Lewes Bonfire Night 2025
Each November, Lewes transforms from a quiet Sussex town into the fiery heart of one of the world’s most renowned Fifth of November celebrations. Lewes Bonfire Night is the largest and oldest of its kind in the UK, attracting tens of thousands of visitors every year.
The scale of the event means roads close early, parking is extremely limited, and planning ahead is essential to make your visit as smooth as possible.
When is Lewes Bonfire Night This Year?
Lewes Bonfire Night isn’t one single event; it’s six separate bonfire society celebrations taking place throughout the town, each with its own processions, costumes, fire sites and fireworks.
Date: Wednesday 5th November 2025
Time: Processions begin from around 5:00 PM and continue late into the night
Location: Lewes Town Centre, East Sussex
Tickets: Entry to bonfire fire sites is ticket-only. Tickets can be purchased in advance from individual bonfire societies or via the Lewes Tourist Information Centre. Buying early is strongly advised. Programmes with routes and timings are also available, with proceeds supporting the societies themselves.
Lewes: “The Bonfire Capital of the World”
Known locally simply as “The Fifth”, the Lewes Bonfire Night Celebrations mark Guy Fawkes’ failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605 and commemorate the Seventeen Martyrs burned in Lewes in the 16th century.
With over 30 visiting bonfire societies, six local societies, and more than 30 processions throughout the evening, this is the UK’s only true large-scale bonfire celebration of its kind.
As many as 5,000 people take part in the celebrations each year, with up to 80,000 spectators descending on a town of just over 17,000 residents.
Where Should I Park for Lewes Bonfire Night?
There is no public parking available in Lewes town on Bonfire Night.
All official car parks and street parking fill up very early in the day, and road closures begin from around 2:00 PM. Once closed, routes into the town remain shut through the evening and into the early hours.
If you’re planning to visit by car, the best option is to park outside Lewes and walk or transfer in. Turning up without a plan isn’t advised.
Reserve a Space Nearby with JustPark
To make your evening stress-free, pre-book parking near Lewes with JustPark. Private driveways and small car parks in surrounding towns and villages offer the most reliable option, letting you park up well before the closures and then walk or transfer in.
Popular nearby areas for parking include:
- Park in Falmer – convenient for approaching Lewes from the south
- Park near Cooksbridge and Ringmer – ideal for a short onward walk
- Reserve a space in Brighton – with more parking availability and onward travel options
Booking ahead means no circling for a space and no getting caught outside the closures.
Top Tips for Bonfire Night Visitors
- Don’t rely on finding parking in Lewes itself.
- Book your space early in nearby areas using JustPark.
- Wrap up warm and waterproof.
- Expect heavy crowds, long waits, and plenty of walking.
Make the Most of Lewes Bonfire Night
The Fifth of November in Lewes is unlike any other Bonfire Night in the world. A bit of preparation goes a long way: book parking outside the town, arrive early, and enjoy the “Bonfire Capital of the World”.
