East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service would like you to “Choose Local” this bonfire season, supporting locally organised events rather than setting off fireworks or having bonfires in your own gardens.
Uckfield Carnival is the first big event of the season and takes place on 2 September 2023, followed by Crowborough Carnival on 9 September and Mayfield on 16 September.
You can find out about other local events below. Please contact communications@esfrs.org if you would like to be added to this list.
Safety first
According to RoSPA, injury figures support the advice that the safest place to enjoy fireworks is at a large public display - far fewer people are injured here than at smaller family or private parties.
If you’ll be having a firework party at home, you can make the occasion fun and safe for everyone by following the Firework Code, as well as some sparkler and bonfire safety tips.
Firework code
Only adults should deal with setting up firework displays, the lighting of fireworks and the safe disposal of fireworks once they have been used (and remember, alcohol and fireworks don't mix!). Children and young people should be supervised, and watch and enjoy fireworks at a safe distance. Follow these top 10 tips for a safer fireworks party:
- Plan your firework display to make it safe and enjoyable, and check the time you can legally set off fireworks
- In England, Scotland and Wales only buy fireworks which carry the UKCA marks. In the case of Northern Ireland look for the UKNI symbol. You may also see the UKNI mark along with the UKCA symbol. Keep your fireworks in a closed box, and use them one at a time
- Read and follow the instructions on each firework using a torch if necessary
- Light the firework at arm's length with a taper and stand well back
- Keep naked flames, including cigarettes, away from fireworks
- Never return to a firework once it has been lit
- Don't put fireworks in pockets and never throw them
- Direct any rocket fireworks well away from spectators
- Never use paraffin or petrol on a bonfire
- Make sure that the fire is out and surroundings are made safe before leaving.
More safety information can be found here: https://www.esfrs.org/fireworks
A word about Lewes Bonfire
The night is run by local bonfire societies and includes a number of displays and processions. These usually involve significant amounts of fireworks and attract large crowds.
There are growing concerns that more people than usual will come to Lewes because this year’s event falls on a Saturday. Combined with significant amounts of fireworks, this presents a unique challenge to the multi-agency group tasked with ensuring public safety. We are therefore asking that you find alternative events rather than travel to Lewes.
Events
East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service is not responsible for the contents of these websites.
September
2 - Uckfield Carnival Day https://www.uckfieldcarnival.co.uk/
9 - Crowborough https://www.facebook.com/groups/155202987877813/?locale=en_GB
16- Mayfield https://mayfieldbonfire.co.uk/society-events/
October
7 – Eastbourne https://www.eastbournebonfiresociety.com/
7 - Northiam https://www.northiambonfiresociety.org.uk/
14 – Heathfield http://www.heathfieldbonfiresociety.co.uk/
14 - Hastings https://www.visit1066country.com/whats-on/festivals/bonfires-and-fireworks
21 – Seaford https://www.seafordbonfiresociety.co.uk/our-event-2022
21 - Hailsham http://www.hailshambonfire.org.uk/
21 - Ninfield https://www.facebook.com/Ninfieldbonfire
21 – Nevill Junior (Lewes) http://www.njbs.co.uk/diary.asp
28 – Newick https://newickbonfire.com/diary-dates/
November
4 – Battel Bonfire Boys (Battle) https://www.battelbonfire.co.uk/event-information/
4 – Lewes http://www.lewesbonfirecouncil.org.uk/societies/ We ask that you do not attend Lewes bonfire society unless you are local because the crowds and narrow streets can present unique safety challenges.
11 – South Heighton http://southheighton.org/bonfire/home-page/
11 – East Hoathly and Halland https://www.facebook.com/EastHoathlyHallandCarnivalSociety/
11 – Chailey https://www.chaileybonfire.co.uk/
11 – Rye https://www.ryebonfire.co.uk/
18 - Robertsbridge http://www.robertsbridgebonfiresociety.com/calendar.html
Other groups
Firle Bonfire Society https://www.firlebonfire.co.uk/
Isfield and Little Horsted https://www.isfieldhorstedbonfire.com/
Ewhurst and Staplecross https://www.esbs.org.uk/
Edenbridge https://www.edenbridgebonfire.co.uk/