Final update

Lewes bonfire 2022 is drawing to a close.

Crowds have been making their way home after a busy night in Lewes, where processions and displays took place in very wet conditions.

As of midnight, most of the people treated by St John Ambulance and South East Coast Ambulance only had minor injuries.

Sussex Police have made one arrest.

It will take some time for the roads to get back to normal, with the clear-up operation underway.

Emergency services, local authorities and transport operators worked closely with bonfire societies and the local community to prepare for tonight.

Chief Superintendent Howard Hodges said: "Tonight's bonfire celebrations have passed without significant incident, and on behalf of the multi-agency group, I'd like to pass on our thanks to the community of Lewes."

Update 21.30

 As of 21.30, Lewes remains busy, despite the wet weather  

Crowds are now moving to or already on the bonfire sites.

St John’s Ambulance have treated a small number of people for minor injuries. 

One person has been arrested for a public order offence.

With no let up in the wet weather, we are urging everyone to take extra care while on the streets and bonfire sites.

Update - 20.00

The streets are currently very busy in Lewes for the annual Bonfire celebrations.

Road closures remain in place and any members of the public who were thinking of travelling to the town are urged not to attend.

With bad weather out there, we are also encouraging people to take care while walking at fire sites where the ground may be slippy.

Processions will continue through the town centre.

So far, there have been no arrests. Two people have been treated for injuries.

Further updates will be provided in due course.

Advice remains - avoid travelling to Lewes bonfire

Following announcements regarding rail strikes, the message remains to avoid travelling to Lewes Bonfire.

Network Rail have confirmed services for 5th November cannot be reinstated and to only travel by rail if absolutely necessary, meanwhile Govia Thameslink Railway have confirmed a late start-up to services will also remain for Sunday 6 November.

Read more: https://www.networkrail.co.uk/industrial-action/ 

Lewes Bonfire - an event for local people

Emergency services, local authorities and transport operators have been planning for Lewes Bonfire for many months. 

There remain serious concerns about overcrowding in the narrow streets of Lewes.

Measures, including road closures and parking restrictions, remain in place to help the event pass safely by managing the number of people attending.

Weather

With more rain and high winds forecast, East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service is urging everyone to take extra care. Some roads are still flooded, river levels are high and gusts of wind can affect fireworks and bonfires, adding to the risk of people being hurt or property being damaged. 

Road closure reminders

Road closures will be in place around the town from 16:00. Diversions will be in place for traffic to travel outside of the town. Lewes residents are advised to get vehicles home before 16:00 to avoid any road closures in place. Visitors are advised not to bring vehicles into the town.

The road closures will affect:

•           A27 junction with A277 Brighton Road (Ashcombe Roundabout)

•           A275 Offham Road with B2116 Plumpton Road

•           C7 Kingston Road junction with C324 Wellgreen Lane 

•           A26 junction with A2029 Malling Street 

•           A26 Malling Hill Junction with Church Lane 

Parking restrictions will begin to be imposed from 12:00.

A full list of road closures and parking restrictions is available at www.lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk/lewesbonfire 

Read our FAQs

It is recognised there will be an impact particularly on motorists who are not planning to attend the event. The decision to bring in travel restrictions has been made in the best interests of safety. It is hoped that those who are inconvenienced will understand that and have time to make alternative arrangements where possible.

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