Lewes Bonfire: Police and Fire Say Don't Travel on 5 Nov

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service and Sussex Police have asked people not to travel to Lewes for Bonfire Night on Thursday 5 November. The fire service published the joint warning on its website today.

It says there “remain serious concerns about overcrowding in the narrow streets of Lewes”. Every year dozens of injuries are reported, many on the procession routes and from bangers or other fireworks.

What the police and fire service said

Group Manager Paul Coppard of East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said: “We ask people to support their local organised fireworks events instead of travelling to Lewes on the 5th November.” He also asked everyone to follow the Fireworks Code.

Chief Superintendent Graham Barnett of Sussex Police said officers would be on patrol and that “any criminality and anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated”.

“Enforcement action will be taken against anyone who puts others at risk or ignores event restrictions, including those bringing their own fireworks,” he said.

The statement promises a “visible and substantial police presence” all evening. Anyone who sees something suspicious is asked to tell a steward or an officer, or call 999 in an emergency.

Not for young children or dogs

The fire service says the event is not suitable for young children or dogs, because of the crowds, the layout of the town, the noise and the smoke. Lewes District Council’s FAQ says the same of children, young families and vulnerable adults. If you become separated from a child, it says to tell a steward or police officer straight away.

Six roads close at 4.45pm

The closures are legally enforced, and drivers and cyclists are told to follow the diversions. Both the fire service statement and the council’s Bonfire page, last updated on 26 October, list six closure points from 4.45pm:

• A27 junction with the A277 Brighton Road (Ashcombe roundabout)
• A275 Offham Road with the B2116 Plumpton Road
• C7 Kingston Road junction with the C324 Wellgreen Lane
• A26 junction with the A2029 Malling Street
• A26 Church Lane junction with Mayhew Way
• The Drove, from the junction with Hamsey Lane to the A275

The Drove was not on the list when we first reported the closures in September. Parking restrictions start at noon, and the council says parking is not permitted at Brooks Industrial Estate on 5 November. Residents are told to get their cars home before 4pm. Visitors are told not to bring a vehicle into town at all.

No trains from 5pm

Trains will not call at Lewes, Falmer, Cooksbridge, Glynde or Southease from 5pm until the start of service on Friday 6 November. The last trains back from London Victoria leave at 3.24pm and 3.54pm.

The last trains out of Lewes are:

Smaller stations such as Berwick and Southease lose their last train earlier, so check your own station at southernrailway.com. Our last trains story has the detail for commuters.

The fire service statement twice gives the year as 2025. The day and date it gives, Thursday 5 November, are this year’s, and the council’s page says 2026.

What it means for you

• If you live outside Lewes, the fire service and police are asking you to go to a display nearer home. Its Choose Local list covers events across East Sussex, and we list the other bonfire nights near Lewes, including Seaford Bonfire.
• If you live in Lewes, get the car home before 4pm and do not park on the procession routes after noon. Our parking in Lewes page covers the rest of the week.
• If you commute, you need the 3.24pm or 3.54pm from Victoria to get home by train.
• If you are going, leave your own fireworks at home. The police say they will take action against anyone who brings them.

Timings for the processions, fire sites and tickets are in our Lewes Bonfire Night page.