Last minute preparations are taking place for Rye Bonfire Night this Saturday 15 November. With ten thousand people expected in town, there’s a call for more marshals.
The bonfire is being built on the Salts in spite of the week’s wet weather. As is traditional in Rye a boat is being placed on top.
Bonfire Societies from across Sussex will follow members of the Rye Society, Ryebellion Drummers and Scorcher the dragon on a tour around town, starting at 7pm from Mason Road at Tilling Green.
From Mason Road the route follows Ferry Road to the Crown Inn, turns left into Cinque Ports Street, Tower Street, through Landgate Arch, Hilders Cliff (East Cliff) on to High Street, The Mint, turns right into Wish Ward, Cinque Ports Street, Tower Street, left down Landgate, right into Bedford Place and finishes on the bonfire site on the Salts.
At 7.40pm, the Chairing down of Rye Fawkes 2025 takes place, with the bonfire lit at 8pm. Fireworks will follow at 8.15pm.
There are a number of road closures throughout the day. All roads on the procession route will be shut from 6.30pm to 10pm. The main A259 road will be closed through Rye from 7pm to 10pm. Rye railway station will be closed from 3pm until the start of service on Sunday.
To keep the event safe, Rye Bonfire Society says people should not bring pets or their own fireworks. The society is also warning that none of the street vendors selling plastic glowing toys are officially authorised and is encouraging everyone to take their own rubbish away after the evening to help with Sunday’s clear up.
Rye Bonfire is run by volunteers who fundraise throughout the year. It receives no financial support from public funds to stage the family-friendly event.
The Rye Bonfire 2025 programme is now available from Adams, Bargain Box and Treasures of Rye.
Image Credits: Kt bruce , Rye Bonfire Society , Barbara Astley-Morton .