Rye and District Bonfire Society organised a spectacular parade and firework show on Saturday, November 9. The town was heaving from 6pm onwards with many people travelling some distance.
Eric, Carrie, Marie and Mark had travelled down for the weekend from London and had heard from friends that it was the best bonfire evening on the south coast. They had a brilliant evening and are making plans to return next year.
Kate, Luna, Matt and Gigi Sellers walked into town from their home in Rye. Kate said: “It’s brilliant. A really friendly evening and so well-organised. I love the tradition and it’s a great way of selling our town.”
Nigel and Marie Fox from Orpington loved the atmosphere. “We never knew there were so many bonfire societies, but the whole evening feels part of our history. The smell of the torches is really atmospheric.”
Simon, Julie and Madison Brown from Wittersham explained that the last time they had been was when Madison was in a pushchair. Julie said: “What a good atmosphere. I love the procession with all the drumming. It’s noisy but I remember it being much noisier when everyone had bangers. Still an amazing evening though.”
Ryebellion Drummers relish the bonfire evening because they are on home turf and the crowds love them and turn out in droves. It is good to see all the other bonfire societies taking part as it is through the support of all the societies working together and attending each others’ evenings that the whole season is such a success. It takes a great deal of dedication to be committed to so many Saturday nights during October and November.
It was a brilliant job once again, Rye Bonfire Society, and thank you for all you do to make it such a splendid evening.
Image Credits: Steve Hutchings/Rye Bonfire Society , Kt bruce , James Stewart , Peter Connock , Peter Connock , Bev Ham .
A big thank you to Rye Bonfire Society for an amazing evening.
You all do so much and do it so, so well.
Congratulations to Rye Bonfire Society and all those involved in making this event so brilliant!
The Rye Bonfire is the biggest event for the town and much enjoyed, but I wonder whether it risks becoming a victim of its own success? The crowd this year was huge, and there was near-gridlock when thousands attempted to leave after the fireworks. There was a solid mass of people from the Salts, across the railway bridge and up Rye Hill. In my view, there are three main problems. First, nothing ever seems to run on time. The fireworks were meant to start at 20.15, but didn’t kick off until 20.50. Second, the bonfire itself was too large – at least 11 pallets wide and 15-17 pallets high. This produced an enormous and over-long-burning blaze. Consequently, the bright light from the bonfire detracted from the fireworks, which are best viewed in darkness. Finally, the trees on the far side of the Salts have grown rather high and are now partially obstructing the view of the fireworks. In previous years the bonfire was more manageable and didn’t detract from the fireworks. A related issue is the constant use of loud, percussive bangers by bonfire society members during the bonfire itself. Some spectators bring babies and toddlers with them. In my view, bangers and firecrackers should only be allowed up until the moment when society members throw their torches onto the fire. A bit more thought is needed when organising this event. Big is not always better.
Brilliant display ,so well marshalled,Fireworks at 8.30 would have been perfect.
Some of the parking especially up Rye hill was terrible and sadly seemed a few police around at all.
A big thank you to all who cleaned the streets for Remembrance Day Sunday.
Brilliant night! Well done Bonfire Boys!
It’s so easy to criticise Rye bonfire Society that brings so much joy too our town and revenue to the businesses, this small society has kept Rye firmly on the map in the bonfire world and long may it continue,