Emergency services and other organisations are urging the public to be aware of significant road closures and changes to train services ahead of this year’s Lewes Bonfire Night celebrations. These measures are part of a coordinated effort to ensure the event runs safely and smoothly, as tens of thousands of visitors are expected to flock to the town on Tuesday, 5th November 2024.
Lewes Bonfire Night poses a unique logistical challenge to the multi-agency group tasked with maintaining public safety, especially in busy areas like the War Memorial. Concerns about overcrowding have led authorities to put in place extensive travel restrictions, impacting both road traffic and train services.
Road Closures
From 4:45 PM on the day of the event, road closures will be in effect around the town, with diversions in place to redirect traffic away from Lewes. Residents are encouraged to ensure their vehicles are home before the road closures begin, while visitors are advised not to bring cars into the town.
Key road closures include:
- A27 junction with A277 Brighton Road (Ashcombe Roundabout)
- A275 junction with Offham Road
- C7 Kingston Road junction with C324 Wellgreen Lane
- A26 junction with A2029 Malling Street
- A26 Malling Hill Junction with Church Lane
On-street parking restrictions will also be enforced from midday, and vehicles parked in restricted areas risk being towed. Residents with parking permits who need assistance finding alternative parking can contact East Sussex County Council’s parking team at 01273 335500.
For more details on road closures and parking restrictions, visit Lewes Bonfire Night – Lewes District Council.
Changes to Train Services
In addition to road closures, major changes to train services will affect stations across the region. Lewes, Falmer, Cooksbridge, Glynde, and Southease stations will be closed from 5:00 PM on Tuesday, with trains resuming service the following morning.
A new addition this year is a final train that will stop at these closed stations to help passengers leave the area. Commuters travelling to and from London or other destinations are advised to plan ahead, as the last trains stopping at these stations will run earlier than usual.
Attend Local Events
East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service (ESFRS) is encouraging residents to attend local fireworks events rather than making their way to Lewes. For information on local displays, visit ESFRS Local Fireworks Events.
While these travel restrictions are necessary to ensure public safety, officials recognise the impact on commuters and residents not attending the celebrations. Those affected are encouraged to plan accordingly and make alternative travel arrangements where possible.