History was made in Lewes last night as all seven of the town’s famous bonfire societies united for the first time ever to mark VE Day with a spectacular torchlit procession through the historic streets of Sussex’s county town.
In a truly unprecedented and emotional display, members from the Cliffe, Commercial Square, Lewes Borough, South Street, Waterloo, Southover, and Nevill Juvenile Bonfire Societies – who traditionally never march together – joined forces for this special occasion.
The parade began at Nevill and made its way through the town to Malling, pausing at the iconic Lewes War Memorial on School Hill. Prominently sited at the top of School Hill in the heart of Lewes, the memorial stands at the junction of High Street and Market Street. Unveiled in 1922, it honours 251 men from Lewes who died in the First World War and 126 who lost their lives in the Second World War. Now a listed building since 1985, it provided a fitting and poignant backdrop as the procession paused to pay tribute to the fallen.
The event reached its dramatic finale at Malling Rec, where a towering bonfire awaited. In a powerful moment of unity and remembrance, all the societies gathered around and, as one, threw their flaming torches onto the bonfire, sending flames and sparks high into the night sky.
A spokesperson for the organisers said:
“This was a truly historic and emotional moment for Lewes. Seeing all seven societies united in remembrance, marching together for the first time, was a powerful tribute to those who fought for our freedom. It was a moment our town will never forget.”
Unlike the traditional November 5th celebrations, which focus on the Gunpowder Plot of 1605, this special event was a solemn and respectful commemoration of Victory in Europe Day, marking 80 years since the end of World War II in Europe.
As the flames of the bonfire roared into the night, the spirit of unity, peace, and remembrance shone brightly across Lewes.
