Trains will not be stopping at Lewes or nearby stations and stewards will marshal road closures
Police are warning Londoners not to travel to Lewes for Bonfire Night as trains will not be stopping and roads will be shutting early due to serious concerns the narrow streets will become overcrowded. Trains will stop running after 5pm on Wednesday (November 5) and roads will close as police say the small Sussex town can’t cope with the huge influx of visitors.
Every November, thousands of Londoners make the trip down to Lewes for one Britain’s most famous Bonfire Night celebrations. The population of the small town between Haywards Heath and Brighton swells from 17,000 to 40,000 on November 5 every year for the Guy Fawkes Night celebrations with torch-lit processions, firecrackers and towering bonfires that can be seen for miles.
But this year, police are pleading with people to stay away. Sussex Police have announced major restrictions with trains not stopping at Lewes and nearby stations – Falmer, Cooksbridge, Glynde and Southease – from 5pm, meaning anyone hoping to arrive in the evening will find themselves stranded. The last trains from London Victoria to Lewes are scheduled to leave at 3.24pm and 3.54pm.
Stewards will be brought in and road closures will also start from 4.45pm, plus parking restrictions will be in place from midday, with residents told to get cars home early before the crowds arrive. The message from police couldn’t be clearer — don’t travel to Lewes unless you live locally.
Chief Superintendent Katy Woolford, who is leading the policing operation, said: “Each year we make arrests for offences such as assaults, criminal damage and drug possession – this behaviour will not be tolerated. Enforcement action will be taken against anyone who puts others at risk or ignores event restrictions, including those bringing their own fireworks.
“Our priority is to keep everyone safe and ensure the night runs smoothly. Anyone who sees suspicious behaviour or something that doesn’t seem right should report it to stewards, officers on patrol, or call 999 in an emergency.”
Bonfire societies parade through the streets dressed in costumes, carrying flaming torches and giant effigies before lighting massive bonfires across several sites. It’s a breathtaking sight, but also a logistical nightmare. Emergency services have long struggled with overcrowding, and the combination of fire, fireworks and tight medieval lanes leaves little room for error.
Police say they will be patrolling the streets throughout the evening to deal with disorder, criminal damage, unauthorised fireworks and drug offences. They’re working alongside local councils, the fire service and event stewards to make sure the night runs safely for those who actually live there.
For Londoners, though, this year might be the time to give Lewes a miss. With no trains after 5pm, road closures across the town, and warnings of “serious overcrowding”, there’s every chance you could end up stuck, stressed, or simply turned away.
Road closures
In addition to the changes to rail services, Lewes residents are advised to get vehicles home before 4pm to avoid any road closures in place. Visitors are advised not to bring vehicles into the town.
To help keep everyone safe, road closures will be legally enforced throughout the duration of the event. Drivers and cyclists are asked to respect these restrictions and follow the diversion routes in place. These measures have been introduced to support public safety and help the event run smoothly.
Road closures from 4.45pm on Wednesday, November 5
- A27 junction with A277 Brighton Road (Ashcombe Roundabout)
- A275 Offham Road with B2116 Plumpton Road
- C7 Kingston Road junction with C324 Wellgreen Lane
- A26 junction with A2029 Malling Street
- A26 Church Lane junction with Mayhew Way
Parking restrictions will begin to be imposed from 12pm. Further Information on road closures and parking restrictions are available at: Lewes bonfire travel information – Lewes and Eastbourne Councils
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