Northiam Bonfire brings the Sussex tradition to this small Rother village with a torchlit procession, visiting bonfire societies, drummers, a roaring bonfire and fireworks. The procession runs along the village’s Main Street before returning to the Bonfire Field for the fiery finale, with food, a bar, amusements and live music adding to the evening.
Saturday 3 October — programme of events
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 18:30 | Bonfire Field opens - bar, food, amusements and live music |
| 18:30 | Event car park opens |
| 18:30 | Road through Northiam closes |
| 19:30 | Torchlit Bonfire Procession leaves the Bonfire Field |
| 20:30 approx. | Procession returns and the bonfire is lit |
| Fireworks display | |
| Live music continues on the Bonfire Field | |
| 22:00 approx. | Road expected to reopen once pedestrians have cleared |
| 23:00 | Event car park closes |
Torchlit procession
The main procession leaves the Bonfire Field on the A28, south of Northiam, at 19:30 and heads into the village before returning to the field.
Northiam Bonfire Society is joined by visiting societies from across Sussex, with each bringing its own distinctive costumes and traditions. Expect flaming torches, traditional dress and plenty of drums as the procession makes its way along Main Street.
Northiam’s own members traditionally dress as highwaymen and highwaywomen, with black, white and purple forming the basis of the Society’s costume.
Bonfire and fireworks
The procession is expected back at the Bonfire Field at around 20:30, when the bonfire will be lit, followed by the fireworks display.
The field is open from 18:30, with a bar, food, amusements and live music. Music is planned both before the procession and after the fireworks.
Entry and collections
Entry to the Bonfire Field is £2, with cash payment appreciated.
Look out for Northiam Bonfire Society’s distinctive purple collection buckets along the route. The street collection raises money for local good causes, with the Society naming Northiam Library and The Commando Academy as its beneficiaries for 2026.
Parking and road closures
An event car park will be available south of Northiam on the A28, with signs directing visitors. It opens at 18:30 and closes at 23:00.
The road through the village will be closed from 18:30 until pedestrians have cleared, which the Society expects to be at approximately 22:00.
If parking elsewhere, park considerately and avoid obstructing the procession route or access for residents and emergency vehicles.
Bring a torch
Northiam Bonfire Society specifically advises visitors to bring a torch.
Northiam does not have street lighting, so parts of the village can be particularly dark once you move away from the bonfire, procession and event lighting.
Please check before travelling
Northiam Bonfire Night takes place on Saturday 3 October 2026. The Bonfire Field opens at 18:30 and the torchlit procession starts at 19:30.
The procession returns to the Bonfire Field at approximately 20:30 for the lighting of the bonfire, followed by fireworks.
More about the event: Northiam Bonfire Society — Bonfire Procession & Fireworks
Official Society website: northiambonfiresociety.org.uk