Lewes Bonfire takes place on Thursday 5 November 2026, and the emergency services and local authorities are asking everyone who does not live in Lewes to stay away. Five road junctions close from 4.45pm. From 5pm, trains are not expected to stop at Lewes, Falmer, Cooksbridge, Glynde or Southease, and the last trains out of Lewes leave between 4.44pm and 5.02pm.
Here is what is closing, when the last trains go, and where to see a bonfire procession nearer home.
Lewes Bonfire 2026: the advice
The advice comes in a joint travel and safety release dated 18 September 2026, issued on behalf of the emergency services, councils and transport companies involved, including East Sussex County Council, East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, Southern Railway and Sussex Police. It asks people living outside Lewes not to travel to the town, and describes the event as unsuitable for children, young families and dogs.
The release says: “do not travel to Lewes Bonfire and support your local bonfire celebrations instead.” It adds that 5 November falls on a Thursday this year, so higher attendance is expected, and that the combination of fireworks, crowds and narrow streets creates a unique safety challenge.
Lewes residents are advised to get their vehicles home before 4pm. Visitors are asked not to bring vehicles into the town.
Lewes Bonfire road closures on 5 November
The release lists five road closures, all starting at 4.45pm on Thursday 5 November:
1. Ashcombe Roundabout, at the junction of the A27 and the A277.
2. Offham Road (A275) and Plumpton Road (B2116), at Offham.
3. Kingston Road (C7) and Wellgreen Lane (C324), at Kingston.
4. Malling Street, at the junction with the A26 and A2029.
5. The A26 at Church Lane and Mayhew Way, South Malling.
Lewes Bonfire trains: the last trains on 5 November
From 5pm on Thursday 5 November, trains are not expected to stop at Lewes, Falmer, Cooksbridge, Glynde and Southease until normal service resumes on Friday 6 November.
The release lists the last trains out of Lewes: 4.44pm to Brighton, 4.55pm to London Victoria, 4.59pm to Ore and 5.02pm to Seaford.
The last trains from London Victoria back towards Lewes and nearby stations leave at 3.24pm (to Eastbourne) and 3.54pm (to Ore). Some smaller stations, including Berwick and Southease, have an earlier last train, so check yours before you travel.
Southern Railway asks passengers to check southernrailway.com for the latest information. Southern also has planned engineering work on the Brighton Main Line later this winter, covered in our guide to the Brighton Main Line closures.
Where to go instead: bonfire events near Brighton
East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service is backing the same message through its “choose local” campaign, published on 3 September 2026. It says organised public events are the safest option, because they are run with a management plan and risk assessment, and that “the crowds and narrow streets can present unique safety challenges” at Lewes.
Its 2026 list of bonfire societies still to hold events starts with Isfield and Little Horsted on Friday 30 October, and Ewhurst and Staplecross and Newick on Saturday 31 October. Mountfield is on Friday 6 November, and Wadhurst, Chailey and Edenbridge follow on Saturday 7 November. Rye and District is listed for Saturday 14 November, marked to be confirmed, and Barcombe for Saturday 21 November. The service gives no date for South Heighton, and says to check posters or flyers locally.
The service also strongly advises against bonfires and fireworks in private gardens, especially after hot, dry weather, because fires can spread quickly. If you do use fireworks at home, only adults should set up, light and clear them away, and children should be supervised at a safe distance.
Staying safe if you are in Lewes
Police will work with partners on public order and crime prevention. If you see anything suspicious, tell a steward or a police officer, and call 999 in an emergency. St John Ambulance volunteers will provide first aid.
Do not pick up spent fireworks or torches. At the processions, keep back from hot cinders as the torches pass.
ImJustBrighton note. This guide is based on the joint multi-agency travel and safety release of 18 September 2026 and East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service’s “choose local” page of 3 September 2026. You can read the travel and safety release in full. The maps and graphics were made by ImJustBrighton. We will update this guide if the travel advice changes before 5 November.
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