East Grinstead Community Bonfire takes place on Saturday 17 October 2026, with the torchlit procession starting at 19:00 on East Grinstead High Street.

The Society has confirmed the date and start time on its official 2026 events calendar. Further detailed timings for the evening have not yet been published, so check the Society’s website before travelling.

Torchlit procession

The centrepiece of the evening is the traditional torchlit procession through East Grinstead.

The procession starts on the High Street before making its way through the town and eventually continuing to East Court, where the bonfire and fireworks take place.

Expect blazing torches, drums, traditional costumes and visiting bonfire societies from across Sussex joining East Grinstead for the evening.

East Grinstead’s own members are easily recognised by their distinctive orange and green striped smugglers’ jumpers.

Bonfire and fireworks

Following the procession, the celebrations continue at East Court, the historic estate on College Lane.

Here the traditional bonfire is lit and the evening culminates with a fireworks display.

The event is organised by East Grinstead Community Bonfire, a Community Interest Company established to bring the Sussex Bonfire tradition back to the town while raising money for the local community.

A new Sussex Bonfire tradition

East Grinstead Community Bonfire is one of the youngest societies on the Sussex circuit.

The foundations for the organisation were laid in 2019, with the Community Bonfire subsequently established with support from East Grinstead Town Council and Mid Sussex District Council.

The Society held its first major Bonfire celebration in 2023 and has continued to grow. Thousands of spectators attended in 2025, with more than £3,000 raised for charity.

Road closures and travel

Road closures and traffic restrictions should be expected through East Grinstead town centre and around the procession route during the evening.

Detailed 2026 road closure, parking and travel arrangements have not yet been published, so don’t rely on information from previous years.

With the procession beginning on the High Street and finishing at East Court, allow plenty of time to arrive and expect to walk some distance between the town centre and firesite.

Please check before travelling

East Grinstead Community Bonfire takes place on Saturday 17 October 2026. The torchlit procession starts at 19:00 on East Grinstead High Street, followed by the bonfire and fireworks at East Court.

Further timings, road closures and visitor arrangements may be published nearer the event.

More about the event: East Grinstead Community Bonfire - News & Events

Official Society website: egcbonfire.co.uk