Lewes will sadly not be holding its usual spectacular Bonfire celebrations this year.

To date, three of the Lewes societies – Cliffe, Commercial Square and Southover – have made official cancellation announcements, with the remaining societies expected to follow suit shortly.

A spokesperson for Southover said: “We have been trying to look at every option in an ever-changing environment. Sadly, we have reached the decision that we are not going to be able to host our annual celebrations on November 5^th this year”.

“We are all very disappointed, as we know you all will be, but with the advice from Government and health professionals unlikely to change this year, plus the threat of a second wave, we cannot compromise on health and safety. All we can do is plan to be back next year – better than ever”.

Cliffe’s statement noted that “This is only the fourth time in our 167 year history that we will have been druv* in order to save lives, preceded by the 1960 Lewes Flood, the First and Second World Wars, and the typhoid outbreak in Lewes in 1874”.

We urge potential visitors not to attempt to enter the town on the 5^th this year, in order to keep our community and town safe. Govia Thameslink have taken the precaution of stopping all trains from calling at Lewes, Glynde, Cooksbridge or Southease from 5pm on the 5^th. They will start again the following morning.

If you need your Bonfire fix, why not read about the life of a Bonfire Boy, find out about the unique Sussex Bonfire tradition, or tune into the Rocket fm YouTube channel, where you’ll find full length video and commentary from last year’s event recorded live at the War Memorial.

*Druv is an old Sussex word meaning ‘pushed around or ‘told what to do’. The unofficial motto of Sussex, embodying the spirit of Bonfire, is “We won’t be Druv”!

Image: Carlotta Luke