Bonfire Nights & Firework Displays in Sussex in 2026

From torchlit processions and storeys-high bonfires to fireworks lighting up the coast, Sussex has a long-standing tradition of celebrating Guy Fawkes Night. A full-season autumn event, bonfire season starts in late September each year and runs well into November, with towns and villages across the county hosting their own nights, each with their own tradition.

If you’re planning a weekend by the sea, a countryside escape or an historic break exploring Sussex’s towns, a bonfire celebration here can be a unique addition to your trip – and a chance to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of somewhere new along the way.

We’ve rounded up some of the best Sussex bonfire nights and fireworks displays for 2026, including key dates, timings and practical information to help you plan your visit – read on to find a bonfire night for you, wherever you plan to be.

Please note: Event details, prices and travel arrangements can change last minute. Always check the official organiser’s website before setting off, particularly if you’re travelling from outside the local area.

Sussex bonfire nights and fireworks displays at a glance

Hastings Bonfire Night

Saturday 17 October 2026

There’s almost a full day of events to mark Bonfire Night in Hastings, with a children’s (under 16s) Guy making competition at The British Tea Museum kicking off the day at 9:30am. Judging commences at around 2pm, with The Mayor selecting the winning Guy that will take pride-of-place on the bonfire that night.

Later in the day, the Junior Member’s Procession starts the trail at 5:30pm, setting off from the Stade to the bonfire site, before the main Torchlit Procession (including local and visiting bonfire groups) proceeds after dark at 7:15pm. Setting off from Robertson Street and the A259, it continuing its route around the Old Town before finally reaching the bonfire site by 9pm, where the fire is lit, the secret effigy is revealed, and a firework display ends the evening.

Cost: Free; donations encouraged. Check Hastings Borough Bonfire Society for the most up-to-date timings and access information.

Littlehampton Bonfire Night

Saturday 24 October 2026

Littlehampton’s annual bonfire celebration combines its traditional torchlit procession with a lively carnival atmosphere, including fairground rides and food-and-drink stalls lining the seafront – making it great especially for families with children. Marching bands, carnival floats and visiting bonfire societies are all involved in the main procession, which illuminates the town as it trails through its streets.

The evening begins at 6pm with a service at the war memorial, before the procession begins moving from St Catherine’s Road, through Maltravers and St Winefrides Roads, before looping past Church Street, back up St Catherine’s and on to South Terrace. By 9pm, the bonfire is lit on the seafront green, and a fireworks display lights up the sky above the beach.

Cost: Free; donations encouraged. More information at Littlehampton Bonfire Society

Ardingly Fireworks Spectacular

Saturday 24 October 2026

Looking for more of a large-scale fireworks event than the traditional torchlit procession? The Ardingly Fireworks Spectacular at the South of England Showground might be a better option for you. With a programme that includes a children’s display, followed by a larger pyro-musical show where fireworks are synchronised with music – plus a funfair, food stalls and other entertainment – this is an event to plan the day around, rather than just a quick fireworks stop.

Cost: Adults £15-20 each; children (3-15) £12.50-15 each, or £50 for a family pass (two adults, two children), with separate fees for parking. Check Ardingly Fireworks for current prices and availability.

Horsham Fireworks Night

Saturday 24 October 2026

Horsham’s fireworks night offers another option for visitors who prefer a dedicated display over the traditional bonfire society format. Held at Horsham Sports Club, the event combines an evening fireworks show with fairground rides and a wide range of food stalls, as well as a bar with drinks from local brewery Firebird Brewing Co.

The event is worth considering if you’re staying in this central part of West Sussex, and want to spend a short couple of hours on a fireworks display rather than a full night. Tickets are required, and visitors will want to plan their journey carefully as parking close to the venue is limited.

Cost: £8 early bird; £11 advance tickets. Under 5s go free, but will still need a ticket registered for them. Check Horsham Fireworks Night for the latest information on ticket prices, entry times and parking advice.

Lewes Bonfire Night

Thursday 5 November 2026

The biggest event in the bonfire calendar, Lewes Bonfire Night combines the story of the Gunpowder Plot with the town’s remembrance of 17 Protestant martyrs brutally burned there during the reign of Queen Mary I. Six Lewes bonfire societies lead the procession – each with its own costume, effigies, bonfire and fireworks display – with visiting groups from all across the county joining in to make this truly an extraordinary night.

Due to the event’s crowds, large processions, and firecrackers, Lewes Bonfire is not recommended for small children, and it’s worth noting that visitors not staying in the town will likely find it exceptionally difficult to access: road closures both in and surrounding the town are scheduled from 4.45pm to 1am, and trains are not expected to stop at Lewes or several nearby stations from 5pm until service the following day. Check official Lewes Bonfire travel information for more details.

Cost: The main procession is free to watch, but each society has differing ticketing rules and costs for their fire sites.

Battle Bonfire Night

Saturday 7 November 2026

Battle’s bonfire celebrations have a long history, with records of Gunpowder Plot celebrations in the town dating back to the seventeenth century. Today, the event retains its historic traditions in the streets that surround Battle Abbey, starting on Abbey Green in the daytime, with the arrival of the society’s traditional Guy and a children’s fancy-dress competition, before the procession, bonfire, and fireworks in the evening. Roads close at 6pm, and the main procession is scheduled to leave at 7.30pm – so ensure to get to your viewing spot early!

Cost: Free; donations encouraged. For the latest visitor information, visit Battel Bonfire Boyes.

Sussex Cricket Fireworks, Hove

Saturday 7 November 2026

A large, family-friendly event, Hove’s annual firework night takes place at the Sussex County Cricket Club, and includes plenty of pre-show entertainment to keep you occupied until the fireworks start. Held in an enclosed, dedicated venue for watching the early display, with seated tickets available, this is a particularly good option for families with little ones in tow.

Enter at 5pm (free goodie bags for the first 200 under 16s) and try your hand at Sixes Social Cricket before settling in with a bite to eat as you watch the live pre-show entertainment (Elton John tribute act ‘Doing Elton’, and Dua Lipa tribute act ‘Levitate’). Fireworks start nice and early at around 7pm, so no need for keeping the children up long past their bedtime.

Cost: From £15 for adults; under threes go free but will require a ticket. Check Sussex Cricket for more prices and entry information.

Robertsbridge Bonfire Night

Saturday 21 November 2026

For visitors to the High Weald and the villages between Hastings and the inland market towns, head to the final bonfire night of the season in Robertsbridge. Here, you’ll find a traditional village celebration, with maroon signals just before sunrise to herald the start of Bonfire Day, a Bonfire Breakfast served to members of the public until 11am, and the judging of the Guy competition held at 2pm.

Roads close ready for the procession at 5pm, when parking in the village is also suspended, so you’ll want to make sure you’re stationed in the village – perhaps relaxing in a cafe or restaurant for some dinner – before then. The trail begins at 7:15pm, following the road from the railway station to the recreation ground, where the bonfire is then lit. A grand fireworks display starts at 9pm, after which the bonfire season is officially over (that is, until next year!).

Cost: Free; donations encouraged. Check Robertsbridge Bonfire Society for details on the day.

Tips for visiting Sussex bonfire nights

Check dates and timings before you travel. Some celebrations take place weeks before 5 November, while others continue into the second half of November. Weather, safety considerations and local arrangements can all affect events at short notice, so it’s wise to check local event pages on the day in case of any last-minute updates.

Book tickets in advance where required. Large fireworks displays may sell out, and some organisers use timed entry or designated parking arrangements. Traditional village processions are often free, but donations are welcome.

Plan your transport. Town centre events frequently involve road closures, and parking can be limited. Check official travel guidance and consider arriving early. For Lewes in particular, follow the advice from the local authorities and organisers.

Dress for the weather. Autumn evenings can be cold, damp and windy, particularly at coastal events! Bring a thick coat, waterproof layers and comfortable shoes – and perhaps even a Thermos of something to keep you warm.

Check whether the event suits your group. Large processions can be noisy, crowded and smoky. If you’re attending with children, look for events with earlier displays or quieter children’s fireworks, and check any guidance about dogs and accessibility.

Make a Sussex autumn break of it

Bonfire season is a great reason to spend more time exploring Sussex. You could combine an evening procession with a day discovering independent shops and historic streets, walk part of the South Downs before a rural fireworks display, or simply spend a weekend by the coast with a bonfire celebration as the highlight.

Planning a bonfire night getaway? Browse Bloom Stays’ collection of holiday homes in Sussex and find a base for your autumn escape, whether you’re visiting for an event or exploring more of the county over a long weekend.