Road closures and travel restrictions are in place on Thursday November 5th in and around Lewes following public safety concerns surrounding annual Bonfire.
A message from public bodies and Lewes Bonfire societies to people living outside the town states: “do not travel to Lewes Bonfire and support your local bonfire celebrations instead”.
With Bonfire Night, November 5 falling on a Thursday this year, higher levels of attendance are anticipated at Lewes Bonfire.
The large number of expected visitors, combined with significant amounts of fireworks and narrow streets, presents a unique challenge for everyone involved in ensuring public safety.
Due to the number of people, layout of the town, noise and smoke the event is not suitable for children, young families or dogs.
As with previous years, a series of travel restrictions will be introduced to help reduce the risks associated with the event and safely reduce the number of people attending.
Travel Restrictions
The decision to bring in travel restrictions has been made in the best interests of safety, by limiting the number of people attending. It is hoped that those who are inconvenienced will understand this and have time to make alternative arrangements where possible. It is recognised this will impact motorists and train passengers who are not planning to attend the event.
Road closures from 4.45pm on Thursday November 5 2026
Lewes residents are advised to get vehicles home before 4pm to avoid any road closures in place. Visitors are advised not to bring vehicles into the town.
Rail Travel
As with previous years, trains are not expected to be stopping at Lewes or the surrounding stations of Falmer, Cooksbridge, Glynde and Southease from 5pm on Thursday November 5th until the start of service the following day, Friday November 6th .
Commuters to London are warned the last trains back from Victoria to these stations would leave at 3.24pm (to Eastbourne) and 3.54pm (to Ore).
Other last trains from Lewes include:
Just like last year, there will be local stations such as Berwick and Southease where the last train will be earlier. Passengers are advised to look at southernrailway.com where train times have all been updated.
Staying Safe
Police officers will be working closely with partners to maintain order, prevent crime, and respond swiftly to any incidents.
Everyone attending is asked to play their part in keeping the event safe. If you see suspicious activity or something that doesn’t feel right, report it immediately to a steward or a police officer. In an emergency, always call 999.
By staying alert and acting responsibly, we can ensure this remains an event that everyone can enjoy safely.
Highly trained St John Ambulance volunteers will be providing first aid for anyone in need of assistance during the event.
The charity encourages everyone to remain safe, to not pick up spent fireworks and torches and, in the event of a burn or other issue requiring first aid, to familiarise themselves with some simple treatments. These can be found on the St John Ambulance website at www.sja.org.uk/first-aid-advice/burns-and-scalds, where there is also a wealth of free first aid advice and detailed treatment videos.
Choose Local
People who don’t live in Lewes are encouraged to attend fireworks events closer to home, and not to attend Lewes Bonfire.
Visit: www.esfrs.org/stay-safe-this-bonfire-season-choose-local-events for more information on local firework events across East Sussex.
For more detailed travel information and FAQs, visit www.lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk/lewesbonfire.
Original Source: Sussex Express
