LEWES BONFIRE

Lewes Bonfire and Me

For me, Lewes Bonfire is much more than an annual celebration. It's part of my family history, my upbringing and a tradition that has played a significant role in shaping my lifelong passion for fireworks, spectacular celebrations and the people behind them.

Growing up in Lewes, East Sussex, England, Bonfire Night was simply part of life. My family's connection to the tradition stretches back generations, and I was fortunate enough to become involved from a young age, experiencing first-hand the dedication, camaraderie, hard work and incredible community spirit that make Lewes Bonfire so special.

Over the years, my involvement developed considerably, giving me experiences and memories that have stayed with me ever since. Although I eventually made Valencia my home, my connection to Lewes and its Bonfire traditions has never disappeared.

Today, through VLCFFF, I share my passion for the extraordinary festivals and fireworks displays of Valencia. But the story doesn't begin here. Long before Fallas became such an important part of my life, there was Lewes.

And there's quite a story to tell...

Perhaps one day I'll tell you all of it. In fact, that's already in the making!

DJB - 4/11/2026

What Is Lewes Bonfire?

For most people in Britain, Bonfire Night means one thing: remembering, remembering the Fifth of November! But in Lewes, East Sussex, the story goes considerably deeper.

Every year, on 5 November, the town comes alive with torchlit processions, spectacular costumes, burning crosses, enormous bonfires and fireworks. It's one of Britain's most distinctive and longstanding traditional celebrations, combining national history with a deeply rooted local identity.

The origins of Bonfire Night date back to 1605, when a group of Catholic conspirators planned to assassinate King James I and blow up the Houses of Parliament during its State Opening.

Their plan became known as the Gunpowder Plot. On the night of 4 November, Guy Fawkes, also known as Guido Fawkes, was discovered guarding barrels of gunpowder hidden beneath Parliament. He was arrested, and the plot was foiled. The remaining conspirators were subsequently hunted down, with several arrested and others killed.

The failure of the plot became commemorated annually on 5 November, with bonfires and fireworks becoming part of the tradition.

But there is another, particularly important chapter in Lewes history.

During the reign of Queen Mary I, seventeen Protestant men and women were burned at the stake in Lewes between 1555 and 1557 for refusing to renounce their religious beliefs.

These executions formed part of the religious persecutions of the period, when England had returned to Catholicism under Mary's rule.

Today, the seventeen martyrs are remembered through one of the most recognisable and significant traditions of Lewes Bonfire: the seventeen flaming crosses carried through the streets, one for each of those who lost their lives.

A memorial obelisk, erected on Cliffe Hill in 1901, also commemorates the seventeen, providing a permanent reminder of this important chapter in the town's history.

This is a particularly personal part of the tradition for me. I have seventeen flaming crosses tattooed across my back, a permanent tribute to the martyrs and my own connection to Lewes Bonfire.

At the heart of Lewes Bonfire are its seven independent Bonfire Societies, each with its own identity, history, traditions, costumes and membership.

They bring together generations of local families and participants, maintaining traditions that have been passed down through the years. Their organisation, preparation and dedication are what make the celebrations possible.

As darkness falls, Lewes transforms into an extraordinary spectacle.

Torchlit processions wind their way through the historic streets, accompanied by marching bands, banners, elaborate costumes, flaming crosses and traditional tableaux. The atmosphere builds as the societies make their way towards their respective bonfire sites, where enormous fires are lit and spectacular fireworks displays bring the evening to life.

There is a tremendous sense of community, identity, tradition and friendly rivalry between the societies. For those involved, it is about far more than simply watching fireworks.

Lewes Bonfire is history, heritage, remembrance and community, all brought together in one extraordinary night.

And while the rest of Britain remembers the Fifth of November, Lewes remembers rather more.

More to come on this, soon!