BONFIRE Night is on the horizon, and the biggest celebration in the WORLD is right here in the UK.
Lewes will hold its annual event in a matter of weeks and not only is it free to visit but it will be busier than ever.
Thousands of Brits descend on the town in East Sussex which has been holding bonfire events since 1795.
However, it isn’t the usual firework display followed by hot chocolates – this one is the world’s biggest with torchlit processions and giant effigies.
The event marks both Guy Fawkes Night and the memory of 17 martyrs from the town who were burnt at the stake.
Every year, six different bonfire societies each hold their own procession and firework displays.
In 2024, it was recorded that 40,000 people were in attendance.
The event is predicted to be even busier this year because it falls nearer the weekend on Thursday, November 5.
The majority of the event is completely free, like the bonfire at Commercial Square – but visitors will need to pay to watch at others.
This year, the processions start at around 5pm and will arrive at the individual bonfire at around 9.45pm with fireworks displays finishing around 11pm.
Travel Writer, Hope Brotherton, who has previously attended told visitors to “be prepared”.
She said: “In the last few years, I’ve been lucky enough to attend Lewes Bonfire because a handful of my friends are from the Sussex town.”
“Because the town’s streets and alleyways are rather narrow, the High Street in Lewes is one of the best, and safest, places to watch the torch-lit procession.
“The processions can often be very loud because of the drums that accompany each of the societies. But the noise is all part of the electric atmosphere, as are the effigies.
“If you do want a drink in a pub, be sure to head there in the early afternoon. Several of the bonfire societies base themselves in local pubs too, which means they can be busier than usual.”
On the day of the event there will be limited rail services – trains will not stop at Lewes from 5pm until the start of the service the next day.
There will also be road closures around and in the town due to the procession and predicted number of attendees.
It’s so popular that those wanting to visit are encouraged to book hotels a year in advance.
On Booking.com there’s a one-night stay available from November 5-6, 2027 from £75 per night (for two people).
Unlike many other firework and bonfire events around the UK, the one in Lewes is not suitable for children or young families as officials warn it can be ‘overwhelming’.
Despite this, lots of visitors often rave about the event calling it an “amazing experience”.
One wrote on Tripadvisor: “The energy is superb, the friendliness of everyone involved, and a feeling of excitement throughout makes this such a memorable night out.
“Everyone should come to Lewes on November 5th at least once, you will never find a night like this anywhere else in the world.”