Remember! Remember!

Lewes hosts what’s believed to be the world’s largest Guy Fawkes celebrations as five of the seven bonfire societies set the town alight with fabulous bonfires and firework displays on 5 November, after all have marched with their bands playing, torches blazing, rooks exploding and costumes gleaming through the town. It’s truly a sight worth seeing if you’re prepared to arrive early and stay for the whole festivities, as the town centre closes to traffic from early afternoon until late night.

On the day the town is filled with the smell of frying onions as the council permits 24-hour licences for numerous burger vans. But avoid these overpriced, poor quality outlets and visit one of the many independent eateries for a good lunch. …my favourite is The Dorset, a pub restaurant which specialises in seafood alongside an extensive fresh menu. Just off Cliffe High Street, it serves its normal fare until 4 pm on 5 November, then opens an outside bar and barbecue (this year with a noodle bar) which runs until late. It’s the headquarters of the Cliffe Bonfire Society which marches its own route, unlike other bonfire societies, so you’ll get a close-up of preparations, costumes and general revelry.

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