Details of Lewes Bonfire operation are revealed

 Details of Lewes Bonfire operation are revealed

Planning is underway to ensure that this year’s Lewes Bonfire celebrations pass off safely.

Emergency Services, public bodies and other organisations are part of a multi-agency group which is meeting regularly.

The night is run by local bonfire societies and include a number of displays and processions. These usually involve significant amounts of fireworks and attract large crowds.

Given that Lewes normally becomes significantly over-crowded on bonfire night, safety issues are of the utmost concern and we will be communicating key decisions when made in order to inform the wider public and reinforce the message that this remains an event for local people.

There are growing concerns that more people than usual will come to Lewes because this year’s event falls on a Saturday. Combined with significant amounts of fireworks, this presents a unique challenge to the multi-agency group tasked with ensuring public safety.

Changes to train services have been confirmed as part of plans to keep Lewes Bonfire night running as safely and smoothly as possible.

As with previous years, a series of travel restrictions will be introduced for the 5th November 2022 to help reduce the risks associated with this event and safely reduce the number of people attending.

These are being confirmed well ahead of the event in order to allow people more time to plan. People are also being encouraged to attend fireworks events closer to home.

Rail

As in previous years, there will be no trains calling at the following stations after 15:00 on Saturday 5 November:

•        Lewes

•        Glynde

•        Southease

•        Cooksbridge

•        Falmer

No trains will call at the above stations until the first timetabled trains on the morning of Sunday 6 November. 

Road

Road closures will be in place around the town. Diversions will be in place for traffic to travel outside of the town. Visitors are advised not to bring vehicles into the town.

A full list of road closures and parking restrictions will be available closer to the time of the event.