Bonfire Night, or Guy Fawkes night, is a much-loved date on the Sussex events calendar, with many towns and villages celebrating it between September and November.
The Sussex Bonfires have a 300-year-old tradition of remembering the day Guy Fawkes and his band of conspirators were foiled in their plot to blow up the Houses of Parliament in 1605. Events in Sussex take on their own meanings as they also commemorate the 17 Protestant martyrs burned at the stake in Lewes, East Sussex, during the reign of Mary I (Bloody Mary) in the 1500s. Hastings Bonfire falls on Hastings Week which celebrates the anniversary of the Battle of Hastings.
Each town has their own Bonfire Society who raise funds throughout the year to ensure the events can go ahead. At each event, the socieities join together to march their way through the streets in a flaming torchlit procession, before lighting the giant bonfire, burning the secret effigy, and igniting the fireworks for a spectacular finale.
Important Information
Bonfire events throughout Sussex are extremely busy with large crowds. They are also noisy with regular large bangs heard from firecrackers and pyrotechnics. You must plan your journey in advance as there will be road closures and limited parking, as well as planned train cancellations in the interest of public safety.
Each event is entirely dependent on donations, so please bring spare change with you.
www.visit1066country.com/whats-on/festivals/bonfires-and-fireworks
Northiam: 3 Oct 2026Open 07:30 – 10:30
An amazing night of torches, bonfire, fireworks, drums, food and more. This is an exciting event not to be missed!
The Albion’s 1066 Conker Championship: The traditional “sport” of conkers has been resurrected by the Albion in Hastings Old Town.
Last year’s inaugural event was a huge success and we are expecting many more entrants this year!
Hastings Bonfire 2026: Hastings Borough Bonfire Society’s Torchlit Procession, Bonfire and Fireworks
Kent & East Sussex Railway, Ashford
Battle: 7 Nov 2026
Battle Bonfire Boyes Guy Fawkes Celebrations: The world’s oldest bonfire society
In 1646, St Mary’s Church allocated 2 shillings and 6 pence in funds for gunpowder treason rejoicing. Since then there have been annual celebrations in the town of Battle.





