Battle provides one of the most evocative settings on the Sussex Bonfire circuit. Torchbearers and visiting societies process through the historic town beneath Battle Abbey before the evening culminates in a huge bonfire and fireworks display. It’s deservedly one of the season’s major events.
Order of events
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 06:00 | A maroon signals the start of Bonfire day |
| 10:00 | The church bells signal the arrival of ‘The Oldest Guy in the World’ on the Abbey Green, accompanied by Saxon Warriors and a children’s procession. Information and souvenir stalls open |
| 10:30 | Judging of the Children’s Guy and Fancy Dress Competition on the Abbey Green by the BBB President |
| 18:00 | Roads close |
| 19:30 | A maroon signals the departure of the procession from Market Road, down the High Street and Lower Lake to Station Approach, returning via the Abbey Gatehouse (keeping Battle Abbey’s traditional place in the celebrations), re-torching at the roundabout, and finishing back on the Abbey Green |
| ~21:00 | Bonfire lit on the Abbey Green |
| ~21:30 | Firework display |
| ~22:00 | Evening finishes |
Procession route
- Form up and depart from Market Road
- Down the High Street and Lower Lake to Station Approach
- Return to the Abbey Green and enter the Abbey Gatehouse
- Back up the High Street, turn and re-torch at the roundabout
- Return down the High Street to the Abbey Green for the bonfire and fireworks
Road closures
Road closures operate from 18:00 until midnight along Powdermill Lane, High Street, Market Road, Upper Lake, Lower Lake, Battle Hill and Station Approach. There is strictly no parking along the procession route.
Full details and safety information: battelbonfire.co.uk/event-information.