HAILSHAM is gearing up for its biggest night of the year as the town’s Bonfire Society prepares to celebrate a major milestone this weekend.
On Saturday, 18 October, the Hailsham Bonfire Society (HBS) will mark 20 years since its reformation with a spectacular evening of fire, fireworks and community spirit.
The anniversary promises to be a night to remember. Organisers say the event will be ‘bigger and better’ than anything staged since the society reformed in 2005, with fresh ideas and ambitious plans designed to delight the thousands of visitors expected to pack the town centre.
However, the event can only continue each year if residents donate a small amount to ensure it goes ahead. It costs the society £13,000 each year to put on the free event for the town. If every visitor to the event throws £1 in the collection bucket, this would ensure that the traditional procession and spectacular firework displays go ahead.
You can easily donate online here.
The torchlight procession will kick off from the Vicarage Lane Car Park (Leisure Centre) around 7:30pm. It will then head west from the car park towards North Street, then head down the High Street to continue the route along Market Street, Bell Banks Road, Station Road and George Street.
It will return to the High Street, where the traditional memorial ceremony will take place.
The second procession will leave Leisure Centre car park around 20:30 and head back down the High Street, then George Street, to the Western Road Recreation Ground, where the bonfire will be lit and the firework finale will commence at 21:15.
Road closures will be implemented at 19:30 and will be lifted at approximately 10pm.
The groundwork for this year’s celebration began as early as November 2024, when members met at their headquarters, the Grenadier pub, to start shaping their biggest bonfire night yet. Since then, volunteers have been working tirelessly to raise the £13,000 needed to stage the event, while also hand-making the 1,800 torches that will light up Hailsham’s streets during the procession.
HBS prides itself on keeping Sussex’s unique bonfire traditions alive, while welcoming new generations to the fold. Younger members have joined the committee to help bring fresh ideas and ensure the society remains relevant for years to come. The society also runs a junior section, whose young members proudly carry their own banner and represent the future of Hailsham’s bonfire heritage.
True to tradition, the event is not just about spectacle but also about giving back. This year’s nominated charities are Inspire Sussex and the Children with Cancer Fund, both of which provide vital support to people across East Sussex.
Both organisations rely on donations to continue their work, and HBS hopes the public will dig deep when the collection buckets are passed along the procession route and at the fire site. If you see one of the members rattling a bucket, please give what you can.
As the society prepares for its biggest night yet, organisers are encouraging local people to get involved. Membership costs just £15 for adults or £30 for a family (two adults and unlimited children), offering the chance to support the group, help raise funds and enjoy a host of social events throughout the year.
For the latest updates, visit hailshambonfire.org.uk or follow the society’s Facebook page.
