Police arrest 11 at 'successful' Lewes Bonfire

8 hours ago

Zac SherrattSouth East

Police said the event was "enjoyable and successful"

Getty Images Bonfire societies parade through the streets during traditional Bonfire Night celebrations on November 5, 2026 in Lewes, England. Two people wearing black and white striped tops, white trousers and red hats pull a small wooden trailer full of burning wood along the cobbles. Two people in similar outfits walk behind the trailer and are carrying burning sticks. Dozens of people in the crowd line the street in the background — Police said the event was "enjoyable and successful"

Sussex Police said it made 11 arrests at Lewes Bonfire Night on Thursday - an event it estimates was attended by some 20,000 people.

The force thanked "everyone who made it a successful event" and said it took "months" of planning by emergency services, local authorities, transport operators and the bonfire societies in the town.

The arrests were in connection with eight incidents, including assault, drunk and disorderly behaviour, criminal damage and possession of an offensive weapon.

As of 01:00 GMT, ambulance crews had treated 52 people. Four were taken to hospital for further treatment.

A police spokesperson said: "We are concluding our operations after another enjoyable year of Lewes Bonfire celebrations.

"The majority of the crowds have now dispersed, we estimate as many as 20,000 people attended processions and fireworks displays in the town."

Roads in Lewes have now been reopened and the clean-up operation is under way.

Ch Supt Graham Barnett said Lewes Bonfire Night was one of the biggest events the force deals with each year.

This year's effigies included Fifa boss Gianni Infantino and Prime Minister Andy Burnham.

Ahead of the event, emergency services urged people intending to come from out-of-town to avoid attending.

Last year's event drew an estimated crowd of 40,000 people.

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