Eastbourne brings Sussex Bonfire to the coast with hundreds of bonfire society members, blazing torches, marching bands, a huge beach bonfire and a spectacular seafront fireworks display. And 2026 is set to be particularly special: Eastbourne Bonfire Society is celebrating its 25th anniversary with its biggest change to the procession route in a decade.
Saturday 3 October - programme of events
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 19:15 | First Torchlit Procession - starts from the Crown & Anchor on Royal Parade |
| From 20:30 | Second Torchlit Procession - the new extended procession heads into Eastbourne town centre |
| Later | Procession returns to the seafront, finishing near the Wish Tower Slopes |
| Later | Beach bonfire and effigy |
| Finale | Fireworks over Eastbourne seafront |
Exact bonfire and fireworks timings have not been published on the Society’s website. The Society recommends checking its official event programme for the full timings and route maps.
A major new route for 2026
There’s an important change if you’ve attended Eastbourne Bonfire before.
For its 25th anniversary, Eastbourne Bonfire Society is making what it describes as the biggest change to the event in a decade, extending its traditional seafront procession into the town centre.
The first procession starts from the Crown & Anchor on Royal Parade at 19:15. Later in the evening, from around 20:30, a second procession will head into the town centre before returning to the seafront and finishing near the Wish Tower Slopes.
It means the 2026 event will cover considerably more of Eastbourne than the familiar seafront-only procession of recent years.
The Society says the change also has a historical connection. In the late 19th century, Eastbourne was home to seven bonfire societies, whose processions took place through both the town centre and along the seafront.
Torchlit processions
Hundreds of members from Eastbourne and visiting Sussex bonfire societies are expected to take part, filling the route with blazing torches, drummers, marching bands and an extraordinary variety of traditional costumes.
Expect pirates, Vikings, Victorians and plenty more as the procession makes its way through Eastbourne.
Bonfire and fireworks
After the procession returns to the seafront, attention turns to the beach for Eastbourne’s huge bonfire.
The fire is topped with the Society’s specially made effigy, which is traditionally dragged through the streets during the procession and kept under wraps until Bonfire Night itself.
A fireworks display over the seafront brings the celebrations to a spectacular close.
Road closures and travel
With the procession extending into the town centre for the first time in many years, do not rely on previous Eastbourne Bonfire road closures or route information for 2026.
The new route means disruption will extend beyond the traditional seafront procession area.
Visitors should check the Society’s latest route maps and travel information before setting off and allow plenty of time to reach the procession on foot.
Free event
Eastbourne Bonfire is free to attend and is entirely self-funded by Eastbourne Bonfire Society through fundraising, sponsorship and programme sales.
Look out for volunteers carrying the Society’s yellow collection buckets. A share of the money collected on the night is also donated to the Society’s chosen charities.
Please check before travelling
Eastbourne Bonfire Night takes place on Saturday 3 October 2026, starting at 19:15.
The procession route has changed significantly for 2026, with a new town-centre extension beginning from around 20:30. If you’ve attended in previous years, make sure you check the new route rather than relying on the old seafront-only arrangements.
The Society’s official 2026 programme contains the full procession routes, timings and safety information.
More about the event: Eastbourne Bonfire Society - Eastbourne Bonfire 2026
Official Society website: eastbournebonfiresociety.com