Plans are well underway for the celebration on Saturday, November 9 of the re-forming of the Rye Bonfire Society 25 years ago as part of the traditional bonfire celebrations.
All streets on the processional route in Rye town centre will be closed to traffic from approx 7:30pm to 9:30pm.
Please note that there is no parking on the processional route from approximately 4:30pm.
From about 4:30pm vehicular access to the town will be severely restricted and all vehicles will be cleared from the processional route by recovery trucks.
For car parking, Gibbet Marsh car park is adjacent to the procession start point at Mason Road and situated off the Rye to Battle road B2089 (TN31 7BE).
Please note – there is disabled parking concession for up to 20 vehicles (Blue Badge holders only) at the east end of what is normally the coach park adjacent to Rye railway station, approximately 300m from the bonfire site. However, although no specific disabled parking exists in Rother District Council’s Bedford Place car park (opposite Skinners garage on the junction of A259/A268), we advise getting there early enough for a space where a good view is possible without having to move too far.
The A259 Folkestone – Hastings trunk route will be closed at times between 8pm and 9:30pm to allow the procession and crowds to pass and will be subject to long delays at all other times. Please be aware that is unlikely that you will be allowed out of your car park before about 10:30pm.
Motorists and HGVs are therefore advised to use the M20/A28 Tenterden–Northiam route from Dover and Folkestone to Hastings and Eastbourne if traveling on the evening of 9 November.
Rye Bonfire Timetable
4:30pm – Parking restrictions apply to processional route.
6:30pm – Vehicular access restrictions apply.
6:30pm – Processional Route to be clear of all vehicles
7:50pm – Loud maroon signals the start of the procession from Mason Road, Tilling Green estate
The route is as follows – Ferry Road to the Crown Inn, turn left into Cinque Ports Street, Tower Street, through Landgate Arch, Hilders Cliff (East Cliff) in to High Street, The Mint, turn right into Wish Ward, Cinque Ports Street, Tower Street, left down Landgate, right into Bedford Place and on to the Bonfire site.
8:30pm – The Chairing down of Rye Fawkes 2019
8:45pm – The Bonfire lit by Rye Fawkes 2019
9pm – Grand Fireworks Display
Please show your appreciation for the evening’s events
The Rye Bonfire Society receives no financial support from public funds in staging this event, which now costs over £10,000 a year to set up and manage. All necessary funding is raised by voluntary contributions, programme sales and advertising, fund-raising events and street collections on the night. Without the support of the town’s traders, citizens and visitors, the event could not take place. If you wish the Rye Bonfire to continue as the premier social event in the district’s calendar, please give generously.
Safety Notice
Rye & District Bonfire Society would like to stress that this is very much a family-oriented evening. Discharging of any form of fireworks and flares will not be tolerated before, during, or after the procession. The police will take action against members of the public, or visiting societies, who discharge any form of pyrotechnic in a public place.
Please do not pick up discarded torches, that is the job for the firecarts at the rear of the procession.
Marshals protect the whole route. If they advise you to move away, please follow their instructions, they are concerned about your safety.
At the fire site, please remain outside of the barriers, it is dangerous inside. We cannot be held responsible for any loss or injury sustained by people crossing safety barriers.
This is a traditional custom, not a carnival or ordinary fireworks display, it can be loud and frightening, there will be fire and very loud bangs. Keep children with you and do not push them to the front. If you are nervous, worried, or have a medical condition, we respectfully suggest you keep away.
Please do not bring any pets!
The Rye & District Bonfire Society does not accept responsibility for any personal injury, loss or damage to personal property and reminds you that you attend all its events entirely at your own risk.
ALL TIMES ARE APPROXIMATE AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS – OUR WEBSITE WILL BE UPDATED IF AND WHEN CHANGES OCCUR – LAST UPDATE, OCTOBER 12, 2019
Image Credits: Rye Bonfire Society .