‘Firecracker of a party’ in Sussex named among UK’s best Bonfire Night events

Rye & District Bonfire Society’s annual Guy Fawkes Night celebration was featured among the 12 best Bonfire Night events according to The Telegraph.

Sussex as a whole is a county famed for its Bonfire Night celebrations, but Rye’s event was the only one that made it on, even ahead of the spectacular displays at Lewes.

Discussing the history of Bonfire Night and the list’s creation, The Telegraph wrote: “Fast forward four centuries and here we still are, burning effigies of Fawkes atop bonfires and cooing at pyrotechnic displays that nod to the explosives that could have killed the king.

“Although some events now feature bespoke musical soundtracks, lasers and even drone displays, others continue centuries-old traditions, from the fire-torch parades of Lewes and Rye to the flaming tar barrels of Ottery St Mary.”

The full list of the best Bonfire Night events can be found on The Telegraph website here.

What was said about Rye’s Bonfire Night event?

Rye & District Bonfire Society’s annual celebration was praised for its traditional approach to the event and its fireworks display, although it was advised it was “not well-suited to young children”.

The publication wrote: “This traditional Bonfire Night event rivals the more famous Lewes extravaganza – which is now for locals only to avoid overcrowding – with ancient Bonfire societies from across Sussex parading with drums and fire torches.

“The fireworks display concludes the event (in theory) but this is one firecracker of a party and not well-suited to young children.”

In 2024, Rye’s Bonfire Night will take place on Saturday, November 9 and will begin with a procession that will go through the town at 7pm.

After that, attendees will make their way to Rye Town Flats where a massive bonfire will be lit at 8pm.

Then the spectacular fireworks display will begin across the marsh at 8.15pm.

See what’s on in your local area (Image: Newsquest)

Admission to the event is free but donations are accepted to help fund future celebrations, with a link to its Crowdfunding page found here.

Discussing its 2025 event, Rye & District Bonfire Society wrote on its website: “2025 will be the 30th anniversary of the new Rye & District Bonfire Society, please help us continue to put on our spectacular free event for the whole community to attend and help us continue the wonderful Sussex bonfire tradition into the future.

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“Every year the goal posts get moved and more money is needed to put on such a big event such as Rye Bonfire.

“The cost of fireworks are insignificant compared to the costs of insurance cover, safety requirements and security.  

“The whole night requires around £20,000 which we need to fundraise throughout the year as we receive no public funding.”