Buxted Bonfire Society are proud to announce we will be hosting the Sussex tradition of bonfire back here in Buxted after over 40 years!

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The society reformed in 2017 after being closed for over four decades and we have been working hard since reforming to bring bonfire back to Buxted and 2024 will be a moment of history for the village!

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Buxted bonfire Society’s first night will be held on Saturday 28th September 2024! Put the date in your diary!!

We will be taking to the streets of Buxted with a spectacular traditional torchlit procession, bonfire and fireworks while bringing together our local community and kindred bonfire societies.

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There are many ways to support and be a part of the event, if you would like more information please email your name and contact details to buxtedbonfire@gmail.com as we would love to hear from you.

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Bonfire is open to everyone, is a great way to make new friends and can be enjoyed by the whole family. If you are interested in becoming a member, please see our website https://www.buxtedbonfiresociety.co.uk/membership to sign up or email us on buxtedbonfire@gmail.com for more information.

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Events Frequently Asked Questions

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Q. What is a Bonfire Society?

A. The Sussex Bonfire Societies are responsible for the series of bonfire celebrations concentrated in Sussex from September to November each year. The celebrations mark both Guy Fawkes Night and the burning of 17 Protestant martyrs in Lewes's High Street from 1555 to 1557, during the reign of Mary Tudor.

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Whereas Guy Fawkes night in most parts of Great Britain is traditionally commemorated at large public fireworks displays or small family bonfires, towns in Sussex and Kent hold huge gala events with fires, processions, and festivals. The tradition has remained strong for more than a century becoming the highlight of the year for many towns and villages in the Sussex. The Bonfire Societies use the events to collect money for local charities and volunteer organisations.

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In Sussex, there are around 44 bonfire societies in the county and more than half of them hold their own celebration during the bonfire season (from September to the end of November).

Up until the 1960s it was illegal not to celebrate Bonfire night!

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Q. Why do you have a Bonfire and Fireworks?

A. The fire is for burning an effigy of Guy Fawkes. The bonfire came about during the plot to blow up Parliament, if Guy Fawkes had succeeded, his conspirators were to light bonfires all over the country to symbolize the death of the King. Fireworks are used to symbolize the blowing up of Parliament as they contain gunpowder.

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Q. If I join the Bonfire Society what will I have to do?

A. When you join you will be given a members badge, and details of the costumes. We hope that you will be able to help at different events e.g. fundraising, torch making, placing posters, etc. You may be able to get us sacking or sticks for torch making. or you may be able to make cakes or donate raffle prizes or money to buy them.

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We do need more manpower to take on the various jobs required to hold the celebrations each year, otherwise, we may be at risk of not being able to continue. You also get to be a part of an age-old tradition in Sussex. Also, become part of the bonfire family.

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Q. Why do you have costumes?

A. The costume adds to the celebration, making it more enjoyable for the public to watch. All the societies have a different costume of their choosing, our choice being stag warrior or huntsman as well as our black and olive green striped smugglers. (The majority of societies have a different colour smugglers jumper, but some only have pioneer costumes.)

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Q. Where does the money come from for the bonfire celebrations?

A. The bonfire society raises money for their event from the many fundraising events held throughout the year. Including Summer Fayre, Christmas Light Switch on, Raffles, Tombolas, Quiz nights, Santa Sleigh and many other events including stalls at other local events. We also ask local businesses to sponsor the event. We fund the whole event by ourselves.

 

Q. Why don’t you have your bonfire night on the 5th November?

A. As there are so many Bonfire Societies in Sussex, celebrations are spread out over what is known as the ‘Bonfire Season’. This is from the first Saturday in September to the end of November. This is done to try to ensure each Bonfire Society can visit other societies’ celebrations. We hold our celebration on the last Saturday in September.

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Q. How much will it cost to join the Bonfire Society?

A. It is relatively inexpensive to join Buxted Bonfire Society. It costs £15 for Adults (1 6years +), £6 for Junior members (ages 0-15 years). £30 Family (1 or 2 Adults unlimited children)

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Q. Does Buxted Bonfire Society go to other bonfire societies celebrations?

A. Yes, we do! Every weekend from the first Saturday in September until the end of November, please see the list on our website for all other bonfire societies events.

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Q. What is a traditional Sussex bonfire event?

A. Sussex bonfire is something special and only something you only see in Sussex. And Lewes is the home of Sussex Bonfire, being the place where the 17 martyrs were burnt at the stake.

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Q. What date is Buxted’s this year’s event?

A. Saturday 28th September 2024. Please note that our event always takes place on the last Saturday of September.

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Q. Where does the event take place?

A. Through the village of Buxted. Please see the programme for the procession maps.

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Q. What time does the event start and finish?

A. The roads will close at 6.30pm, the procession starts at 7.30pm and the fireworks/bonfire will be at 21.45 (approximately) the roads will be reopened at 11.00pm (please see the programme for all the times for the whole event)

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Q. Which roads will be closed?

A. Please see our Event Map. Details can also be found in our programme.

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Q. Where can I park?

A. We encourage you to use the train where possible but there will  be limited parking at the Doctors Surgery. But we implore you to not park on the roadside on the procession route, as there will be a torchlit procession.

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Q. What will happen if I hurt myself or become unwell at Buxted Bonfire event?

A. We will have qualified first aiders present at the event, who will be able to provide first aid to any persons who sustains an injury or if they suddenly become unwell. In the instance of any more serious of an injury or illness, 999 will be contacted and the instance will be escalated to the emergency services.

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Q. What do I need to bring with me to the event?

A. Please bring cash for the charity bucket collectors and give generously. The food and bars will be card or cash.

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Q. Will there be any refreshments.

A. Yes, there will be food and drink available to purchase on the procession route, before, during and at the end of the walk.

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Q. Are dogs allowed at your event?

A. We do allow dogs to come to the event, especially as we know that dogs are very much a part of the family. However, you must always keep your dog on a lead. But as there will be loud noises and fireworks at the end of the event, we don’t recommend you bring your furry friend. If you know your dog is particularly anxious or potentially aggressive, amongst crowds of people, then we would ask you not to bring your dog to the event.

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Please be aware that you are always completely responsible for your own dog, and that Buxted Bonfire Society cannot be held accountable for anything that happens to your dog, or to another person or dog, by your dog.

You are responsible for cleaning up your dog's mess, should they go to the toilet in any of the event locations.

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Q. Will there be a photographer? And can I take pictures?

A. Yes, there will be one or more official event photographers, who will be wearing an event lanyard with this job title. Due to the nature of mass events, if you are attending the event and are in any photos taken by an official event photographer, you should expect that these images maybe used on social media after the event, and in future marketing from Buxted Bonfire Society. 

 

We encourage the public to take pictures/videos and share on social media, please do tag the bonfire society in them with #bbs24 as we love to see your pictures.

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