Pretty UK town with world’s most famous Bonfire Night is actually a nightmare for tourists
DUBBED the bonfire capital of the world, the town of Lewes in East Sussex holds a world-famous event each year.
For the last several hundred years, Lewes Bonfire has taken place in the small Sussex town.
The event marks both Guy Fawkes Night and the memory of 17 martyrs from the town who were burnt at the stake for their religious beliefs.
Lewes Bonfire is organised by seven different societies, including Cliffe Bonfire Society, Lewes Borough Bonfire Society, Commercial Square Bonfire Society, South Street Bonfire Society, Waterloo Bonfire Society, Southover Bonfire Society, and Nevill Juvenile Bonfire Society.
There are thought to be more than 3,000 bonfire society members who take part in the procession each year, while up to 80,000 people have been known to watch the town’s parade.
Because of the town’s narrow streets and alleyways, the High Street in Lewes is one of the best, and safest, places to watch the torch-lit procession.
Spectators can watch bonfire society members walk through the town as they carry torches and play music.
As part of the town’s torch-lit procession, the societies also build an effigy of a controversial figure that will later be burned at a bonfire.
Once the procession has finished, each of the societies heads to its bonfire site where the effigies are burnt on a large bonfire.
There are also fireworks displays at each of the sites.
While entry to some bonfires, like Commercial Square, is free, visitors will need to pay to watch at others.
This year, Cliffe Bonfire Society has cancelled its ticket sales because of adverse weather conditions sweeping across the south of England.
Lewes Bonfire will take place on Saturday, November 4, with the procession starting at around 5pm, and societies meeting at their bonfire sites at around 9.45pm.
But anyone intending to visit the world-famous bonfire night will need to be prepared.
The roads heading in and out of Lewes close before the procession gets underway, and trains don’t call at the town’s station after 3pm.
Non-residents who do want to visit will have to book overnight accommodation in the town.
Despite hotel stays being limited, Sun Online Travel have found an overnight stay at Pelham Housel, a three-star hotel in the centre of Lewes, for £210 per night, based on two people sharing a room.
While overnight accommodation is available, Lewes District Council and Visit Lewes both advise non-residents against attending.
Holidaymakers have raved about Lewes Bonfire on TripAdvisor in recent years.
One person wrote: ” This an amazing experience. It’s well worth joining the thousands who go each year to watch the torchlit processions through the streets before the bonfire and fireworks display.”
A second person added: “The energy is superb, the friendliness of everyone involved, and a feeling of excitement throughout makes this such a memorable night out.
“Everyone should come to Lewes on November 5th at least once, you will never find a night like this anywhere else in the world.”
In addition to the town’s bonfire night, there are plenty of other attractions in Lewes too.
One of the town’s main sites is Lewes Castle – a 950-year-old castle built by the supporters of William the Conqueror after the Battle of Hastings.
Visitors can climb to the top of the castle to take in views of the Sussex countryside.
Entry tickets into the castle cost £10 per person.
Another autumnal attraction includes Anne of Cleves House – a medieval house dating back to the 15th century,
Despite never living there, the house was given to Anne of Cleves after her marriage to Henry VIII.
Inside the house, visitors will be able to explore a medieval kitchen as well as the parlour and bedroom.
Entry tickets into the house cost £6.60 per person.
Other activities include a visit to the Lewes Priory ruins, and Glyndebourne is an opera house in East Sussex.
Lewes is also a 30-minute drive from one of England’s best winter beaches.
Cuckmere Haven in East Sussex has been dubbed one of the best winter beaches thanks to its striking white chalk cliffs, sea breeze, and wintertime walks.
Meanwhile, another northern seaside town has been nicknamed the Las Vegas of the UK and it has arcades, cabaret, and sandy beaches.
The traditional seaside town of Skegness has been likened to the American city for several years.
Meanwhile, one forgotten seaside town in the south of England has won praise from a former Bond girl – it has sandy beaches and ferry links to Europe.