Bonfire event information

Hastings Borough Bonfire Society’s Torchlit Procession, Bonfire and Fireworks is on Saturday 12th October 2024

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 12th October 2024 (if you can't get a programme - they are likely to sell out agin this year!) Typical timings are: -

9:30am - children's Guy making competition at Stade Hall - under 16s. Judging at 2pm for the winner to take price of place on the bonfire
5.30 pm - Road closures come into force in time for the Junior Member's procession from the Stade westward along the promenade and being met by a Pyrotechnic salute on reaching the fire site at before 6pm, by when all road closures will be in place until 11pm.
5.30pm - Junior Procession - torchlit procession from the Stade to the Fire site . The procession will consist of a lead banner followed by Juniors and parents. The procession will be met by a Pyrotechnic salute on reaching the fire site.
6:30 pm - Form up - bonfire societies, drummers and dance bands form on the Seafront between Robertson Street and The White Rock Hotel. Watch out for the lamppost lettering to find where your society should form up. Toilets and drinks are available at our Headquarters: The White Rock Hotel. Torches will be distributed to members of the Bonfire Societies at the procession assembly point on the pavement (near Source Park). Torches will not be distributed after 6.45 pm.
6.45pm - Beacon Lit. Hastings runs bring lit torches to the assembly point.
7:00 pm - The America Ground Ceremony. The America Ground Proclamation is read at the entrance to The America Ground.
7.15 pm Torchlit Procession The procession light their torches and set off from the junction of Robertson Street and the A259.
7.45 pm As the procession passes the Firesite a loud pyrotechnic set piece is discharged. The procession continues its route around the Old Town.
8.50 pm The procession arrives onto the Firesite heralded by "Chinese Crackers".
9.00 pm (when all the procession and the fire carts are inside the fire site) bonfire prayers are said before the bonfire is lit by the Town Mayor. The torches are thrown in.
9:15 pm- Fireworks Display. Renegade Pyrotechnics discharge an ariel display of amazing fireworks. During this display this year's chosen secret effigy will be dispatched as part of the fireworks.
11pm approximately - road closures end when the Police and other Authorities give the all-clear.

Here is our safety info and 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.

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.

Do NOTs

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.

DOs

Obey any instructions from the Police and 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; most don't like fireworks and sudden noise
Allow plenty of time to travel to and from the event - check for train disruptions
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

Covid

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.

Timings

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.

Disabled facilities

The closest disabled parking to the fire site is in Wellington Square, Castle Hill Road and Priory Meadow Shopping Centre. Please note that Pelham Place car park is closed, and all other car parks become incredibly busy and only have a few disabled bays, so we recommend arriving early to ensure suitable parking. See parking map below.
The disabled viewing area is located by the Pelham Place toilets
There is a disabled toilet at Pelham Place toilets. Attendant provides access.

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 5:30pm. 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.

Parking for coaches is in Falaise Road. Some car parks opening times are limited by the event. Further information is at http://hbbs.info/event_information.html

Road closures start at 5:30pm this year to allow our Junior Procession to start their processsion along the carriageway at that time, from the Stade westward along the promenade, and being met by a Pyrotechnic salute on reaching the fire site at 6pm, by when all road closures will remain in place until 11pm.

Procession order / assembly

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

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.