Public safety is the top priority for Lewes Bonfire celebrations

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

It includes important information about changes to rail services on 5 November.

The message from public bodies and Lewes Bonfire societies to people living outside the town is clear - do not travel to Lewes Bonfire and support your local bonfire celebrations instead.

With 5 November falling on a Thursday this year, higher levels of attendance are anticipated at Lewes Bonfire. Combined with significant amounts of fireworks and narrow streets, this presents a unique challenge for everyone involved in ensuring public safety.

Because of 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 5 November 2026

• 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

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 5th November until the start of service the following day, Friday 6th November.

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:

• 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)

Just like last year, there will be local stations such as Berwick and Southease where the last train will be earlier. Passengers are best checking online 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

ENDS