Lewes Bonfire celebrations are expected to see higher attendance levels as they fall on a Thursday this year.
Authorities have issued a message urging people living outside the town to avoid travelling to the event and instead support local bonfire celebrations.
With the event scheduled for Thursday, November 5, and taking place in the narrow streets of Lewes, the anticipated larger crowd is expected to present unique challenges for public safety.
As in previous years, a series of travel restrictions will be implemented to manage these risks and safely limit the number of attendees.
The restrictions, aimed at ensuring the safety of the public, are expected to inconvenience motorists and train passengers who are not attending the event.
Road closures will commence from 4.45pm and will affect several key junctions.
These include the A27 junction with A277 Brighton Road (Ashcombe Roundabout), A275 Offham Road with B2116 Plumpton Road, C7 Kingston Road junction with C324 Wellgreen Lane, A26 junction with A2029 Malling Street and A26 Church Lane junction with Mayhew Way.
Lewes residents have been advised to get their vehicles home before 4pm to avoid the road closures.
Visitors are also advised against bringing vehicles into the town.
More information on local firework events across East Sussex can be found at esfrs.org/stay-safe-this-bonfire-season-choose-local-events.
For more detailed travel information and FAQs, people can visit lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk/lewesbonfire.
In terms of rail travel, trains are not expected to stop at Lewes or the surrounding stations of Falmer, Cooksbridge, Glynde and Southease from 5pm on the day of the event until the start of service the following day, November 6.
Commuters to London have been warned that the last trains back from Victoria to these stations will leave at 3.24pm (to Eastbourne) and 3.54pm (to Ore).
Other last trains from Lewes will include the 4.44pm to Brighton, the 4.55pm to London Victoria, the 4.59pm to Ore and the 5.02pm to Seaford.
As in previous years, some local stations such as Berwick and Southease will see their last train depart earlier.
Passengers are advised to check the updated train times online at southernrailway.com.
In terms of safety, police officers will be working closely with partners to maintain order, prevent crime and respond swiftly to any incidents.
Attendees are asked to play their part in keeping the event safe by reporting any suspicious activity or anything that does not feel right to a steward or a police officer.
In an emergency, people are reminded to always call 999.
St John Ambulance volunteers will be on hand to provide first aid to anyone in need during the event.
The charity has advised everyone to remain safe, not to pick up spent fireworks and torches and to familiarise themselves with some simple treatments for burns or other issues requiring first aid.
These can be found on the St John Ambulance website at sja.org.uk/first-aid-advice/burns-and-scalds, which also offers a wealth of free first aid advice and detailed treatment videos.
The public is reminded that the event, due to the number of people, the layout of the town, noise and smoke, is not suitable for children, young families, or dogs.
People who do not live in Lewes are encouraged to attend fireworks events closer to home.
Original Source: The Argus
