HAILSHAM Bonfire Society will bring its annual celebrations to town this Saturday, October 17, with visiting societies, a fireworks finale and its biggest-ever effigy at Western Road Recreation Ground.
Gas works have forced organisers to change the first part of the procession route for health and safety reasons, and spectators are being urged to check the revised arrangements.
This year’s event marks 21 years since the Society reformed in 2005. Its membership has since grown to well over 100, including a strong contingent of junior members who organisers hope will carry the tradition into the future.
Five bonfire societies from Lewes will join Saturday’s celebrations, reflecting the friendships Hailsham has developed across the wider bonfire community.
Another talking point will be the Society’s largest effigy yet at Western Road Recreation Ground — although organisers have joked that getting it there could prove a challenge.
First procession: 7.30pm
The procession will leave Vicarage Lane Car Park at 7.30pm, following Vicarage Lane before turning left onto the High Street.
It will then travel down George Street, into Victoria Road, Garfield Road and Bell Banks Road before joining Station Road. From there, it will enter the lower end of George Street and continue uphill to reach the High Street at around 8pm.
A short service of remembrance will take place at the Memorial before the procession returns to Vicarage Lane Car Park. Organisers ask everyone to observe the minute’s silence.
Second procession: approximately 9pm
The procession will leave the car park again at approximately 9pm, travelling along Vicarage Lane to the top end of the High Street.
After the Hailsham Bonfire Society banners are lit, the parade will continue along the High Street into George Street and South Road, before turning right onto Western Road, where it will finish.
The fireworks finale will then begin, rounding off the evening’s celebrations.
PLEASE DONATE GENEROUSLY – THIS EVENT IS SOLELY RUN ON VISITOR DONATIONS
