Bonfire, Fireworks and Lewes, East Sussex, yes I have been involved, if only a little, in that I have marched with South Street Bonfire Society, this year its the 400 years celebration, and there will be the renewal of one of the old bonfire societies that had fallen in to disuse: Southover Bonfire Society.
It is a time of organised anarchy in Lewes in Sussex, at the moment, the bonfire and Novemeber the 5th holds a special place in peoples hearts here and you either love it or hate it. For many who hijack it for their own ends it can be a used for prejudice and division, for others a way to celebrate and bring people together. Though it is mostly linked to the Protestant Martyrs and Guy Fawkes, these celebrations really go back further to ancient Fire ceremonies, the struggle against oppressive authority and the early Union movement.
Years ago my children begged to take part against my better judgement but now I love it, and am a member of South Street Bonfire Society, a smaller society in Lewes but one with a family feel that prides itself on being the first to have allowed children a big part in the celebrations.
To find out more about Bonfire and the bonfire societies try this Portal and one of the best books on the subject of Lewes Bonfire is
Streets of Fire
The Power of the occasion is a pagan one for me , a fire ceremony, a light in the darkness, where it leads we shall see…
Perhaps we all have our weaknesses and vices, and bonfire night is celebrated across the country and its significance is one of anti-catholicism, the saving of King and Parliament from a catholic plot (which itself was probably a set up), these are not things I readily support.
Lewes Bonfire Council coordinates all the Lewes bonfire societies fireworks, so check their site for all the in depth details.
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