The Lewes Borough Bonfire Society, known until 1859 as the Lewes Bonfire Society, has been marching the streets of Lewes for over 150 years. In 1863 the famous Monster Iron Key of the Ancient Borough of Lewes weighing nearly a quarter hundredweight (and believe me thats heavy) was carried in the procession for the first time. The same key is still carried in the Lewes Borough’s final procession and is a symbol that represents that the ‘Bonfire Boys’  have the the freedom of the streets of Lewes every November the 5th.

During the First World War celebrations ceased and were resumed in 1921 when the Borough moved their main fire location to the "Ham". In 1938 prior to the cessation of bonfire for the war, the Borough’s main Tableaux carried the words ‘Make Britain strong, It’s yours, be prepared to guard it well.’ In 1945 at the end of the Second World War the Lewes Borough Bonfire Society took part in two victory celebrations and bonfire night was celebrated once again. In 1950, Lewes Borough, Commercial Square, South Street and Southover bonfire societies united to form the first United Grand Procession. In 1954 Lewes Borough’s now famous burning key made its first appearance and has been carried in this procession ever since.  In 1960, as many older Lewesians will recall, Lewes was badly flooded and this resulted in the cancellation of the November the 5th celebrations. That year Lewes Borough held their celebrations at Chailey Heritage. 2005 marked the 400th Anniversary of the discovery of the gunpowder plot. The Lewes Borough presented a 40ft Guy Fawkes effigy on their firesite. The effigy could be seen from beyond the outskirts of Lewes.

NEWS FLASH!!! 

To advertise in the 2010 programme please contact Sian at sianriddle@yahoo.co.uk

ALSO - The Society are looking for a new torch and storage shed near to/or in  Lewes, if anyone can help please contact the secretary via the "contact us" page of this website.  

Link to 2009 Bonfire Night photos available on the 'Links' page.

FOR IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR MEMBERS AND VISITORS FOR THIS BONFIRE NIGHT CELEBRATIONS REGARDING ROAD CLOSURES WHICH WILL BE ENFORCE THIS YEAR FROM 5PM, PLEASE GO TO THE ROAD CLOSURES PAGE ON THIS WEBSITE.....THANK YOU!