Rye & District Bonfire Society
Cinque-Port society whose 'Rye Fawkes' weekend with a giant boat-burning is a fixture of the Sussex bonfire calendar. Year-round costume and tableau work feed the autumn torchlit processions on the Sussex bonfire circuit.
Lewes Bonfire Society: year-round costume and tableau preparation for the 5 November processions, with strong local identity and rival society pride.
External page. Check current meetings, membership, and joining details directly with the group.
Other bonfire societies
One of the two oldest Lewes societies; smugglers wear black-and-white striped jumpers. Known for its uncompromising 'No Popery' tradition and for burning topical effigies (Pope Paul V, Osama bin Laden, etc.).
Joint-oldest Lewes society. Smugglers wear blue-and-white striped jumpers; pioneer front of Vikings and Tudors leads the procession through the town centre.
Smugglers in gold-and-black stripes. Famous American Indian and American Civil War pioneer fronts; HQ at the Elephant & Castle on White Hill.
Originally formed at the request of the Lord of Southover, lapsed in the 20th century and reformed in 2005. Pioneer fronts include Mongols and Tudors.
Reformed in 1954 to represent the area east of Commercial Square. Smugglers wear red-and-white stripes; Zulu warrior pioneer front is a signature.
Lewes's sixth society, based at the foot of the Cliffe. Brown-and-cream striped smugglers; smallest of the adult Lewes societies but fiercely local.