Lewes Bonfire Night falls on Thursday 5 November 2026 — the traditional Fifth. It is not a single fireworks display, but six independent Lewes bonfire societies celebrating across the town with their own processions, costumes, tableaux, firesites and fireworks, coordinated under Lewes Bonfire Council.

The six societies on the Fifth

• Cliffe Bonfire Society
• Commercial Square Bonfire Society
• Lewes Borough Bonfire Society
• South Street Bonfire Society
• Southover Bonfire Society
• Waterloo Bonfire Society

More background: our Lewes traditions page.

What happens

Processions typically begin around 17:00, with societies and visiting Sussex groups moving through the narrow streets carrying torches, banners and effigies. Later in the evening societies join for a Grand Procession through the town, then return to their own firesites for bonfires and fireworks. Exact timings vary by society.

The night commemorates the failure of the Gunpowder Plot and remembers the Seventeen Protestant Martyrs of Lewes.

Firesites

Exact opening times and ticket arrangements change each year. As a recent guide (Visit Lewes / society pages):

• Cliffe — Mountfield Road / behind Lewes Leisure Centre
• Commercial Square — Landport
• Lewes Borough — Landport Bottom
• Southover — Mountfield Road area
• South Street — Railway Land near Cliffe Bridge
• Waterloo — Malling Recreation Ground

Buy firesite tickets in advance where required — many sell out. Street processions can be watched without a firesite ticket, but the town centre fills early and access may be restricted.

Practical information

• Do not drive into Lewes
• Trains will not stop at Lewes, or nearby railway stations
• Expect large crowds, loud bangs, fire, and narrow streets. Plan travel well ahead and follow marshal instructions.
• Each society publishes its own programme with procession routes and firesite details.

Further reading: Visit Lewes, Lewes District Council guidance