Lewes Bonfire Night

[MrBen]

I've always been intrigued by a Sussex town, which in 2010 still burns life size effigies of the Pope on November the 5th, complete with "no popery" banners, six vaguely secret Bonfire Societies and a weird website that warns off outsiders from trying to attend. Throw in some logistics that are "more complicated than Glastonbury" and you surely have the makings of a great night out for all.

So after some careful planning we're heading down early tomorrow night as I feel I have to witness this odd (and questionable) English spectacle at least once in my lifetime.

Has anyone been? And what does it all mean?

[cate]

I hope Dulwich Mum reads this. I would love to go. Take some pictures.

[mattham]

Lewes is great. I've not been to Bonfire Night there for years (expect a LOT of crowds!), and not sure if the anti popery theme is still as strong; I remember local politicians and Sussex Police getting more stick. To be honest, there are probably...nicer times to see Lewes, but it'll certainly be explosive. Let us know how you get on!

[Marmora Man]

Used to have a great local brewery too.

[david_carnell]

Still does. Harveys. Lovely drop.

[woofmarkthedog]

It is fabulous

( & a bit scary too )

W**F

[MrBen]

You're right Woofster, Lewes Bonfire night was simply brilliant!

After the weird and very LOUD parade (Mrs Ben now has an authentic shrapnel wound from an exploding banger barrel) we hit the Commercial display (there are six odd) with giant bonfire complete with exploding Pope and Barack Obama. Great atmosphere, a drop of Harvey's on Carnell's tip at the Brewers Arms and behind it all something rather deep rooted that I can't quite put my finger on....

[red devil]

Lewes Bonfire Night...

[expat]

Upps http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-sussex-11704103

[????]

MrBen Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> You're right Woofster, Lewes Bonfire night was

> simply brilliant!

>

> After the weird and very LOUD parade (Mrs Ben now

> has an authentic shrapnel wound from an exploding

> banger barrel) we hit the Commercial display

> (there are six odd) with giant bonfire complete

> with exploding Pope and Barack Obama. Great

> atmosphere, a drop of Harvey's on Carnell's tip at

> the Brewers Arms and behind it all something

> rather deep rooted that I can't quite put my

> finger on....

As a Jock I think you should count your lucky stars you managed to get out of Lewes with a mere shrapnel wound