Why not become a member of the oldest bonfire society in Lewes?

Just come along to our

Badge Night

Become a member and help protect one of the country’s oldest Traditions.

Tuesday the 4th of November

From: 7.00pm

At our Headquarters the:

St Marys Social Club, Nevill, Lewes

Lewes Borough Bonfire Society

The Lewes Borough Bonfire Society, known until 1859 as the Lewes Bonfire Society, has been marching the streets of Lewes for over 150 years. In 1863 the famous Monster Iron Key of the Ancient Borough of Lewes weighing nearly a quarter hundredweight (and believe me thats heavy) was carried in the procession for the first time. The same key is still carried in the Lewes Borough’s final procession and is a symbol that on the 5th of November the ‘Bonfire Boys’ are given the freedom of the streets of Lewes.

During the First World War celebrations ceased and were resumed in 1921 when the Borough moved to the Ham as there main fire location. In 1938 prior to the cessation of bonfire for the war, the Borough’s main Tableaux carried the words ‘Make Britain strong, It’s yours, be prepared to guard it well.’ In 1945 at the end of the Second World War the Lewes Borough Bonfire Society took part in two victory celebrations and bonfire night was celebrated once again.

In 1950, Lewes Borough, Commercial Square, South Street and Southover bonfire societies united to form the first United Grand Procession. In 1954 Lewes Borough’s now famous burning key made its first appearance and has been carried in this procession ever since.

In 1960, as many older Lewesians will recall, Lewes was badly flooded and this resulted in the cancellation of the November the 5th celebrations. That year Lewes Borough held their celebrations at Chailey Heritage.

2005 marked the 400th anniversary of the discovery of the gunpowder plot. The Lewes Borough presented a 40ft Guy Fawkes effigy on their firesite. The effigy could be seen from beyond the outskirts of Lewes.

Membership Form

Would you like to become a member of the oldest recorded Bonfire Society in Lewes?

If so, come and join the celebrations!

Subscription fees are as follows:

Adults £15.00 Children £5.00 (14 years and under)

Membership is renewed on an annual basis on November the 4th

(Badge Night) at the Official LBBS Headquarters:

St Marys Social Club, Nevill, Lewes

You can also join on the 5th from 5pm onwards at the YMCA in:

White Lion Lane, Lewes.

So, you can fill in this form or come along on the 4th or 5th of

November.

Lewes Borough Bonfire Membership Application Form

(Please fill in the following form in full) One form per person.

Name:

Telephone Number:

E-mail Address:

Postal Address:

Please remit to: Mrs H Winter, 14 East Way, Lewes, Sussex, BN7 1NG

Until 1959, it was illegal not to celebrate the date of Guy Fawkes arrest in England