Bonfire event information

Hastings Borough Bonfire Society’s Torchlit Procession and Fireworks is on Saturday 14th October 2023

Torchlit Procession with Fireworks along the route, Drumming, Bonfire, Effigy and Grand Finale Firework Display on the beach. This is a 'no ticket' event put on by the hard work and determination of HBBS volunteers.  Please support us where you can.  For having a good time on the night, please see the information below... 

Summary details for Sat 14 Oct 2023 (if you can't get a programme - they are likely to sell out this year!)  Typical timings are: -

Members - please see page members.hbbs.info/members-2023-event-info 

Here is our safety info an rules

Safety

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.

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

Do NOTs

DOs

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

Covid

We  need you to be Covid safe: 

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

Timings

Disabled facilities

Procession route

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.

Road closures

Road closures take effect 6PM (approx.) Roads re-open 10.30PM – 11.00PM (approx.) Closure and opening timings may vary. They are dependent on safety and made in consultation with the local police.

Transport and parking

Parking on roads and in car parks is limited by road closures – see maps. Car parks can fill up quickly. Buses and trains can be crowded. It can take extra time to walk due to the crowds. 

Typical order of procession

Grand Procession to Celebrate the Discovery of The Gunpowder Plot
The Hastings Borough Bonfire Society Banners and Maces
The America Ground Banner Giant Effigy of Guy Fawkes
Hastings Borough Bonfire Society

With the following invited guests and societies in normal order
Section 5 Drummers
South Street Bonfire Society
Rye and District Bonfire Society
Ryebellion Drummers
Ewehurst and Staplecross Bonfire Society
Robertsbridge Bonfire Society
Battel Bonfire Society
Sambalanco
Lindfield Bonfire Society
Chailey Bonfire Society
Fishbone Ash
Rotherfield and Mark Cross Bonfire Society
Ninfield Bonfire Society
Raven Drummers
Northiam Bonfire Society
Hawkhurst Gang Bonfire Society
Pentancle Drummers
Robin Hood Bonfire Society
Cliffe Bonfire Society
Drumskullz
Barcombe Bonfire Society
Phoenix (Lewes)
Lewes Scout Band
Uckfield Bonfire Society
Waterloo Bonfire Society
Stix Drummers
Eastbourne Bonfire Society
Burgess Hill Bonfire Society
Sambattalion
Firle Bonfire Society
Newick Bonfire Society
Celebration Samba
Mayfield Bonfire Society
Saxon re-enactors
Dende Nation Drummers
Other visiting Societies
HBBS Blazing Firecarts

 
The following will also take part in the procession
The 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 

This year's latest procession order can be found here on the Visiting Societies page...

Updated procession map - a slight update is here - the procession does not light until a little later in Robertson Street this year, and we loop round Winkle Island for a re-torching like we did last year.