Bonfire societies in Lewes

The Lewes bonfire societies are:

Cliffe
Commercial Square
Lewes Borough
South Street
Waterloo
Southover
Nevill Juvenile

The Nevill Juvenile Bonfire Society is run for children whilst Waterloo is very family-oriented. Cliffe, Commercial Square and Lewes Borough bonfire societies are very traditional with Cliffe having the biggest reputation for controversial displays and super loud fireworks.

All of them are great to watch during the processions but you should pick your bonfire and firework display carefully if you have children or a 'dodgy ticker'!

Why so many societies?

The reason there are so many societies is to allow as many people as possible to enjoy the tradition of bonfire in Lewes - both visitors and residents.

Nearly 150,000 people came to Lewes in 2003 (150 years of bonfire in Lewes) to take part in the celebrations, so it has become imperative to split the numbers up and spread the event throughout the town. The processions overlap in places throughout the evening but then go their separate ways to their fire sites.

This all helps to keep the event fairly problem free and enjoyable for all.

Society: Cliffe

Started: 1853
Firesite: Ham Lane
Colours: Black and white
Motto: Nulli Secundus ('never second')
Emblem: Skull and crossbones
HQ: The Dorset
More info: www.cliffebonfire.com

Society: Commercial Square

Started: 1855
Firesite: Landport Recreation Ground
Colours: Black and gold
Motto: For Independence
HQ: Elephant and Castle
More info: www.csbs.co.uk

Society: Lewes Borough

Started: 1853
Firesite: Landport Bottom
Colours: Blue and white
Motto: Death or Glory
Emblem: Castle and keys
HQ: The Constitutional Club
More info: www.lewesboroughbonfiresociety.com

Society: Southover

Started: 1858 (originally)
Firesite: Cockshut Lane
Colours: Red and black
Motto: Advance
Emblem: Priory monk
HQ: Kings Head

Society: South Street

Started: 1913
Firesite: Railway Land
Colours: Brown and cream
Motto: Faithful unto Death
Emblem: The Martyr's Memorial
HQ: Cliffe British Legion

Society: Waterloo

Started: 1870's (originally)
Firesite: Malling Brooks - next to Tesco
Colours: Red and white
Motto: True to Each Other
Emblem: Bundle of faggots between two torches
HQ: The Lamb

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