Sussex Police urges people to avoid Lewes bonfire night due to ‘serious’ overcrowding fears

Police have urged people not to attend one of the UK’s most popular bonfire nights due to overcrowding concerns – with more than 200 injuries reported at the event since 2019.

The East Sussex town of Lewes, sometimes referred to as the “bonfire capital of the world”, is famous for burning effigies of controversial politicians and celebrities every year on 5 November.

Despite the event being held for local residents, thousands of people descend on the town each year to watch the torch-lit processions that weave through the streets.

In recent years Sussex Police has warned people to stick to their local bonfire night to help prevent overcrowding in Lewes.

In a statement ahead of Tuesday’s celebration, the force said there remains “serious concerns” about the number of people who might attend the event and urged people from outside the town to stay away.

The force said 212 injuries have been reported at the event in the past five years, with 17 people taken to hospital.

Many of those were hurt on procession routes and by bangers and other fireworks.

Sussex Police has said “tens of thousands” of people are expected in the town on Tuesday and the area around the war memorial is expected to become especially busy.

In order to try and reduce the number of visitors, trains will stop at Lewes and four of the surrounding towns from 5pm, while the last train back to London Victoria will leave at 3.54pm despite 5 November falling on a weekday this year.

Visit Lewes has also urged people not to travel to the town for the bonfire night, saying that the “combination of dense crowds, flaming torches and firecrackers can be dangerous”.

Road closures will also be in place as part of the event.

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Sussex Police Chief Superintendent Howard Hodges added: “Unfortunately, each year the event is held we do make arrests, including for offences such as assaults (including on police officers), criminal damage, and possession of drugs. This is clearly not acceptable.

“Our officers will be supporting partner agencies and Lewes District Council on the night to ensure public safety, and we are determined to ensure that this is an event everyone can enjoy safely.”

Lewes District Council’s director of tourism, Becky Cooke, said those living outside of Lewes can watch a video live stream of the event on Rocket FM as a way to tune into the celebrations “without needing to add to the risk of overcrowding in the town”.