Rotherfield & Mark Cross brings Sussex Bonfire to the heart of the village with an afternoon carnival followed by a traditional evening torchlit procession, bonfire and fireworks. With visiting bonfire societies, costumes, floats, music and plenty of local involvement, it combines the feel of a village carnival with the spectacle of a Sussex Bonfire night.
Saturday 3 October — programme of events
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 14:00–16:00* | Market stalls and live entertainment in the village |
| 19:30* | Torchlit procession |
| Evening | Visiting bonfire societies, bands, costumes and carnival floats |
| 22:00* | Lighting of the beacon and bonfire, followed by fireworks |
*Detailed timings for the 2026 celebration are still to be confirmed by Rotherfield & Mark Cross Bonfire Society. The times above are currently published by Sussex event listings and should be treated as provisional.
Torchlit procession
The evening procession is the centrepiece of Rotherfield’s celebrations, bringing together Rotherfield & Mark Cross Bonfire Society and visiting societies from across Sussex.
Expect blazing torches, traditional costumes, bands, drummers and carnival floats as the procession makes its way through the village.
Rotherfield also carries three burning crosses during its procession in remembrance of three local Protestant martyrs — part of the wider Sussex Bonfire tradition of remembering those persecuted during the Marian period.
Bonfire and fireworks
After the procession, the celebrations move towards the firesite for the traditional lighting of the beacon and bonfire, followed by the fireworks display.
Current listings put the lighting of the beacon and bonfire at around 22:00, although this timing should be considered provisional until the Society publishes its final 2026 programme.
Carnival afternoon
Unlike many Sussex Bonfire celebrations, Rotherfield combines its evening Bonfire with a carnival atmosphere during the afternoon.
Current information indicates market stalls and live entertainment from 14:00 to 16:00, before attention turns to the evening procession.
Road closures and travel
Road closures and traffic restrictions should be expected around Rotherfield during the evening procession.
Detailed 2026 road closure times, procession routes and parking arrangements have not yet been confirmed, so check the Society’s latest information before travelling and avoid relying on arrangements from previous years.
Please check before travelling
Rotherfield & Mark Cross Bonfire is expected to take place on Saturday 3 October 2026.
Mayfield Bonfire Society lists Rotherfield & Mark Cross as an official outmeeting on that date, but the detailed public programme remains provisional. Check Rotherfield & Mark Cross Bonfire Society’s official Facebook page for the latest timings, procession information, road closures and any changes before travelling.
Official Society Facebook page: Rotherfield & Mark Cross Bonfire Society