Rye Bonfire is one of the most atmospheric events of the year and is eagerly awaited by so many. The large torch-lit procession mustered as usual at Tilling Green and then wove its way through the attractive streets of the town ending at Rye Salts where there was a huge bonfire and spectacular fireworks display. The organisers must have been so relieved that the weather of last year was not repeated. It was a crisp night filled with the drama of burning torches and the sound of drums. It is a proud moment for the home team Ryebellion Drummers to showcase their skills and entertain the crowds.
One encounter on the night was with a couple from Ladywell in South London, Tony and Victoria, who had come for the weekend to watch the pageant and fireworks. Tony commented: “Rye is such a delightful town and have visited before but to have the added bonus of Bonfire Night was such a draw. We love the tradition, the excitement and the buzz and we really loved the pageant. We enjoyed our own fireworks at home on the fifth and then had this to look forward to in Rye. Doubly happy.”
A second encounter was with a lovely family who had come down to Rye to be with Grandma who had cleverly bought a house on the route: they loved it and enjoyed the front row seats.
Rye Bonfire Society’s website reminds us that all of the Rye Bonfire team are no strangers to hard work and fund-raise tirelessly each year to stage Rye Bonfire. The spectators have the hard-working society members to thank for their fund-raising efforts with auctions, boot-fairs, quiz nights, and much more, to make this spectacular event possible.
It is also important to recognise the assistance of members of neighbouring societies, particularly Robertsbridge and Hastings, in helping to make Rye Bonfire a success.
Thank you to James Ratchford ( https://jamesratchfordphotography.com/) Steve Hutchings (https://bit.ly/RyeBonfirePix )Mick Pearce (maryandmick.com) and Peter Connock for stunning photos
Image Credits: Steve Hutchings , Kt bruce , James Ratchford , Steve Hutchings , Mike Pearce /Mick and Mary Design , Peter Connock .
What a fantastic night, sadly the streets on armistice day were not as clean as in previous years. The question to ask is, were the council not willing to provide street cleaners.
I am afraid that they were not this year. Cost savings were cited
For us the enjoyment of the parade was slightly marred by a group of drunken women who insisted on dancing on the road and getting in the way of the marchers. One woman’s hair even caught fire briefly at one point, because they just didn’t have enough brain cells active to stay away from the torches. Nobody involved in the parade said anything to them, probably expecting a mouthful of abuse, and we didn’t see any officials active along our part of the parade route (we were in front of Adams so not exactly in an obscure spot).
Walking home, we came across the usual assortment of drunks, not to mention people who had come to Rye earlier in the day with absolutely no idea of how they were going to get home! Visitors who live in suburbs seldom realize that there really will be no Uber, no taxis, no buses and no trains.
And, of course, there was the state of the streets on Remembrance Sunday, which was pretty appalling.
Like most Rye residents, I appreciate that the majority of visitors are lovely people who just want to enjoy themselves. I know that hard work has been done (especially stopping the trains after 3pm) to minimize disruptive visitors. I appreciate all the hard work the Bonfire Society puts in, and we happily support them. But crowd control is still a huge issue at this event, and I hope the organizers continue to work on improving their standards.
Hi Jane – as a former longterm drummer, I totally agree with your comments re poor behaviour amongst the crowds. Being part of the procession can be tricky, as we are focusing on drumming as well as trying to manoeuvre around various obstacles such as spent torches, uneven surfaces etc, and the selfish people who obstruct our path are no doubt totally unaware of the danger and risks that they create. Sadly, the Bonfire Society Marshalls are out of their depth in this capacity- their job is too navigate the procession, not monitor behaviour. This should be done by police, who are trained for dealing with crowd control.
Totally agree with David Giles.
I get the feeling that the council is losing sight of obvious priorities…
Why does Jane steen vent her spleen at the bonfire society,surely the police were present to observe law and order,maybe she should also ask Rother district council why they decided not to clean up the streets of Rye,I always thought that’s what we payed our high council tax for.
Brilliant event, well done to all of those who put so much work into it all. I saw criminal damage to one of the fences near Skinners roundabout and various acts antisocial behaviour. There were many Special Constabulary on duty but didn’t see one interact with the public regards to these behaviours. The littering by many of the crowd was dreadful. Well done to everyone for clearing this up. Long live the Bonfire Society in Rye and a massive thank you to all involved.
It’s sad that some people are blaming Rye bonfire society on Rye news, these hard working bonfire boys had plenty of jobs to do on the night, to put this spectacular on for locals and visitors alike, the police were present to maintain law and order, and let’s not forget Rother district council wanted thousands this year to clean up the streets after the event, time some people stopped passing the buck and appreciated, what this small society has done,to put one of the biggest events,in the Rye Calendar.
I find it sad that some come on Rye news to blame the excellent display that our bonfire society put on, on Saturday evening, surely it was up to the police to control law and order,as for the no show of Rothers contractors,we all know where the blame lies on that issue.
Personally I and many others have nothing but respect for the bonfire boys putting this magnificent event on for locals and visitors alike, as for other matters it was up to the police to make sure of law and order was obeyed, as for Rother districts know show this year, that’s another matter,that needs to be addressed.
In all the photos I have seen none have been of the guy. Was it already installed on the bonfire? Have we lost the real meaning of the celebration?
I certainly have nothing but admiration for the bonfire boys,putting on such an excellent show,for locals and visitors alike, and am sad to see a negative comment, which has nothing to do with the bonfire boys.
What a fantastic night, thank you to everyone that made this night happen.
I supported all the collection boxes etc. that I could to help to contribute towards the cost.
Ms Steen is quite wrong.
To quote: “….crowd control is still a huge issue at this event, and I hope the organizers continue to work on improving their standards.”
It was a peaceful and enjoyable evening, big thanks as always to the Bonfire Society. The firework display was superb, and the clear-up was quick and most efficient.