Sussex Alerts - Lewes Police Thanks to all who made Lewes Bonfire 2025 a success

Thursday 6th November 2025

Sussex Alerts - Lewes Police

Thanks to all who made Lewes Bonfire 2025 a success

We would like to thank everyone who helped make this year’s Lewes Bonfire celebrations another safe and successful event.

Once again, the historic celebration — one of the largest of its kind in the country — drew thousands of people into the town on November 5. 

Early estimates suggest that around 40,000 people attended, making it one of the busiest nights in recent years.

The Lewes Bonfire celebrations are both unique and complex, requiring months of detailed planning and co-ordination between emergency services, local authorities, transport operators, bonfire societies, and partner agencies. Their close collaboration ensured that the event ran safely and smoothly, with the vast majority of attendees enjoying a spectacular night.

Emergency response and public safety

St John Ambulance and South East Coast Ambulance Service paramedics treated around 82 people during the evening, including 7 who were taken to hospital. East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service also dealt with a small number of incidents, details of which will be published on the service’s website.

Sussex Police can confirm that three arrests were made

A 38-year-old man, from Lewes, was arrested on suspicion of battery. He has been released from bail while enquiries continue.

A 27-year-old man, from Lewes, was arrested on suspicion of actual bodily harm and battery. He remains in police custody at this time.

A 16-year-old girl, from Lewes, was arrested on suspicion of failing to comply with a dispersal order.  She was de-arrested soon after and taken home by officers.

Chief Superintendent Katy Woolford said: “This year’s bonfire celebrations passed largely without significant incident, and on behalf of the multi-agency group I’d like to thank the community of Lewes for their continued support and co-operation.

“The planning for Lewes Bonfire begins almost immediately after the previous year’s event and involves extensive work from police, local authorities, emergency services, and transport partners. It’s a complex operation, but one that ensures everyone can enjoy this unique occasion safely. We’re very grateful to all those involved.”

Linda Farley, Lewes District Council, added: “Lewes Bonfire is one of the highlights of the year, and we’re immensely proud of everyone who contributed to making it another safe and memorable night.

“My thanks go to the emergency services, St John Ambulance, council staff in Neighbourhood First and Regulatory Services, who work tirelessly with partners throughout the year to help the bonfire societies plan a safe and enjoyable event for local people. Thanks also to our Environment First team, who worked through the night to ensure the town was clean and tidy before most people were even out of bed.

“So many people work behind the scenes for months to prepare for this event, and their dedication helps make Lewes Bonfire such a cherished and celebrated tradition.”

Group Manager Tom Walby, from East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, said: "As fireworks season continues, East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service would like to encourage members of the public to continue to choose safer, local community organised events. If you do decide to celebrate at home, we would like to remind everyone to follow the firework code and take extra care with bonfires. Safety advice and details of organised events can be found at  www.esfrs.org/choose-local-is-back-for-bonfire-season."

Planning will soon begin for Lewes Bonfire 2026, continuing the long-standing partnership approach that keeps this historic event safe and successful.