Rye Bonfire, on Saturday November 11, is a unique event that happens annually and is greatly supported by the good folk of Rye. Elizabeth I found Rye very special too, and named the Ancient Town “Rye Royal” a name that often gets forgotten in these days. Bonfire is a time for remembering the past and a chance to rejoice in the freedom of speech, liberty and justice. We must never forget how fortunate we are, being able to go about our daily lives without the constraints of religion or politics, compared to our forefathers. Some 25 societies from all over Sussex, along with local groups and organisations, will come to join the parade.
We wunt be druv
Streets on the processional route in the town centre will be closed to traffic from approximately 7:30pm to 9:30pm.
Please note that there is no parking on the processional route from approx 4:30pm.
From approx 4:30pm, vehicular access to the town will be severely restricted and all vehicles are cleared from the processional route. Any vehicles on the processional route will be removed by recovery trucks.
For car parking, Gibbett 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 have to move too far with a wheelchair.
The A259 Folkestone-Hastings trunk route will be closed at times between 20:00 and 21:30 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 allowed out of your car park before about 22:30.
Motorists and HGVs are therefore advised to use the M20/A28 Tenderten-Northiam route from Dover and Folkestone to Hastings and Eastbourne if traveling on the evening of Saturday November 11.
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, Caroline Snowden, 2017
8:45pm – The Bonfire Lit by Rye Fawkes 2017
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 more than £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 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 our events entirely at your own risk.
ALL TIMES ARE APPROXIMATE AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS – THE WEBSITE WILL BE UPDATED IF AND WHEN CHANGES OCCUR
Donations to: The Treasurer, Rye Bonfire Society, c/o Adams of Rye Ltd, 8 High Street, Rye, East Sussex
Cover image: Rodney Mylius