'A Quiet Night In Lewes' - Streets Empty On Bonfire Night

Friday, 6 November 2020 10:46

Bonfire societies and the general public in Lewes are being thanked for refraining from taking part in the usual celebrations for bonfire night.

It comes as new national lockdown restrictions came into force this week, meaning people must remain at home except for a few specific reasons.

Ordinarily, bonfire night is one of mass-gatherings and celebration in Lewes, with bonfire societies organising processions and public displays on November 5th.

Several measures were implemented across the area to help prevent the spread of coronavirus, including train services to stations including Lewes, Glyne and Southease being suspended to aid in preventing visitors from arriving.

A multi-agency group, including emergency services and public health, monitored the situation, with extra resources on hand should they be needed.

East Sussex Fire and Rescue tweeted that no significant incidents had been attended during the evening, and photos from Lewes show empty streets.

UPDATE: as of 11pm there were no significant incidents & no arrests at #Lewes this #bonfire night - the emergency services, public health & local authorities thank everyone for keeping the town safe #Covid19 @EastSussexCC @sussex_police @SECAmbulance https://t.co/9oGQuMZQkA pic.twitter.com/0cGrWZmDEU
— East Sussex FRS (@EastSussexFRS) November 5, 2020

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

“Thank you to the people of Lewes, thank you to all Bonfire Societies, thank you for keeping us safe.

"In this year of Covid-19 pandemic, many have made sacrifices to help protect others. These sacrifices have been pivotal in helping to save the lives of the most vulnerable and minimise wider harms in our county.

"I understand the fierce spirit of independence that Bonfire Societies hold dear. There is precedent for the cancelling of bonfire events due to epidemics. In 1874, Societies cancelled them due to an outbreak of typhoid in the town. I thank you for making this sacrifice and your selfless actions to cancel all events this year.

"I wish you all success for future years and thank you for your valuable community and charitable work in Lewes and beyond. Your sacrifices this year will not be forgotten. You are contributing hugely to keeping our town safe and our people healthy.”