Sussex Bonfire Night 2026

Where to See the Processions and Fireworks

If you thought Bonfire Night was just about standing in a field watching fireworks on 5 November, Sussex has other ideas.

Here, the celebrations start in September and carry on well into November. One weekend it's a village procession, the next it's streets full of flaming torches, costumes and marching bands.

It's a tradition Sussex takes rather seriously.

And with several celebrations still to come this autumn, there's time to see what all the fuss is about.

Why Is Bonfire Night Such a Big Deal in Sussex?

There's more to Sussex Bonfire Night than Guy Fawkes and the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605.

In Lewes, the celebrations also commemorate 17 Protestant martyrs who were executed during the reign of Mary I in the 16th century.

Over the years, bonfire societies across Sussex have developed their own traditions, with striped smuggler jumpers, elaborate costumes, torchlit processions and enormous bonfires.

It's not something that comes together overnight. Local volunteers spend months organising the celebrations, and many societies have been part of their communities for generations.

Lewes might be the best-known event, but it's far from the only place to experience Sussex Bonfire Season.

Sussex Bonfire Night Events in 2026

If you're planning a visit this autumn, here are the upcoming celebrations to know about.

Firle Bonfire Night, 24 October - Saturday 24 October 2026 | Firle, East Sussex

Firle is a small village beneath the South Downs, usually better known for its countryside and pretty cottages than fireworks.

But on 24 October, things get considerably louder.

Firle Bonfire Society will be taking over the village streets with its traditional torchlit processions, followed by the lighting of the bonfire and a firework display.

The society has a long history, with records of bonfire celebrations in Firle going back to the 1870s.

Good to know: Tickets are required, so check availability and entry arrangements before travelling.

See Firle Bonfire Society's official website

Isfield & Little Horsted Bonfire, 30 October - Friday 30 October 2026 | Isfield, East Sussex

Isfield & Little Horsted might not be as well known as Lewes, but the local society has built quite a celebration of its own.

Established in 2008, the society brings together members from the neighbouring villages and visiting bonfire societies for a torchlit procession.

There's also a remembrance ceremony before the fireworks, giving the evening a more traditional feel than a typical firework display.

Good to know: The event is free to attend, with donations welcomed to help fund future celebrations.

Visit Isfield & Little Horsted Bonfire Society

Newick Bonfire Night, 31 October - Saturday 31 October 2026 | Newick, East Sussex

Newick has decided that Halloween is a perfectly good night for a bonfire celebration.

The village's annual event takes place on 31 October, with a full day of activities before the evening celebrations.

There's a children's Guy competition in the morning, followed by a bonfire breakfast at Newick Village Hall.

Roads close from 6pm to 11pm for the evening event, so it's worth planning your journey in advance.

Check Newick Bonfire Society's 2026 diary

Lewes Bonfire Night, 5 November - Thursday 5 November 2026 | Lewes, East Sussex

Lewes is probably the first place that comes to mind when someone mentions Sussex Bonfire Night.

Its celebrations are famous for elaborate processions, historical costumes, flaming torches and spectacular displays.

But there's something important to know before planning a visit.

Lewes gets extremely crowded, and East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service is asking people who don't live in the town not to travel to the event.

There are major road closures and train restrictions, and the celebrations aren't considered suitable for young children or dogs.

So although Lewes is an important part of Sussex's bonfire history, we'd recommend choosing one of the other local celebrations instead.

Read the official Lewes Bonfire safety and travel advice

Battle Bonfire Night, 7 November - Saturday 7 November 2026 | Battle, East Sussex

Battle is already a fascinating place to explore, with its historic abbey, old buildings and independent shops.

On Bonfire Night, the town's history takes on a rather different atmosphere.

Organised by the Battel Bonfire Boyes, the celebrations begin during the day with a children's Guy and fancy dress competition on Abbey Green.

The main torchlit procession starts at approximately 7.30pm, travelling along the High Street and incorporating Battle Abbey into its route.

Later, the procession returns to Abbey Green for the bonfire, followed by fireworks.

Good to know: Roads close at 6pm. The organisers advise that the area around Abbey Green gets very crowded and recommend watching the aerial fireworks from the Market Road car park instead.

See the official Battle Bonfire programme

Chailey Bonfire Night, 7 November - Saturday 7 November 2026 | Chailey, East Sussex

If you're spending the weekend exploring the Sussex countryside, Chailey has its own bonfire celebration on 7 November.

It's another example of the smaller communities that keep Sussex's bonfire traditions going.

Check the society's website for the latest information about the evening's arrangements before setting off.

Visit Chailey Bonfire Society

Rye Bonfire Night, 14 November - Saturday 14 November 2026, provisional | Rye, East Sussex

Rye is a good excuse for an autumn day out even without the fireworks.

There's plenty to explore around its cobbled streets, historic buildings and independent shops, particularly if you enjoy taking your time over a wander and a long lunch.

The town's bonfire society is planning its 2026 celebration for 14 November, although the date is still marked as provisional.

The event takes a considerable amount of work and fundraising from local volunteers, so it's worth supporting the society if you're planning to attend.

Check Rye & District Bonfire Society for confirmation

Barcombe Bonfire Night, 21 November - Saturday 21 November 2026 | Barcombe, East Sussex

Still haven't made it to a bonfire celebration by the middle of November?

Barcombe is one of the later dates on the Sussex calendar, with its event scheduled for 21 November.

The village has its own bonfire society, which shares updates about the celebrations through its Facebook page.

Follow Barcombe Bonfire Society for event updates

Turn Bonfire Night Into a Sussex Weekend Away

If you're travelling to Sussex for the celebrations, it's worth making a weekend of it.

Spend the day exploring somewhere new, head out to a local bonfire procession in the evening, and have another day to enjoy the coast or countryside before heading home.

For a weekend around Battle, Hastings Heights sleeps up to 10 guests across five bedrooms, with sea views, a garden and Hastings Old Town within walking distance.

Or, if you're already thinking ahead to next year's bonfire season, Hyrst Rise in Forest Row is a lovely place to stay with friends or family. Sleeping eight across four bedrooms, it's a great base for exploring the Sussex countryside and enjoying the local bonfire celebrations in autumn 2027.

Both are good options for a few days away with friends or family, especially when everyone's coming from different places.

Explore our Sussex holiday homes and book direct for best rates you could ever get!