Welcome to South Heighton Bonfire Society

Bonfire Society Homepage – Village Hall

South Heighton Bonfire Society

South Heighton Bonfire Society is a family-friendly, village society made up of volunteers, friends and members who meet and raise money for the traditional village bonfire procession and firework night on the second Saturday in November.

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South Heighton Bonfire Night 2023

Saturday 11 November

Please be aware that this is a local event with no designated parking and there is no parking around the village. Road closures will be in place. Please do not come to the event if you cannot come on foot or on public transport.

Timings

The procession will form up near the Flying Fish in Denton, moving off at approximately 6.30pm. We will then march along the procession route until we get to the Hampden Arms where we will stop for a short period before reforming and carrying on down the hill to the fire site at South Heighton recreation ground. Fireworks will go off at approximately 8pm.

Admission

  • Adults (18+) £5 – accompanied under 18s free (up to 3 per family)
  • If you are under the age of 18 you will not be admitted unless accompanied by an adult (who may be required to provide proof of age)
  • We recommend that you get to the field early to avoid the rush
  • No advance ticket sales, pay on gate only

Road Closures

The roads along the procession route and around the fire site are subject to road closures between 5pm and 9pm. There will be traffic management in place to direct vehicles.

Roads affected are as follows: (timings are subject to change without prior notice)

  • Acacia Road (rolling road closure from 5pm, open by 8pm)
  • The Grove (rolling road closure from 5pm, open by 8pm)
  • Denton Road (rolling road closure from 5pm, open by 8pm)
  • Thompson Road (rolling road closure from 5pm, open by 8pm)
  • Wellington Road (rolling road closure from 5pm, open by 8pm)
  • Rectory Road (rolling road closure from 5pm, open by 8pm)
  • Denton Rise (rolling road closure from 5pm, open by 8pm)
  • Heighton Road (Denton Road to South Heighton village green) (rolling road closure from 5pm, open by 8pm)
  • Heighton Road (South Heighton village green to The Hollow) (fully closed 5pm to 9pm)
  • The Hollow (fully closed 5pm to 9pm) [no access from A26]
South Heighton Procession Bonfire Procession route

Please do not park on the procession route during the road closure period.

Unfortunately, we have no designated parking for the event and there is no parking around the village. Please do not come to the event if you cannot come on foot or on public transport.

Please note the following:

  • This is a traditional Sussex bonfire and fireworks celebration. Although we are very much a family-friendly event, you should expect loud and sudden noises, and bright explosions. You may consider that it is not suitable for babies and young children to be present. It can be frightening if you are not used to it or of a nervous disposition.
  • When watching the procession stay well back on the pavement for your own safety and NEVER pick up discarded torches or flares as they will be very hot. These will be picked up by the ‘fire carts’ following the end of the procession.
  • Whilst at the fire site stay behind any barriers which have been erected for your safety.
  • Follow any instructions given by you by the any of the Society Marshalls or Security Team (who will be wearing high-visibility jackets).
  • Only members of Bonfire Societies may march in the procession. No members of the public are permitted to handle torches.
  • Discharging fireworks on a public highway is a criminal offence.
  • Regretfully there is no disabled parking around the fire site and no suitable mobility vehicle/wheelchair access to the fire site. This is due to vehicle restrictions in place around the site and the likely conditions of the ground underfoot.

We thank you for your cooperation and hope you have an enjoyable and safe evening.

The Traditions of Bonfire in Sussex

The Sussex bonfire traditions are unique as they mark the anniversary of the Gunpowder Plot (when Roman Catholics tried to blow up Parliament, the king and his family on 5 November 1605) and the burning of 17 Protestant martyrs in Lewes. Due to the size and number of events, the bonfire season in Sussex runs from the beginning of September through to the end of November.

Bonfire Societies from towns and villages across the county attend each other’s celebrations. Whether part of the procession or watching from the streets, each bonfire night is exciting and full of traditions, costumes and atmosphere.

How to become a Member

To become a member of South Heighton Bonfire Society you must be aged 18 or over or be attached to an over 18 adult member.

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