Last night, our team was proud to play a key role in supporting Sussex Police and other emergency partners during the annual Lewes Bonfire celebrations.
Last night, we were proud to play a key role in supporting Sussex Police and other emergency partners during one of the most iconic and high‑profile events in the East Sussex calendar—the annual Lewes Bonfire celebrations.
Widely recognised as the largest and most complex bonfire event in the UK, Lewes attracts tens of thousands of attendees each year. With an estimated 40,000 people descending on the town for the evening’s processions, firework displays, and traditional festivities, ensuring the safety of residents, spectators, and emergency service personnel requires significant planning, coordination, and on-the-ground support.
Our teams worked closely alongside Sussex Police, East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service, South East Coast Ambulance Service, and local authorities to keep the roads safe and maintain vital access routes throughout the night. This included implementing and managing key road closures across the town centre and surrounding areas, controlling access points, and supporting diversions to minimise disruption for local residents.
A major focus of the operation was maintaining clear, reliable routes for emergency vehicles. With large crowds, narrow streets, and multiple processions taking place simultaneously, ensuring that fire engines, ambulances, and police units could move quickly and safely was essential. Thanks to effective planning and real-time communication, emergency access was maintained throughout the event without issue.
Crowd safety was also supported by the traffic management measures put in place, helping to create secure spaces for the public while reducing the risk of congestion or overcrowding. Throughout the evening, we remained on standby to respond to changes in crowd movement, incidents, or urgent requests from partner agencies.
By the end of the night, the event concluded smoothly and successfully, with no major incidents reported. Positive feedback from partners highlighted the value of strong collaboration, clear communication, and the professionalism shown by everyone involved.
This year’s Lewes Bonfire once again demonstrated the importance of multi‑agency cooperation in delivering safe, well‑managed large‑scale events. We’re proud to have contributed to such an important community celebration, supporting both public safety and the smooth running of a hugely significant East Sussex tradition.