Public Urged Not To Attend Lewes Bonfire Celebrations

East Sussex Fire and Rescue have urged people, via their news blog, not to attend the bonfire celebrations, due to increasing Covid cases and risk of overcrowding.

They're concerned that the event, which falls on a Friday this year, will make it more popular than usual and that more people will want to attend because it was cancelled last year.

Measures, including changes to train services and road closures, are being brought in to help the event pass safely by managing the number of people attending.

Emergency services, local authorities and transport operators have been planning for the celebrations for many months. 

Darrell Gale, Director of Public Health at East Sussex County Council said: 

“Cases have risen significantly in East Sussex over the last few weeks, demonstrating that coronavirus remains a serious health risk. We know that bonfire usually brings people together, but these celebrations unfortunately could mean a peak in cases afterwards, which will naturally impact on the NHS.

"We urge everyone to wear face coverings both inside and outside for events, and socially distance as much as possible – especially in homes and pubs. Let’s prevent a two-week peak.”

He added:

“It is still possible to catch and spread COVID-19, even if you are fully vaccinated. You should stay cautious to help protect yourself and others. If you are local and plan to attend, we recommend you take a Lateral Flow Test beforehand and stay home if it is positive.

"This should be followed up by a PCR test. You should also check in via NHS Test and Trace wherever possible. Remember it is never too late to book your vaccine.”

There remain serious concerns about overcrowding in the narrow streets of Lewes.

Jo Dunk from Lewes District Council said:

“We work closely with other organisations and with crowd control experts to identify where they may be problems with over-crowding.

"We will have stewards working on the night, giving people advice on where they should avoid and we ask that anyone who chooses to attend follows this guidance to help keep people safer.”

Since 2010, 896 injuries were reported. Many of these were hurt on the procession routes and by bangers or other fireworks. 

Nigel Cusack, East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service Group Manager said:

“Fireworks are by their very nature able to cause serious injuries, as well as pose a fire risk. Crowded spaces make it harder for us to reach emergencies which is why we would like people from outside of Lewes to attend events nearer them to reduce the number of people in the town.”

T/Chief Superintendent Howard Hodges  from Sussex Police said:

“Unfortunately, every year the event is held we make arrests. In 2019 this included arrests on suspicion of assaulting police, carrying weapons and possession of drugs.

"This is clearly not acceptable. Our officers will be supporting other emergency services and Lewes District Council on the night to put public safety first.”

Road

Road closures will be in place around the town from 4.45pm. Diversions will be in place for traffic to travel outside of the town. Lewes residents are advised to get vehicles home before 4.30pm to avoid any road closures in place. Visitors are advised not to bring vehicles into the town.

The road closures will include:

•         A27 junction with A277 Brighton Road (Ashcombe Roundabout)

•         A27 junction with A26 (Southerham Roundabout)

•         A26 junction with B2192 Ringmer Road (Earwig Corner)

•         C7 Kingston Road junction with C324 Wellgreen Lane

•         A275 Offham Rd junction with B2116 Plumpton Road

•         A27 junction with Southerham Lane (Cliffe Industrial Estate)

Parking restrictions will begin to be imposed from noon.

A full list of road closures and parking restrictions will be available at

www.lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk/lewesbonfire 

Rail

Plans for rail travel on 5 November are as follows: 

• There will be no trains calling at Lewes, Glynde, and Southease after 17.00. 

• There will be no trains calling at Cooksbridge after the 16.24 from Victoria to Eastbourne has stopped there at 17.23 - the same as previous years following representations and review. 

• There will be no trains calling at Falmer after the departure of the 18.31 Brighton to Hastings service at 18.40. This is a change from previous years when the last train was at 17.00, and it has been made in response to feedback. 

No trains will call at the above stations until the first timetabled trains on the morning of 6 November.