Rye is set for procession of flames

The streets of Rye will become a river of flame as hundreds of flaming torches are carried in a long procession.

Taking part will be bonfire societies from all over Sussex including Battle, Staplecross, Robertsbridge and Hastings and further afield including Lewes, Mayfield and Newick.

Drummers and dancing groups will add to the atmosphere. Other highlights will be Scorcher, Rye’s fire breathing dragon, and Rye’s famous Burning Boat.

After the procession winds its way around the town it ends at The Salts where there will be a giant bonfire and fireworks display.

An eye-catching effigy will take a swipe at a controversial local issue.

The honour of lighting the bonfire this year as Rye Fawkes falls to 12 year old Alisha Wicking, the daughter of effigy builder Willy Wicking. Her birthday falls on November 5.

Willy said: “It should be a brilliant event on Saturday but as always we are hoping the weather will be kind to us.”

Bonfire Society chairman Francis Warren said: “Enjoy your visit to this year’s event and dig deep into your pockets for all that loose change to feed the collecting buckets.

“The Rye Bonfire Society has raised and distributed many thousands of pounds of charity funding for good causes in and around Rye so join in and make this happen. We need to raise £10,000 a year to stage this spectacular event.”

The procession will start from Mason Road, on the Tilling Green estate at around 7.50pm.

The route will then follow Ferry Road to the Crown Inn, turn left into Cinque Ports Street, Tower Street, through Landgate Arch, Hilders Cliff (East Cliff) in to High Street, The Mint, turn right into Wish Ward, Cinque Ports Street, Tower Street, left down Landgate, right into Bedford Place and on to the Bonfire site.

The fireworks start at around 8.45pm.

All streets on the processional route in Rye town centre will be closed to traffic from approximately 6.30pm to 9.30pm

There is no parking on the processional route from approximately 4.30pm.

Any vehicles on the procession route will be removed by recovery trucks. The A259 Folkestone – Hastings trunk route and the A268 London Road will be closed at times between 8pm and 9.30pm to allow the procession and crowds to pass and will be subject to long delays at all other times.

Motorists are advised to use the M20/A28 route from Dover and Folkestone to Hastings and Eastbourne if travelling on the evening of Sat Nov 13th.

Marshals protect the whole route. If they advise you to move away, please follow their safety instructions.

Fireworks in the crowd will not be tolerated and revellers should not pick up discarded torches.

At the fire site, please remain outside of the barriers, it is dangerous inside. The society cannot be held responsible for any loss or injury sustained by people crossing safety barriers.

A bonfire spokesman said: “This is a traditional custom, not a carnival or ordinary fireworks display, it can be loud and frightening, there will be fire and very loud bangs. Keep children with you and do not push them to the front. If you are nervous or worried, we suggest you keep away. Please do not bring any pets.”