No trains at Lewes and surrounding stations from 5pm 5 November - please don't travel to Lewes on bonfire night

This press release has been issued on behalf of 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.

With Lewes Bonfire Night just days away, public bodies and Bonfire Societies are reminding members of the public not to travel to the event.

Measures, including train changes, road closures and parking restrictions, will be in place to help the event pass safely, by managing the number of people attending.

To further reduce the number attending, trains will not call at Lewes, Falmer, Cooksbridge, Glynde and Southease from 17:00 on Thursday 5th November, until the start of service on Friday 6th November 2025. Commuters are warned the last trains back from London Victoria to these stations will leave at 3.24pm and 3.54pm (see editors' notes).

Emergency services, local authorities and transport operators have been planning for the celebrations for many months.

There remain serious concerns about overcrowding in the narrow streets of Lewes. Every year, dozens of injuries are reported, many being on the procession routes and by bangers or other fireworks.

Group Manager Paul Coppard, East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said:

“We ask people to support their local organised fireworks events instead of travelling to Lewes on the 5^thNovember.

“We have been working hard with the organisers and our partners to put plans in place to ensure we keep our community safe across East Sussex.

“We’d also like to remind everyone to follow bonfire safety advice and the Fireworks Code.

“Please stay safe, follow official advice and do not put yourself or others at unnecessary risk”

Chief Superintendent Graham Barnett said:

“Sussex Police officers will be working closely with event organisers, stewarding teams and our partners to ensure Lewes Bonfire Night is a safe and enjoyable occasion for everyone.

“Officers will be on patrol and 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. Our priority is to keep everyone safe and ensure the night runs smoothly.

“Anyone who sees suspicious behaviour or something that doesn’t seem right should report it to stewards, officers on patrol, or call 999 in an emergency.”

There will be visible and substantial police presence throughout the event. Agencies are working closely with bonfire societies and event organisers to ensure a safe and secure celebration for all.

Everyone attending the event is asked to remain alert and report anything suspicious or unusual to a steward or police officer. If something doesn't feel right, trust your instincts and report it.

Because of the number of people, layout of the town, noise and smoke the event is not suitable for young children or dogs.

Roads

In addition to the changes to rail services, 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.

To help keep everyone safe, road closures will be legally enforced throughout the duration of the event. Drivers and cyclists are asked to respect these restrictions and follow the diversion routes in place. These measures have been introduced to support public safety and help the event run smoothly.

Road closures from 4.45pm on Thursday 5th 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
• The Drove at the junction with Hamsey Lane to the A275

Parking restrictions will begin to be imposed from 12 noon.

Information on road closures and parking restrictions along with FAQs are available at: www.lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk/lewesbonfire

Choose Local

You can find out about local events which may be closer to your home and the Firework Code at: www.esfrs.org/choose-local-is-back-for-bonfire-season

ENDS

Editors notes

Other last trains from Lewes include:

• 16:44 to Brighton, calling at all stations to Brighton
• 16:55 to London Victoria, calling at Cooksbridge, Wivelsfield and then the usual pattern up to London
• 16:59 to Ore, calling at Polegate, Eastbourne and then all stations to Ore
• 17:02 to Seaford, calling at all stations to Seaford (except Southease)

As with last year, there will be local stations such as Berwick and Southease where the last train will be earlier. Passengers are encouraged to check online at southernrailway.com where train times have all been updated.