For the last 18 years the 5th November has been a special celebration for us. No, not because of bonfire night, but because it is the day that I produced my second daughter (who aptly shot out like a rocket, but perhaps that’s too much detail).
Last night was no exception and along with 30,000 other revellers (and that was half of the usual number who attend) we were braving the cold, autumn air to watch the spectacle that Lewes is renown for. For those of you not fortunate to live near to this exquisite town, it is the biggest celebrated  5th November event in the world – not to be missed.

30,000 of us watching

  For such a huge amount of people packed into a small town, there is usually very little hassle. Yes, you get jostled. Yes, there are drunken revellers vying for a good vantage spot to watch the bands, magnificent costumes and large effigies that are pulled up and down the streets and yes, one year a woman told me off for pushing (it wasn’t my fault but the people behind me, m’ lud). But the party atmosphere is enticing. Even afterwards when the crowd disperses to watch the five, large bonfire displays that occur at different sites around the town, the ooohs and ahhhs are still enthusiastically heard as the magnificent fireworks light the sky. (I thought the elderly man standing in the field next to me was about to wet his pants with excitement as he threw his head skywards and exclaimed at each firework as it lit up the sky – then his childlike enthusiasm was explained when he mentioned  his half empty glass of cider.)
    Last night we were out there again. The young French exchange student with us enjoyed the antics of the lairy city gent hell bent on shouting at the parade. I’m just grateful his English wasn’t up to translating all the abuse hurled.

        I would urge anyone to witness this spectacle. Don’t be put of by scaremongers who tell you it is dangerous, too crowded or wild. A week day is best as the town can swell to 60,000 if the 5th falls on a Saturday. You will see families with young babies enjoying the revelry and I have taken various children over the years, always counting them out and counting them in again with none lost, injured or scarred to date. ( I would recommend taking some ear plugs though as often firecrackers are let off right in front of you. Although leaping a foot in surprise does give you an added vantage point.)

        I will always be grateful for the revellers in Lewes for attending the birthday girl’s celebrations and making them go with a bang. Last night while she  wanted the restaurant to sing  her ‘Happy Birthday’ as usual, understandably the lure of her mates, legal alcohol and roaming around the town caused greater excitement than bonding with her family. Needless to say I was in my bed before her but I could still hear the rest of Lewes from 6 miles away, sharing her special day, safe in the knowledge that the cleaning fairies would do a  marvellous clearing up job ready for the town to wake this morning.

Teresa x

If you want to know more about the what goes on in Lewes on the 5th November, here’s some links:-
Lewes Bonfire Celebrations

Fabulous photos from the BBC:-

Related articles

• In pictures: Lewes bonfire parade (bbc.co.uk)