This year Lindfield Bonfire Society (LBS) holds its traditional village bonfire celebration on Saturday 4th November on Lindfield Common. This is unusual in Lindfield, as we traditionally are always on 5th November – but this year, that falls on a Sunday.

The earliest records of 5th November celebrations in Lindfield date back to 1881. There were the customary street fires, dragging of tar barrels and much riotous behaviour. Did you know, for instance, that there used to be three bonfires in Lindfield: one on the Common, one outside the Bent Arms and a third in front of the Red Lion?

Although not raucous like its early days, the night will be crowded, noisy, involve naked flames and be potentially smoky at times. As an open air event LBS cannot guarantee what the weather will be like on the night, so they suggest wearing sensible, non-flammable clothing and foot ware that is appropriate for the conditions.

The event is free for the public to attend and starts with a torch light procession around Lindfield (see map pic) at 7.30pm. The procession heads onto the Common for the reading of the Bonfire Prayer and the lighting of the bonfire (8.15pm). The evening finishes with our grand firework display at around 8.30pm.

TIP: You can get a better look at the guy, by heading to the High Street during the day on 4th November – where he will be proudly on display by members of LBS. Please note that roads will be closed around Lindfield between 6.30-9.30pm. Avoid trying to drive into Lindfield on the evening, with road closures in effect plus a huge amount of increased traffic as visitors descend on the village, getting close to the High Street or Common is virtually impossible.

Although no charge is made to spectators on the night, Lindfield Bonfire Society would love to have contributions from those who enjoy the spectacle (which costs around £13k to out on). The easiest way to do this is via its website www.lindfieldbonfiresociety.co.uk/shop - where you can download the official programme or become a Friend of LBS for just £7.50 per year.

There will be a street collection on 4th November – but this DOES NOT contribute to the cost of the night. Volunteers with official buckets will be collecting for local children’s charities: Chestnut Tree House, Court Meadow Riding for the Disabled, Cleft Lip & Palate Association (C.L.A.P.A.), Orchard House and Woodlands Meed.

The organisers request that no one brings fireworks (inc sparklers) onto the Common, keep out of the fire site, don’t pick up dropped torches, and don’t bring pets to the event. The use of drones is banned on the night. And only members of Lindfield Bonfire Society are allowed to join in with the procession – please only watch at the side of the route.

For up-to-date information on the event, please see the LBS Facebook page.