Sussex Police and local emergency services have expressed their gratitude to everyone involved in making Lewes Bonfire Night 2024 a resounding success. Despite higher attendance than last year, with an estimated 40,000 revelers, the event unfolded safely and smoothly, with most crowds dispersing by midnight into November 6.
The Lewes Bonfire celebrations, known for their unique tradition and festive intensity, require months of planning. Sussex Police coordinated with emergency services, local authorities, transport operators, and community partners, who worked closely with bonfire societies to create a secure environment for attendees.
St John Ambulance and South East Coast Ambulance Service paramedics treated 46 individuals over the course of the evening, with three patients requiring transport to the hospital. Meanwhile, East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service responded to a handful of bonfire-related incidents, including:
- 7:57 PM: Report of torches alight on the ground in Winterbourne Hollow. Fire crews were stood down before arriving.
- 8:09 PM: A telegraph pole set alight by torches was extinguished using firefighting foam and a hose reel.
- 8:41 PM: Firefighters noticed smoke emitting from a lamp post, collaborating with other agencies to secure the area and implement a road closure.
Sussex Police confirmed four arrests. A 15-year-old, initially detained on suspicion of possessing a knuckle duster, has been de-arrested. Additionally, a 24-year-old man and a 25-year-old man were taken into custody on suspicion of common assault, and a fourth individual was arrested for being drunk and disorderly. All remain in custody as investigations continue.
Chief Superintendent Howard Hodges thanked the public for their cooperation, stating, “We thank the public for their support to ensure the Lewes Bonfire celebrations were once again a spectacular event that has been enjoyed safely.”
