Society's website.Although Lindfield Bonfire Society doesn't date back that far, there's a long documented tradition of bonfires and fireworks in the village which is explored here.
The Bonfire Society also holds a Barn Dance and participates in the Lindfield Village Day in the early summer.
Selsey Fireworks
Well-established fireworks display, normally taking place early in the Sussex fireworks season in mid-October.You might also like
- Halloween in Sussex
- Summer festivals in West Sussex
- Special Christmas events taking place in West Sussex this year
- Unusual days out in West Sussex
- Our calendar of the best things to do in Sussex this year
- Find out a bit more about the history of Sussex
- Other big organised firework displays in Sussex this year
- Arundel
- Bognor Regis
- Burgess Hill
- Chichester
- Crawley
- East Grinstead
- Haywards Heath
- Horsham
- Littlehampton
- Midhurst
- Petworth
- Shoreham-by-Sea
- Steyning
- Worthing
