Press release -
Lewes Bonfire Operation Update – Travel, Safety and Choose Local
As usual on Lewes Bonfire Night, 5 November, trains will not be stopping at Lewes or the surrounding stations of Falmer, Cooksbridge, Glynde and Southease from 5pm until the start of service the following day. Roads will also be closed preventing travel into the town. This is to limit numbers attending the event in the interests of public safety, and the changes have been made at the request of a multi-agency group including the emergency services, local authorities and public transport providers.
The following has been issued on behalf of British Transport Police, East Sussex County Council, East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service, East Sussex Highways, Southern Railway, Brighton & Hove Buses, Lewes District Council, South East Coast Ambulance Service, Sussex Police and St John Ambulance - Lewes Bonfire Operation Update – Travel, Safety and Choose Local. | East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service:
Public safety is the top priority for all agencies involved in managing the Lewes Bonfire celebrations.
Despite the event taking place mid-week, on Wednesday 5th November, we still anticipate high levels of attendance. Combined with significant amounts of fireworks, this presents a unique challenge to the multi-agency group tasked with ensuring public safety.
As with previous years, a series of travel restrictions will be introduced to help reduce the risks associated with this event and safely reduce the number of people attending.
We ask that you do not attend Lewes Bonfire unless you are local because the crowds and narrow streets can present unique safety challenges.
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 that 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 Wednesday 5 November 2025
- 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
- A26 Church Lane junction with Mayhew Way
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
Trains will not be stopping at Lewes or the surrounding stations of Falmer, Cooksbridge, Glynde and Southease from 5pm until the start of service the following day, 6th November.
Commuters to London are warned the last trains back from Victoria to these stations will leave at 3.24pm and 3.54pm.
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 https://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
If you are not a resident of Lewes, we would encourage you to attend fireworks events closer to home and not to attend Lewes Bonfire Night.
Visit: Choose Local is back for Bonfire Season! | East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service for more information on local firework events across East Sussex.
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Govia Thameslink Railway
Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) operates Thameslink, Great Northern, Southern and Gatwick Express services as follows:
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