03/09/2026
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The 2026 πΊπππππ π©ππππππ πΊπππππ is nearly upon us, beginning this weekend.
After a two-year hiatus, and back by popular demand, here is a return to, and ninth edition of, our handy guide to Sussex's Bonfire Societies.
Thereβs a few additions here, including new logos and branding, and two societies have adopted their own bonfire guernseys. Edenbridge (in Kent) have assumed burgundy and gold, and Northiam have now embraced an attractive black-white-purple combination.
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Sussex has a long and unique tradition of celebrating Bonfire, with many outside the county being unaware that such grand festivities exist. A strong affirmation of the breathing and distinctive Sussaxon culture.
It is customary that on each Saturday from the start of September to the end of November, numerous towns and villages across the county host a torchlit procession, most commonly with a grand bonfire and fireworks display. The big one, being 'the Glorious Fifth' - November 5th, the anniversary of the failed plot to blow-up Parliament in 1605. Usually the Sussex Martyrs, who were burnt at the stake during the reign of Queen Mary I, are also a focus of commemoration at these events.
Due to the size and number of events and mutual collaboration, it became impractical to hold all the bonfires on the traditional Fifth of November. This resulted in the 'Sussex Bonfire Season' from the beginning of September until the end of November where different bonfire societies take it in turns to host their own events called "outmeetings" and invite other societies to join them.
The distinctive striped Smuggler Guernsey sweaters are synonymous with the bonfire traditions of Sussex. Originally worn as a communal uniform, in the Town of Lewes, during the more riotous and disorderly period of bonfire celebrations in the mid 19th century. To avoid individual identification by the authorities, the smugglers disguise gave Bonfire Boyes and Belles anonymity from the authorities intent on ending the tradition - They failed!
The famous smugglers dress continued to be adopted by newly established organised Bonfire Societies later on, particularly into the 21st Century, with different societies acquiring differing coloured "hoops" as a statement of pride and affinity towards their own society.
Most societies subsequently went on to adopt more flamboyant attire inspired by costumes from throughout the world, as well as maintaining the "semi-official" Smugglers dress. The members wearing the more extravagant outfits are termed "Pioneerβ. Each societyβs First Pioneer dress is also noted above each society name.
This updated 2026 map features all the countyβs bonfire societies, plus both of those in Kent.
The map is inspired by the early 1910s map of bonfire societiesβ territories in Lewes which can be found on page 45 of Jim Etheringtonβs βLewes Bonfire Nightβ, published in 1993 and is based on the map of the countyβs ancient boroughs and parishes.
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A high quality version can be found here;
https://sussex1550.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Sussex-Bonfire-Map-2026.pdf
β’ This map has been produced for educational purposes - any further edits, knowledge and input to future versions are most welcome.
Enjoy! π
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