Hastings Borough Bonfire Society
Hastings Bonfire will be on
14th October 2023
Our bonfire society
What we do
What we do
We have great fun promoting the Sussex bonfire tradition.
Our main event is the Torchlit Procession with Fireworks along the route, Drumming, Bonfire, Effigy and Grand Finale Firework Display on the beach.
This is a 'no ticket' event for the public put on by the hard work and determination of HBBS volunteers. Our members may join in our procession, and join us at processions of other societies throughout the bonfire season
Our own society procession is the longest single torchlit procession in Sussex.
HBBS Pop-up Shop - again in 2023!
Visit our pop up shop for lots of weird and wonderful bargains, including bric-a-brac, clothing, jewellery and so much more. All proceeds will go towards our 2023 bonfire event
HASTINGS BOROUGH BONFIRE SOCIETY POP-UP SHOP
To help raise funds to put on this years’ event Hastings Borough Bonfire Society are holding a Pop-Up Shop fundraiser in the Old Town, open from Saturday 1st April to Sunday 9th April.
We will be in the old “Stone Corner” shop on the corner of the High Street and Courthouse Street and we will be selling all manner of donated goods at bargain prices.
It is also an ideal opportunity to come and talk to us about the society and find out about joining HBBS and all the numerous activities that members undertake throughout the year to put on our annual spectacular (this year it is on Saturday 15th October). Once you are a member you can take part in all the other Bonfire Societies Processions across Sussex too.
So do please “Pop in” to say hello, bag a bargain and support your local Bonfire Society so we can continue to put on the very best bonfire event in Sussex.
OPENING TIMES
Saturday 1st April 10am – 5pm
Sunday 2nd April 11am – 5pm
Monday 3rd to Friday 4th 10am – 5pm
Saturday 8th April 10am – 5pm
Sunday 9th April 11am – 5pm
Email contact: fundraising@hbbs.info
Purpose
Our object activities are the advancement of the Sussex Bonfire tradition, especially around the Hastings area.
We promote and organise the annual Hastings bonfire torch-lit procession, bonfire, firework and effigy displays and to promote and raise awareness of the bonfire tradition in Sussex, and incidental purposes. We will also assist other organisations undertaking similar events, and we support local community events in various ways.
We also operate a commercial firework display subsidiary, Renegade Pyrotechnics limited, which trains personnel in pyrotechnics and fundraises for the Hastings traditional bonfire and firework celebration by putting on bonfire shows for local parties, weddings and primary schools. As the pyro team are volunteers, we are able to accrue enough profit for fireworks for our annual beach display, most years with no central society funding for the firework display.
These events and activities are for the benefit of members, the local community, to help encourage visitors to the area and to promote the Sussex bonfire tradition.
2022 information - placeholder for 2023! follows
2022 Bonfire
Hastings Borough Bonfire Society’s Torchlit Procession and Fireworks this year was on Saturday 15th October 2022
Torchlit Procession with Fireworks along the route, Drumming, Bonfire, Effigy and Grand Finale Firework Display on the beach. Please support us where you can. For having a good time on the night, please see the information below...
This link gives event information on safety, dos & don'ts, timings, disabled facilities, the procession route, road closures, transport and parking, and the typical order of procession
2022 trains disruptions!
On 15 October 2022 there will be bus replacement services between Tunbridge Wells and Battle, with a shuttle train service between Battle and Hastings.
High-demand trains from West St Leonards and Battle will still run trains to Hastings, but there is still significant demand from those stations which will have replacement buses.
2021 bonfire
Preparation, procession, America ground ceremony, firecrackers, supporters galore, giant guy, more firecrackers, the gathering, drummers, firecarts, bonfire, fireworks and effigy
Our history
and why we do this madness!
(any problems playing then try in full-screen)
hastings_bonfire_tradition. (Original).movSupporters and Sponsors
What a fantastic event and wonderful time we all had in 2021! We have been delighted with all the fantastic positive feedback. Thank you to everyone who supported us!
This would not have been possible without the active help and skills of our many Members or without the financial and practical backing of many sponsors, this year particularly including Love Hastings and the ERDF EU Welcome Back Fund. Also see our Sponsor page , as many local businesses have again helped us hugely
With support from many, including Love Hastings
The Beacon on East Hill starts our torchlit event. This year we will also light the beacon on 2 June to mark The Queen's Platinum Jubilee
The Effigy during the fireworks
Hastings Borough Bonfire Society makes an effigy of something that is in the news, usually locally. Our effigy is either a celebration or something for current debate. We do not have an opinion when we burn the effigy and blow it up with fireworks. The idea is to make people think about and discuss that topic.
See our effigies from 1995 to 2021. Which are celebrations? Which are to promote debate?
Guy making is a fun tradition for our younger ones. 45 Guys were made by local children in 2021 which were then placed on the bonfire on the beach. 'Burn them'!
The America Ground declaration. Look this takes too long to explain here. Will get another page to explain that. Meantime, just watch and enjoy...
A bonfire - you'd expect one at a bonfire event! We don't disappoint!
Fire-carts bring up the rear to tidy up the remains of torch bats from the roads
Watch some of it, and enjoy...
Please bear it mind that it's a good deal louder when there in person (ho!)
Join us!
If you enjoyed our event and want to join to come along to one of our meetings at 8pm on the Second Tuesday of every month at The White Rock Hotel, then please feel free, or apply for membership for £15, use the form or online version here [Membership page link]
Who are we?
We are a group of volunteers who make Hastings Bonfire the largest single Bonfire celebration in Sussex! This fantastic event is put on through the dedication and sheer hard work of the members and volunteers. It is financed by: Fundraising of HBBS Members, Renegade Pyrotechnics, Our Sponsors, additional services provided by Hastings Borough Council e.g. road sweeping, public toilets and the use of Pelham Place Carpark.
We always welcome new members and volunteers. See Support or Membership for more information.
Come and have a bang with HBBS, and smile
We do.