Sussex bonfire nights 2026: procession dates, fireworks and tickets

Sussex’s bonfire season continues with five society celebrations on Saturday 17 October, including Hastings, Hailsham and Seaford, before a programme of torchlit processions and fireworks stretching into late November.

For Brighton and Hove residents, Sussex Cricket’s display is booked for Saturday 7 November. Elsewhere, the choices include free seafront fireworks in Worthing, village bonfire nights and ticketed evenings at Horsham Sports Club, West Dean Gardens and Cuckfield Park.

The distinction matters when planning a night out. A procession can begin hours before the fireworks, and watching from the street does not necessarily give you access to the bonfire field, often called the firesite. Lewes has six separate society celebrations on 5 November, with substantial travel restrictions and an official request for people outside the town to choose events closer to home.

Details checked on 16 October 2026. Times are local and may change with weather or procession progress. Prices below are the advertised rates, with booking fees identified where verified. Check the organiser’s latest notice and final ticket total before travelling or paying. Rye’s date remains provisional.

Map of Sussex bonfire nights and fireworks

Find the 29 listings from 17 October to 21 November on the map below. Pink pins mark society celebrations, brown pins mark other public displays and the teal pin marks Rye, whose date remains provisional. The optional grey layer contains 10 earlier-season locations.

Select a pin for the date, programme, organiser link and access notes. Some pins identify a town or village rather than an entrance or viewing area; follow the organiser’s directions and road closures. Lewes has one overview pin for its six societies. Officials advise non-residents to choose other local events.

Open the Sussex bonfire and fireworks map in Google Maps

Sussex bonfire and fireworks dates at a glance

Saturday 17 October: Hastings, Hailsham, Seaford and more

Hastings Borough Bonfire Society

Hastings combines a seafront procession with a beach bonfire and fireworks. The junior procession leaves the Stade at 5.30pm, while the main procession starts at approximately 7.15pm at the seafront end of Robertson Street. The detailed programme places bonfire lighting around 9pm and fireworks around 9.15pm, with later timings dependent on the procession.

Public viewing is free, with donations welcomed. The procession and firesite are restricted to authorised participants. There is no designated accessible viewing area; the society suggests the White Rock Hotel area as a less crowded option. Read the Hastings Bonfire 2026 programme and viewing advice before choosing a spot.

Hailsham Bonfire Society

Hailsham’s celebrations finish at Western Road Recreation Ground, but spectators should check the revised procession route. In a 15 October report, Hailsham News says gas works have forced a change to the opening section.

That updated report gives a 7.30pm departure from Vicarage Lane Car Park, followed by a second procession at approximately 9pm and fireworks after arrival at the recreation ground. Do not treat 9pm as the fireworks start. The town council’s Hailsham bonfire announcement also confirms the date and destination.

Seaford Bonfire Society

Seaford’s annual celebration includes a torchlit procession, bonfire and fireworks. Its 2026 event listing advertises an evening running from 7pm to 11pm. That is the overall event window; a separate fireworks start time has not been verified. Use the society’s programme for the route and viewing arrangements.

East Grinstead Community Bonfire

East Grinstead Community Bonfire’s calendar lists its celebration for 7pm on the High Street, with a torchlit procession, bonfire and fireworks. The published start is an event time, so allow for the procession before the display.

Nevill Juvenile Bonfire Society, Lewes

Nevill’s October celebration is separate from Lewes Bonfire on 5 November. The Nevill Juvenile 2026 fireworks ticket listing gives Landport Bottom, Motor Road, Lewes, as the venue and an event window of 8.30pm to 10pm.

At the time of checking, online admission cost £11 for an adult and £5.50 for a child under 14, including the displayed booking fees. The event window should not be read as a confirmed 8.30pm fireworks start.

Saturday 24 October: Firle, Littlehampton, Horsham and village celebrations

Firle Bonfire Society

Firle’s programme gives a 7pm procession, with the bonfire and fireworks expected at about 9pm. Standard advance tickets are advertised at £12.50 plus a booking fee, rising to £17 on the day; children under 13 enter free. The earlier £10 offer has ended.

Free field parking is provided in Firle Park, reached from the A27, with no event parking in the village. The organiser advertises accessible parking near the entrance and accessible toilets. See Firle Bonfire’s programme, tickets and access information.

Littlehampton Bonfire Society

Littlehampton’s procession brings together carnival entries, bands and visiting bonfire societies before the seafront bonfire and fireworks. The town council’s event calendar lists the evening parade from 7.30pm, starting in Fitzalan Road and ending on East Beach Green.

The society’s 2026 essential information confirms a seafront funfair from 2pm and staggered road closures, with some restrictions starting well before the parade. A separate fireworks firing time has not been verified.

Horsham Sports Club fireworks

Gates at Horsham Sports Club on Cricketfield Road open at 5pm, with fireworks expected at 7.30pm. Standard advance tickets are advertised at £11; the organiser also lists free tickets for children under five. Under-16s must be accompanied by an adult.

There is no general event parking at the club or on Cricketfield Road, although limited Blue Badge parking is advertised. The display takes place on grass, which may be muddy. Check Horsham Sports Club’s ticket and arrival information, including the applicable child ticket, before booking.

Ashurst Wood Bonfire Society

Ashurst Wood Bonfire Society confirms Saturday 24 October for its celebration, with live music from The Deadwoodz also advertised. A current procession timetable and admission price were not verified at the last check, so confirm those details with the organiser before setting off.

Ninfield Bonfire Society

Ninfield’s date is confirmed as Saturday 24 October. Its bonfire night page links to a 2026 programme but warns that some information on the page still relates to 2025. Check the dated programme for current procession and display times; older timings should not be assumed to apply.

Friday 30 and Saturday 31 October: Isfield, Staplecross and Newick

Isfield & Little Horsted: Friday 30 October

The Isfield & Little Horsted Bonfire Society advertises its next bonfire night for 30 October, continuing its tradition of celebrating on the last Friday of the month. The public display is held in the community field behind the Laughing Fish pub.

Admission is free, with donations requested. The evening includes a village torchlit procession and a remembrance service before the fireworks. Check the organiser’s calendar for the final timetable, which was not verified at the last check.

Ewhurst & Staplecross: Saturday 31 October

The junior procession is advertised for 6.45pm, followed by the main procession at approximately 7pm to 7.15pm. The route leaves Staplecross along Northiam Road, travels through Cripps Corner and returns to the village.

Bonfire lighting is expected between 8.45pm and 9pm, with fireworks afterwards. The Ewhurst & Staplecross programme gives road closures from 6.30pm to 10pm and warns that parking is limited. Firesite admission is charged, with cash and card accepted; the current amount should be checked with the society.

Newick: Saturday 31 October

Newick Bonfire Society’s 2026 diary confirms the date and road closures from 6pm to 11pm. Those are traffic restrictions, not a procession timetable. Check the current programme for the procession route, fireworks timing and admission arrangements.

Thursday 5 and Friday 6 November: fireworks on Bonfire Night and beyond

Lindfield: Thursday 5 November

Lindfield’s procession leaves at 7.30pm, followed by bonfire lighting at 8.15pm and fireworks at 8.30pm on the Common. Admission is free, and the timings are approximate.

Assembly begins outside the Stand Up Inn at 7pm, but the public should watch rather than join the procession. The society also asks visitors to leave pets at home and not bring fireworks or sparklers. See the Lindfield Bonfire 2026 programme for the route and road closures.

Worthing Lions: Thursday 5 November

The Worthing Lions fireworks display is confirmed for 7.30pm, fired from the end of Worthing Pier. Watching from the promenade and beach is free, with donations supporting local good causes.

The pier itself will be closed for the display. A funfair and food stalls are advertised, and visitors should allow for road closures around the seafront.

Leonardslee Wine Estate: Thursday 5 and Friday 6 November

Leonardslee Wine Estate is advertising two fireworks evenings, each running from 5pm to 9pm, with music from The Violet Jive and street food. This is the wine estate at Mannings Heath, on Hammerpond Road, rather than a listing for Leonardslee Gardens.

General admission is advertised at £15 for adults and £7 for children aged four to 16. The £12 adult early-bird offer expired in August. A separate fireworks start time was not verified, and families with very young children should confirm the applicable ticket with the venue. See Leonardslee Wine Estate’s fireworks and booking information.

West Dean Gardens: Friday 6 November

West Dean Gardens near Chichester opens its gates at 6pm, with fireworks at 7.15pm and the evening finishing at 9pm. Admission is advertised at £6, with under-16s free.

Advance booking is recommended. Visitors enter through the Gatehouse and are advised to bring a torch and wear sturdy footwear because lighting is limited. See West Dean’s bonfire night details and booking link.

Lewes Bonfire on Thursday 5 November: six societies and travel restrictions

Lewes Bonfire comprises separate society processions and firesites. The official visitor overview of Lewes Bonfire identifies Cliffe, Commercial Square, Lewes Borough, South Street, Southover and Waterloo. Nevill Juvenile’s celebration is on 17 October.

The joint public safety announcement for 2026 asks non-residents not to travel into Lewes and to support local events instead. It says the crowds, narrow streets, noise and smoke make the evening unsuitable for children, young families and dogs.

Road closures are announced from 4.45pm on 5 November, and residents are advised to get vehicles home before 4pm. Rail restrictions are expected from around 5pm at Lewes and nearby stations, including Falmer, Cooksbridge, Glynde and Southease. Last trains vary by station and route: check the published transport advice and the operator’s journey planner rather than relying on a single cut-off time.

Saturday 7 November: Hove, Battle, Cuckfield and Wadhurst

Sussex Cricket fireworks, Hove

Sussex Cricket’s display at the County Ground in Hove opens at 5pm, with entertainment from 5.15pm and fireworks expected around 7pm. Elton John and Dua Lipa tribute acts are advertised as part of the evening.

Standing admission is £15 for adults and £12.50 for under-16s. Under-threes enter free but still need a ticket. Reserved seating costs more, and wheelchair-accessible areas are listed in the booking options.

Tickets must be bought in advance; there are no gate sales. Use the Sussex Cricket fireworks booking page to check availability and choose the correct area.

Battel Bonfire Boyes, Battle

Battle’s celebrations begin with the children’s guy procession arriving at Abbey Green at 10am. The main evening procession starts at 7.30pm from Market Road.

The organiser gives approximate timings of 9pm for the bonfire and 9.30pm for fireworks, while warning that the schedule can move by as much as an hour. Admission is free, with charitable collections. The society recommends Market Road car park for viewing rather than the crowded Abbey Green area, and says the evening is unsuitable for young children. Read the Battel Bonfire Boyes programme and viewing guidance.

Cuckfield Park bonfire and fireworks

Gates at Cuckfield Park on South Street open at 5.30pm. Bonfire lighting is scheduled for 6.45pm, followed by fireworks set to music at 7.30pm.

The organiser advertises adult tickets at £12, child tickets at £5 and family tickets at £30. Under-fives are free; check the booking options for the family ticket’s coverage and any fees. Parking is charged separately. The Cuckfield 2026 ticket listing confirms the evening’s timetable.

Wadhurst Warriors, Stone Cross Farm

Wadhurst’s display takes place at Stone Cross Farm, TN5 6LS. Gates open at 5.30pm, the bonfire is lit at 6.30pm and fireworks are scheduled for 7.30pm.

The current Wadhurst ticket options showed adults aged 17 and over at £10 and children aged six to 16 at £5, including booking fees. Children aged five and under are free. The organiser also advertises a later £12 adult rate, so check the price available when booking. There is no on-site parking.

East Hoathly & Halland Carnival Society

This celebration places remembrance at the centre of its evening, with torchlit processions, fire banners, fireworks and a bonfire sculpture. The society’s dated 2026 ticket listing confirms Saturday 7 November and an event window of 7pm to 10pm in East Hoathly.

A separate fireworks start and current admission price have not been verified. Check the booking details rather than assuming the overall start time is the display time.

Chailey Bonfire Society

Saturday 7 November appears in the fire service’s 2026 bonfire calendar for Chailey. A current organiser programme was not verified, so the procession time, fireworks start and admission arrangements remain to be confirmed.

14 and 21 November: the later Sussex bonfire nights

South Heighton: Saturday 14 November

The society’s 2026 calendar confirms 14 November. Its programme gives a procession at approximately 6.30pm from the Flying Fish in Denton to South Heighton Recreation Ground, with fireworks around 8pm.

Adult entry is £5, cash only, with no advance tickets. Up to three accompanied under-18s per family enter free. There is no event parking; the organiser asks people to walk or use public transport and warns that the firesite does not have suitable wheelchair access. See South Heighton’s bonfire programme and access details.

Rye: provisionally Saturday 14 November

Rye Bonfire Society’s website still labels 14 November 2026 as to be confirmed. Treat this as a provisional date and wait for the organiser’s confirmation before making firm travel plans. A current programme and admission arrangements have not been verified.

Barcombe: Saturday 21 November

Barcombe Bonfire Society confirms Saturday 21 November for its bonfire night. The detailed procession timetable, fireworks timing and admission arrangements were not verified at the last check; consult the society’s latest announcement nearer the date.

Chiddingly: Saturday 21 November

The Explore Wealden listing for Chiddingly Parish Bonfire Night confirms 21 November, with a torchlit procession, bonfire and fireworks. Current timings and admission details should be checked with the society before travelling.

Robertsbridge: Saturday 21 November

Robertsbridge’s procession leaves the top of Station Road at approximately 7.15pm. Bonfire prayers are scheduled for 8.45pm, followed by lighting, with fireworks around 9pm.

The Recreation Ground firesite is closed to the general public. The society directs spectators to public viewing along the Clappers and at the humpback bridge identified in its programme. The Pocket Park and designated safety areas are also closed.

Limited accessible viewing at the cricket pavilion requires contact with the organiser beforehand. Road closures run from 5pm to 10pm and there is no designated event parking. Check the Robertsbridge programme, viewing restrictions and access contact.

Choosing a Sussex fireworks night

Which events are free?

Free public viewing is advertised for Hastings, Isfield & Little Horsted, Lindfield, Worthing Lions and Battle. Donations are welcomed at these community events. Free viewing does not mean every part of the site is open: Hastings, for example, restricts entry to its procession and firesite.

Which display has an earlier fireworks start?

Hove’s Sussex Cricket display is expected around 7pm, West Dean’s is scheduled for 7.15pm, and Horsham Sports Club, Worthing, Cuckfield and Wadhurst advertise 7.30pm. These times may suit people avoiding a late finish, but an earlier display is not a promise of quieter fireworks or suitability for every child.

Can spectators join a torchlit procession?

Do not assume so. Hastings, Lindfield and South Heighton explicitly restrict public participation. Watch from the permitted areas, follow marshals’ instructions and leave discarded torches alone. The fire service recommends organised local celebrations. Follow each event’s rules on prohibited items; Lindfield, for example, bans visitors’ fireworks and sparklers.

What should visitors check before leaving home?

Check the organiser’s latest update, the correct entrance, road closures, return transport and whether admission must be booked. For wheelchair access, ask about the route into the viewing area and the ground surface, not just parking. Many firesites are fields, and the arrangements differ substantially between events.

Earlier dates in the 2026 Sussex bonfire season

Sussex’s societies visit one another throughout the autumn, so much of the calendar falls before 5 November. The following advertised dates are included for reference and are already past as of 16 October. They are not a claim that every originally planned element went ahead.

The Cliffe 2026 society calendar records these earlier dates, including 12 September for Fletching, while Fletching’s own website says 13 September. That discrepancy remains unresolved. Crowborough’s organiser also states that its planned Chapel Green bonfire was removed from the programme because of fire-risk conditions.

Other seasonal outings

• October half-term activities for other autumn family plans.
• Christmas light trails for later-season evening outings.

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