Press release —
Bonfire celebrations to close Rye station from 3pm on Saturday 14 November 2026
- Alterations come nine days after similar closure at Lewes and four surrounding stations on Thursday 5 November (previously announced) view press release here
Rye railway station will be closed from 3pm on the day of the town’s bonfire celebrations, Saturday, 14 November, until the regular start of service the next day, Sunday.
As in previous years, this is for reasons of public safety.
The change has the backing of Rye Bonfire Society and police, who say it will prevent anti-social behaviour from youths travelling in from out of town.
Southern’s train service cannot accommodate the number of people expected to visit the town. There would be a very real risk that visitors would be stranded trying to get home because they would not be able to board the last train home.
As with many other bonfire activities across the region, the advice is for people to attend their local events rather than travelling far afield.
Southern Rail Area Manager Paul Wyborn said: “As with previous years, Rye railway station will be closed for reasons of public safety, from 3pm on the day of the town bonfire celebrations.
“Community organisers and members of the local multi-agency Safety Advisory Group have helped us reach this decision.
“Trains will run through Rye without stopping until the normal start of service next day, Sunday 15 November, and online journey planners such as nationalrail.co.uk have been updated with this revised timetable. Please consider your alternatives if you’re planning to travel that day.”
James Foster, Chair of Rye Bonfire Society, said: “We support Southern’s decision. The closure of Rye station limits the numbers coming from out of town and prevents an influx of youths who, in the past, have caused trouble. It has a noticeable positive impact on crowd behaviour, and this is clearly demonstrated by the reduction in police incidents.”
Chief Inspector Sarah Taylor of Sussex Police said: “To ensure public safety, a decision has been made to close Rye Station during the bonfire event. Police officers will be working closely with partners to maintain order, prevent crime, and respond swiftly to any incidents.”
The closure of Rye station will come nine days after a similar closure from 5pm on Thursday 5 November of Lewes, Glynde, Southease, Falmer and Cooksbridge stations, along with road closures, to keep Lewes Bonfire Night safe. This was decided by members of a multi-agency group that includes the emergency services and district council as announced in this press release: No trains at Lewes and surrounding stations from 5pm 5 November - please don't travel to Lewes on bonfire night | GTR
ENDS
Notes to editors
The Rye multi-agency Safety Advisory Group is formed of representatives of Rother District Council, the emergency services and emergency planning, Rye Bonfire Society and Southern Railway.
The Lewes multi-agency group includes the 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.
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GTR
GTR operates Thameslink, Great Northern, Southern and Gatwick Express services as follows:
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