The traditions of bonfire week were well and truly set off with a wonderful procession, huge bonfire and fantastic firework display at the annual event organised by the Robin Hood Bonfire Society and hosted at the Robin Hood pub, Icklesham on November 4.
As is customary, the event kicked off with a lively procession, complete with banners, flaming torches, costumes and painted faces, made up of many local societies including:
- Robin Hood Bonfire Society
- Section 5 Drummers
- Hawkhurst Bonfire Society
- Hastings Bonfire Society
- Rye Bonfire Society
- Ryebellion Drummers
- Battle Bonfire Society
- Ewhurst and Staplecross Bonfire Society
- Fishbourne Ash
- Robertsbridge Bonfire Society
- Lewes Borough
- Northiam Bonfire Society
The procession was also accompanied by other visiting societies, fire carts and a mobile medical team.
After processing along the main road, the colourful group made a grand entrance onto the main field behind the Robin Hood, accompanied by the throb of drums and anticipation of the lighting of the bonfire.
The audience had significantly swollen by this point, with lots of lighted gadgets being waved as the safe alternative to sparklers, which were of course not permitted for safety reasons.
The unseasonal lack of rain meant that the huge bonfire went up like a stack of kindling, and the teams were well prepared for this, taking into account the height of the flames and the direction of the wind, the lighting of the fireworks was delayed for a short while to allow the bonfire to settle.
In the event, the fireworks were truly worth the wait. The first section of the display was dedicated to the memory of the fallen of the First World War, with this year’s armistice centenary coming at the end of this traditional bonfire week.
The potency of the explosive sounds, alongside the blooming poppy-reds of the fireworks, weren’t lost on the crowd, with the display taking on a respectful poignancy which demonstrated the level of thought which goes into this event generally, and this year particularly.
Following this, the display took on even more vibrant enchantment, turning the skies above Icklesham into a magical skyline of shimmering colour.
The Robin Hood Bonfire Society works hard throughout the year to raise the funds for the fireworks and, even once the event is underway, they’re also working hard with donation buckets to help raise money for local causes and charities.
One of the beneficiary charities, the Pett Level Independent Rescue Boat, was invited to help out as volunteers to support the first-aid for the event. Five crew members went along to run the First Aid tent, whilst two medical professionals travelled along with the procession, as a mobile medical unit.
From the perspective of the first-aid tent, the evening was an overwhelming success, with no major mishaps and just minor first-aid assistance required from the on-site team.
Already, the bonfire teams are planning next year’s event, so pop it into the calendar for 2019 and help support this wonderful community and charity event.
Image Credits: Katherine Crowther With permission, all rights reserved , PLIRB First Aid .