Lewes prepares for major Bonfire Night as families urged to plan ahead

Summarised from 3 outlets · 5 reports · Updated 5 Nov, 20:11 · Archive

Tens of thousands of people are expected at Lewes's annual Bonfire Night celebration, with police urging visitors to attend local events instead.

Lewes is getting ready for its renowned annual Bonfire Night celebration, which draws an estimated crowd of 40,000 people. The event features a parade with effigies, culminating in a large bonfire and firework display. Sussex Police and East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service have worked with local bonfire societies to prepare for the occasion.

Emergency services are urging people to attend bonfire celebrations closer to home rather than travel to Lewes. Chief Superintendent Graham Barnett said the town centre can become extremely crowded during the event and carries 'risks'. Road closures and travel restrictions have been introduced in recent years to help control crowds in the narrow streets. He warned that travellers should be aware of restrictions around trains and road closures if they do choose to attend.

Police will deploy a major officer presence, including local and specialist officers and a small number of armed resources, to tackle crime and disorder and reassure the public. Three people were arrested and seven were taken to hospital at last year's celebration. Firefighters from Lewes Fire Station said they have well-rehearsed plans to respond to emergencies during the night.

Meanwhile, families across Sussex have been urged to prepare loved ones with dementia for Bonfire Night, as fireworks can cause confusion, anxiety and distress for people living with the condition. Local pub manager Josh Reed said the town would be 'full to the brim' and described the event as 'absolutely electric', though he acknowledged feeling some trepidation about the large gathering.

How it is being reported

• Live updates as thousand expected in Lewes for Bonfire Night celebrationsThousands of people are expected to descend on Lewes tonight for one of the country's biggest bonfire celebrations.The Argus · 5 Nov, 13:39
• Live updates as Lewes Bonfire Night celebrations get underwayThousands of people are expected to descend on Lewes tonight for one of the country's biggest bonfire celebrations.The Argus · 5 Nov, 13:39
• Lewes ready for 'absolutely electric' Bonfire NightTens of thousands of people attend the annual East Sussex celebration.BBC Sussex · 5 Nov, 06:00
• 'Stay away from Lewes' say emergency services ahead of bonfire nightPeople are being urged to attend local bonfire celebrations rather than travel to Lewes as police and fire chiefs prepare for the town's annual Bonfire Night festivitiesThe Argus · 4 Nov, 17:00
• Sussex families urged to prepare loved ones with dementia for fireworksFamilies across Sussex are being urged to plan ahead for Bonfire Night, amid warnings that fireworks can cause confusion, anxiety and distress for people living with dementia.Sussex Express · 3 Nov, 23:05

In this story: Sussex Police · East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service · Lewes · Graham Barnett · Josh Reed · Eliot Parry

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