About Chailey Bonfire Society
Chailey Bonfire Society is one of the older bonfire societies in East Sussex, with a history that can be traced back to 5 November 1866.
On that night, records show the Chailey Bonfire Boyes celebrating the Fifth with a visit to the Five Bells, establishing a documented bonfire tradition in the village stretching back more than 150 years.
The original society did not survive continuously, however, and the modern Chailey Bonfire Society was re-founded in 1966, exactly a century after that early recorded celebration.
Since its revival, the society has become an established part of village life, organising its annual bonfire celebrations alongside a busy programme of fundraising and community events.
The Chailey Bonfire Boyes
Chailey’s earliest known bonfire history dates to 1866, making its traditions considerably older than the modern society might initially suggest.
The surviving reference to the Chailey Bonfire Boyes visiting the Five Bells is particularly fitting, as the pub remains a familiar local landmark close to Chailey Green.
Although there appears to have been a break in the organised society during the twentieth century, the tradition was revived in 1966 and has continued for generations since.
The society later became incorporated as Chailey Bonfire Society Limited in 1999, providing a formal structure for the volunteer organisation.
The Annual Bonfire Celebrations
Chailey’s annual celebrations traditionally take place on the first Saturday after 5 November.
One of the defining characteristics of Chailey Bonfire is its emphasis on creating a celebration for the village, and particularly one that children and families can enjoy.
The torchlit procession has traditionally included steam engines, vintage vehicles and decorated children’s floats, giving Chailey a character quite different from many other celebrations.
Local groups and village organisations are encouraged to take part by creating their own floats and costumes, with awards traditionally presented for the best float and best costume.
The procession is followed by the society’s fireworks display, which is deliberately designed with families and younger spectators in mind.
Costume and Procession
Unlike societies with a permanent Pioneer tradition based around a particular historical group, Chailey has traditionally embraced fancy dress and themed costumes.
This gives the procession considerable variety, with costumes and decorated floats changing from year to year.
It also reflects the community nature of the event. Participation is not restricted to the Bonfire Society itself, with village organisations, clubs and other local groups encouraged to become involved.
Steam engines and vintage vehicles have also become a particularly memorable feature of the Chailey procession, adding another distinctive element to the evening.
More Than Bonfire Night
Chailey Bonfire Society has traditionally worked towards two principal objectives.
The first is providing the village with its annual bonfire celebration. The second is hosting a Christmas event for Chailey’s senior residents.
The Christmas gathering has become an important part of the society’s community role, providing local senior citizens with an opportunity to enjoy a meal, entertainment and time with friends.
It demonstrates that the society’s purpose extends well beyond organising one evening of fireworks each November.
Fundraising and Village Events
Maintaining these traditions requires fundraising throughout the year.
Chailey Bonfire Society aims to organise a programme of events to generate the money needed for its bonfire celebrations and community activities.
These have included quiz nights, jumble sales and the St George’s Village Fete, alongside other fundraising activities.
The events provide vital income but also keep the society visible and active within Chailey throughout the year.
Like many village organisations, their success ultimately depends upon volunteers being willing to give their time.
Membership and Volunteering
Chailey Bonfire Society relies heavily on local people to keep its events running.
There are opportunities to become involved with the committee as well as helping with individual events, fundraising and the considerable amount of practical work needed to stage the annual celebrations.
That volunteer involvement has allowed the society revived in 1966 to survive and develop for another generation.
For a village society, maintaining that involvement is particularly important. New volunteers bring fresh ideas while learning from members who have accumulated years of experience organising Chailey’s events.
Keeping Chailey's Tradition Alive
Chailey Bonfire Society has an interesting history because its roots extend much further back than the present organisation.
From the Chailey Bonfire Boyes recorded at the Five Bells on 5 November 1866, through the society’s re-founding in 1966, to the celebrations held in the village today, Bonfire has repeatedly brought the Chailey community together.
Its family-focused fireworks, children’s floats, fancy dress, steam engines and vintage vehicles have helped give Chailey an identity of its own.
Just as importantly, the society’s Christmas event for senior residents demonstrates the community purpose behind the organisation.
More than 150 years after the Chailey Bonfire Boyes were first recorded celebrating the Fifth, Chailey Bonfire Society continues to combine bonfire tradition with a strong commitment to village life.