Hastings Bonfire Night takes place on Saturday 17 October 2026.
Hastings Borough Bonfire Society has confirmed the date, but its detailed 2026 event information has not yet been published. The Society says further information is coming soon, so check its official website nearer the date for confirmed procession times, route and visitor information.
Torchlit procession
Hastings is known for its impressive torchlit procession, bringing together Hastings Borough Bonfire Society and visiting societies from across Sussex.
The celebration traditionally combines blazing torches, drummers, bands, costumes and fireworks along the route, with the procession travelling through both the seafront and historic Old Town.
One of the most distinctive Hastings traditions is the America Ground ceremony, while burning torches are also brought down from the East Hill Beacon to join the celebrations.
Bonfire and fireworks
After the procession, attention turns to the beach at Pelham Place for the huge bonfire, effigy and grand finale fireworks display.
Hastings Borough Bonfire Society describes its celebration as the largest single Bonfire celebration in Sussex, staged by volunteers and funded through the Society’s fundraising, sponsors and donations.
It is a free, non-ticketed event, but putting on a celebration of this scale costs thousands of pounds. Look out for the Society’s collectors and donate if you can.
Bonfire on the beach
The beach setting helps make Hastings particularly distinctive.
The Society builds its bonfire on the beach by the western end of Pelham Place Car Park, with much of the fire constructed from shipping pallets.
The Society is also careful about what goes onto the fire: only suitable plain, untreated timber is accepted, avoiding treated or painted wood that could produce harmful fumes.
Road closures and travel
Significant road closures and traffic restrictions should be expected across the seafront and Old Town during Hastings Bonfire.
Hastings Borough Council has already approved a road closure for the Bonfire event on 17 October 2026, although visitors should check the detailed restrictions nearer the date.
The Society is also warning visitors to check their journeys carefully this year, as rail engineering works are currently planned between Bexhill and Hastings on 17 October.
If travelling by train, check National Rail shortly before the event rather than assuming the normal Saturday service will operate.
Please check before travelling
Hastings Bonfire Night takes place on Saturday 17 October 2026.
The date is confirmed, but Hastings Borough Bonfire Society has not yet finalised its detailed 2026 event information online. Some timings currently visible on its website relate to the 2025 celebration and should not be treated as confirmed for 2026.
Check the Society’s official website before travelling for the latest procession times, route, fireworks information and travel advice.
Official Society website: Hastings Borough Bonfire Society
2026 event information: Hastings Bonfire 2026