Sussex Police urge people not to attend Lewes Bonfire Night
There are concerns about overcrowding in the narrow streets of Lewes causing injury.
Last updated 2nd Nov 2024
Police are asking members of the public not to travel to Lewes for the annual Bonfire Night celebrations.
There are serious concerns about overcrowding in the narrow streets of Lewes. Since 2019, 212 injuries have been reported by attendees of the event and 17 people have had to be taken to hospital.
Many were hurt on the procession routes and by bangers or other fireworks.
East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service Station Manager Alex Probyn said: “We would ask that you head to locally organised firework events rather than coming to Lewes, as crowded streets make it harder for us to get to people in an emergency.
"We also want to remind people of the Firework Code to help us all have a safe night.”
Travel disruption
Measures, including road closures and parking restrictions, are being brought in to manage the numbers of people.
Emergency services, local authorities, and transport operators have been planning for the celebrations for many months.
This is the first time in three years that Lewes Bonfire celebrations have fallen on a weekday, and commuters are being warned not to get caught out by railway changes and road closures.
Trains will not stop at Lewes and its four surrounding stations from 5pm and the last train back from London Victoria will leave as early as 3.54pm.
Sussex Police Chief Superintendent Howard Hodges said: “We will have officers on duty to support the event’s stewarding and security teams, this includes at road closure sites as well as in the town centre itself."
The local council encourage people to watch the live stream of the event which will be available on YouTube.