Visitors urged to stay away from Lewes Bonfire as major travel restrictions announced

Thursday, 1 October 2026 10:00

By Philip Keeler

Editor5807, CC BY 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

People who do not live in Lewes are being urged not to travel to the town for this year’s Bonfire Night celebrations.

Public bodies and Lewes Bonfire societies say people from outside the town should support events closer to home instead, warning that large crowds, narrow streets, fireworks, smoke and noise create significant safety challenges.

With 5 November falling on a Thursday this year, organisers say higher levels of attendance are expected.

The event is also being described as unsuitable for children, young families and dogs because of the number of people, the layout of the town and the amount of noise and smoke.

A series of road and rail restrictions will be introduced on Thursday 5 November in an attempt to limit the number of people travelling into Lewes.

Road closures will begin from 4.45pm at a number of key routes, including the A27 at Ashcombe Roundabout, Offham Road, Kingston Road, Malling Street and Church Lane.

Lewes residents are being advised to get vehicles home before 4pm, while visitors are being told not to drive into the town.

Rail services will also be heavily affected.

Trains are not expected to stop at Lewes, Falmer, Cooksbridge, Glynde or Southease from 5pm on 5 November until the start of service the following morning.

Passengers travelling back from London are being warned that the final Victoria services serving those stations will leave in the afternoon.

The final trains from Lewes are also expected to leave shortly before or just after 5pm, including services towards Brighton, London Victoria, Ore and Seaford.

Police officers will be working with partner organisations throughout the evening to maintain order and respond to incidents.

Anyone attending is being asked to remain alert and report anything suspicious to a steward or police officer, calling 999 in an emergency.

St John Ambulance volunteers will also be on hand to provide first aid during the event.

People are being reminded not to pick up spent fireworks or torches and to seek first aid advice if they suffer burns or other injuries.

Those who live outside Lewes are again being encouraged to choose local fireworks and bonfire events instead.

Further travel information and advice is available through Lewes and Eastbourne Councils and Southern Railway.

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