Hastings Borough Bonfire Society

Our next Hastings Bonfire will be on
14th October 2023

Support us:

What we do

We remember the overthrowing of The Gunpowder Plot in 1605. 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.  It allows us to raise thousands for local community groups and charities.

Sponsor a memorial firework shell

As part of our October bonfire event's firework display, we have a section of memorial shells sponsored by people wanting to mark the moment by remembering their loved-ones - see page Sponsor a memorial firework shell

Please support us by donating

It costs thousands to put on this free event, so please support us by donating.

New Crowd-funder campaign - for funding our 2023 event: -

We are extremely grateful to the financial and practical backing of many sponsors and many local businesses. Thank you!

Our purpose is 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 including some collecting & disbursement of donations (thousands annually). 


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 and educate about the Sussex bonfire tradition, including traditional crafts to achieve this.


Join us!

If you enjoy our event and want to join us, then 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, details here.

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 (until August) and volunteers.  See Support or Membership for more information.

Current Headline Links

2023 Bonfire event information:

Draft information of our 2023 procession, bonfire, fireworks and effigy event is here: - 14 October 2023

Merchandise:

Memorial firework shells:

Donate - we are a free event!  You can donate for a programme too - around the old town from mid-September

Thank You!

HBBS Grand Auction 2023

Thank you all for a fabulous night, and for your generous auction lots and bids.