Bonfire event information

The event is likely to be crowded and noisy, with loud bangs. Naked flames and fireworks can be dangerous. The very young, elderly and people of a nervous disposition are advised to keep well back, both during the procession and during the firework display. There will be smoke and flames so wear sensible non-flammable clothing and bring your inhaler if you suffer with asthma. Hastings Borough Bonfire Society cannot accept responsibility for any personal injury or loss or damage of personal items. Please act sensibly; anyone attending the event does so entirely at their own risk. In the event of bad weather or other unforeseen circumstances, certain details of the event may alter without prior notice.

• Please be aware that during the event, it is likely to include loud bangs from the firework display. You may wish to wear ear plugs or defenders during this part of the event.

• The torch lit procession is formed of rows of 3 abreast carrying a lit torch, please be aware and do not try to join the procession. Our members are briefed on the safe carrying of torches and will be aware of the close proximity at certain points. Play your part by keeping a safe distance from the procession as it goes by. 

Stay safe and help to keep everyone else safe and above all enjoy the day. 

• Pick up any discarded torches – they will be collected by the firecarts. 

• Cross or climb any safety barriers – they are there for your safety. There may be unspent fireworks on the beach after the display. 

• Try to join the procession or gain entry to the firesite – the event is organised and managed by the Bonfire Society and only invited societies, groups and guests are permitted in the procession and firesite. 

• Bring, light or throw your own fireworks – this is dangerous and against the law. 

• Bring pets to the event – they are bound to be frightened. 

• Wear flammable or precious clothing, or accessories. Avoid use of hairspray or other combustible sprays.  There are likely to be sparks and embers that could pose a fire risk and /or singe clothing or accessories.

• Obey any instructions from the Police or Marshals 

• Wear old clothes and sensible footwear 

• Consider wearing safety glasses and ear protection 

• Stand well back and allow the procession room to pass safely 

• Keep pets away; they don't like fireworks and sudden noise 

• Allow plenty of time to travel to and from the event - be aware of likely train disruptions on 15 October 2022

• Consider ear-defenders.  Please be aware that during the event, it is likely to include loud bangs from the firework display. You may wish to wear ear plugs or defenders during this part of the event, or plan them for your children or those in your party with hearing issues.  Or simply stand further away from the procession, fire-cracker points, the mascleta and the fireworks

• But please do have a great evening and please do put money in the collecting buckets – all collection monies go to local charities.

Hastings Borough Bonfire Society Advocates safe drinking www.drinkaware.co.uk 

We  need you to be Covid safe: 

• • Many of the restrictions have now been lifted, and been replaced with guidance, putting the emphasis on making your own judgements.

  • Please follow the latest Government and Medical guidance relating to your own medical condition, when deciding whether to attend the event. Particularly if you suffer from a respiratory condition.  We maintain a safe distance between the bonfire and the public area, however smoke from the bonfire and procession torches may affect your condition. . 

  • It is recommended that you have received the vaccinations to attend crowd events

  • Respect everyone’s personal space, where social distancing is not possible, please stand side by side rather than facing each other. Hands, Face, Space, Fresh Air.

Outdoor events seem less risky, so we hope you will enjoy our event and stay safe.

• All timings are approximate. Weather or unforeseen circumstances may mean we have to change or cancel any part of the event. Timings could be earlier or later. 

  • Procession begins at 7.15-20pm at the seafront end of Robertson Street 

  • Fireworks 9-9:15pm approximately.

  • We expect the evening will be over around 10pm

  • Paid-up society members may then settle around the bonfire to de-brief.

White Rock > Robertson Street > Havelock Road > Harold Place > Denmark Place > Pelham Place > Marine Parade > East Parade > East Beach Street > Rock-a-Nore Road > All Saints Street > High Street > East Parade > Marine Parade > Pelham Place. Bonfire and Fireworks are on the beach in front of Pelham Place car park.

Grand Procession to Celebrate the Discovery of The Gunpowder Plot 

• HBBS Banners & Maces
  The Hastings Borough Bonfire Society Banners and Maces
  The America Ground Banner 

• Giant Effigy of Guy Fawkes

• Hastings Borough Bonfire Society

• The Mayor, & Honourable Guests
  The Mayor Of Hastings and Deputy Mayor of Hastings
  The Member of Parliament For Hastings & Rye
  Members Of The Ancient Borough Of Hastings & The Cinque Ports
  Honourable Guests From The Order Of 1066
  The Hastings Week Committee 

• Section 5 Drummers

• Lewes South Street Bonfire Society

• Ewhurst and Staplecross Bonfire Society

• Robertsbridge Bonfire Society

• Raven Drummers

• Battel Bonfire Society

• Ninfield Bonfire Society

• Sambalanco

• Northiam Bonfire Society

• Rye and District Bonfire Society

• Ryebellion Drummers

• Lewes Cliffe Bonfire Society

• Nevill Juvenille Bonfire Society

• Chiddingly Parish Bonfire Society

• Drumskullz

• Hawkhurst Gang Bonfire Society

• Hailsham Bonfire Society

• Rotherfield and Mark Cross Bonfire Society

• Pentancle Drummers
  [but likely to be moved back a society or two on the night]

• South Heighton Bonfire Society

• Lewes Southover Bonfire Society

• Eastbourne Bonfire Society

• Chailey Bonfire Society

• Seaford Bonfire Society

• East Hoathly & Halland Bonfire Society

• Celebration Samba 
  [but likely to be moved forward a society or two on the night]

• Lindfield Bonfire Society

• Mayfield Bonfire Society

• Barcombe Bonfire Society

• Lewes Commercial Square Bonfire Society

• Sambattalion

• Uckfield Bonfire Society

• Lewes Waterloo Bonfire Society

• Littlehampton Bonfire Society

• Who the Devil Are We

• Burgess Hill Bonfire Society

• Isfield & Little Horsted Bonfire Society

• The Iceni Dance Troupe

• Firle Bonfire Society

• Newick Bonfire Society

• Edenbridge Bonfire Society

• Fishbone Ash

• Buxted Bonfire Society

• Other visiting Societies

• HBBS Blazing Firecarts