The advice from the multi-agency
group remains do not to come to the event from outside of Lewes but find a
firework display closer to home. You can
find information about local events at: http://staylocallewes.blogspot.co.uk/p/local-events.html
Roads will be closed, parking
suspended and trains will not be stopping at Lewes and nearby stations. Read
more about the timings of these restrictions further down this page.
Lewes town centre will be
extremely busy, it will be uncomfortable as the town is small and not suitable
for large crowds. Lewes has a population of 17,000 people and last time the
bonfire took place on a Saturday when there weren’t travel restrictions, 60,000
people were in the town.
The event is not just a firework
display but a large procession. Due to large crowds, it is unlikely you will
get a good viewing position for the procession.
We also believe this event is not
suitable for children and young families because of the number of people, the
layout of the town, the noise and it not being a classic firework display. It
could be very scary for these reasons and other events elsewhere would be more
suitable.
Please note that we do not organise the event - the individual
bonfire societies run their own displays and will have their own measures in
place. Please check with them if you intend to attend one of their events. You
can find information about the Societies here: http://www.lewesbonfirecouncil.org.uk/
Can I park nearby?
There will be parking restrictions in place in town from
midday and vehicles left in areas where you cannot park will be removed. In
previous years, people have parked on the verge on the A27 – this is not
acceptable as it poses a risk to traffic and to pedestrians walking along the
road. This year the A27 is a clearway
and the Police will be enforcing this. If you park your car on the A27 your vehicle
will be towed.
Am I going to be able
to get home?
There will be no trains from midday until normal Sunday services resume, there will also be limited buses and taxis and it is likely that you could be standing outside for hours, as it is November it could be cold and wet. If you
do decide to go then you are responsible for your own arrangements with regard
to getting home safely. The advice
is to stay away from the event unless you live in Lewes.
Will public
facilities such as toilets be open? Will additional facilities be provided?
Yes. Public toilets will be open and there will be additional
facilities provided on the streets of Lewes. However please note that the
majority of shops and pubs close and there are no organised public areas where
you can shelter if the weather gets bad.
Were there any
injuries last year?
In excess of 80 people needed treatment by the ambulance
service last year that included several significant eye injuries.
What do I do if I
need help or first aid?
Look for a steward or police officer. St John’s Ambulance
will be in attendance and you can also call 999 if it is a serious incident.
I use a wheelchair –
what facilities will be available to me?
You will need to contact the bonfire societies to see what
provisions they are making for the displays at their fire sites.
The procession takes place through a public space which will
be very crowded and there are no viewing platforms/areas set aside.
I am bringing my
young family/I have children in pushchairs – what facilities are available to
me?
You will need to contact the bonfire societies to see what
provisions they are making for the displays at their fire sites.
The procession takes place through a public space which will
be very crowded and there are no viewing platforms/areas set aside. . Many of the streets of Lewes are narrow, steep or cobbled which can make it hard to negotiate. It will be
extremely loud, which could permanently affect children’s hearing. There is
also a danger of flying embers.
For these reasons we believe the procession is not suitable
for young children or children in push chairs.
Can I bring alcohol
and food with me?
We would advise against bringing anything in glass bottles
to the event. There are no areas set aside for people to eat.
Only people over 18 can drink alcohol in public. There is a Public
Space Protection Order in place covering all of Lewes: http://www.lewes.gov.uk/community/26210.asp
How will I know who
the stewards are?
You will need to contact bonfire societies to find out their
arrangements for their respective displays.
Stewards for the processions will be wearing high visibility
jackets. Please ensure that you follow their instructions.
There will also be police officers on duty.
What should I do if I
see a lit torch or a flare on the ground?
Please do not touch it under any circumstances. If you are
concerned it may cause a fire e.g. it is up against a building or vehicle, or
it is a safety hazard, please tell a Police Officer or steward.