Rye & District Bonfire Society

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Entries for floats are welcome, provided that these are towed by a 4 x 4 vehicle, not a tractor. Floats will be positioned at the rear of the procession. All float entries must book in advance via the Society’s secretary, details below

Please do not pick up discarded torches, that is the job for the firecarts at the rear of the procession.

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

Do not use fireworks. We do not tolerate fireworks in the crowd, it is dangerous and offenders will be reported to the police.

At the Fire Site, please remain outside of the barriers, it is dangerous inside. We cannot be held responsible for any loss or injury sustained by people crossing safety barriers.

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.

The Rye and District Bonfire Society do not accept responsibility for any personal injury, loss or damage to personal property and remind you that you attend this evening’s event entirely at your own risk.

Road Closures

On Bonfire Night, Sat Nov 14th, all streets on the processional route in Rye town centre will be closed to traffic from approx 6.30pm till 9.30 pm.There is no parking on the processional route from approx 4.30pm.From approx 6.30pm, vehicular access to the town will be severely restricted and all vehicles are cleared from the processional route. 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 8.00pm and 9.30pm to allow the procession and crowds to pass and will be subject to long delays at all other times.Motorists are therefore advised to use the M20/A28 route from Dover and Folkestone to Hastings and Eastbourne if travelling on the evening of Sat Nov 14th.

Rye Bonfire Timetable, Sat Nov 14th

Parking restrictions apply to processional route from 4.30pmVehicular access restrictions apply from 6.30pmProcessional Route to be clear of all vehicles 6.30pmProcession Starts from Tilling Green 7.30pmA259 / A268 restrictions apply from 8.00pm”Chairing Down” – mystery celeb. lights the bonfire 8.30pmFireworks Display 8.45pmTraffic Restrictions Lifted 9.15 – 10pm

The Procession Route …

A Maroon signals the start of the procession at about 7:30pmThe route is as follows – 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.

Please show your appreciation for the evening’s events

The Rye Bonfire Society receives no financial support from public funds in staging this event, which now costs over £10,000 a year to set-up and manage. All necessary funding is raised by voluntary contributions, programme sales and advertising, fund-raising events and street collections on the night. Without the support of the town’s traders, citizens and visitors, the event could not take place. If you wish the Rye Bonfire to continue as the premier social event in the district’s calendar, please give generously.

Local Bonfire Dates for your Diary:

Coming soon …

Chairing of Rye Fawkes…

Torch Bearers led by two members from Rye Bonfire Society, followed by two members from each visiting Society.Route – Hilders Cliff, Landgate, Bedford Place and The Salts for the lighting of the Bonfire.The Bonfire Lit By Rye Fawkes & Grand Firework Display On Fair Salts

Join Rye Bonfire Society

Contact the secretary, Ian Foster
at Adams, 8 High St, Rye TN31 7JH
E-Mail: Send E-Mail

Be a Rye Bonfire Volunteer on the night!

Rye Bonfire Society is always in need of extra volunteers to assist with street-collections and marshalling on the night. Please contact the Secretary.

Membership only £3, Families £5, Juniors £1. Membership forms from:

Adams of Rye Ltd
8 High Street
Rye
East Sussex
TN31 7JH

Tel: 01797 223136 Daytime

It was a miracle that the ferocious weather let up long enough for this year’s Bonfire; just hours before the procession started there were fears of a total washout as gale-force winds and torrential rain battered Rye.  An estimated 6,000 to 9,000 people attended which, although not as many as previous years, meant that those attending had a better view and did not have such a crush.

The collection this year is expected to raise some £4,000 with a further £1,500 from programme sales.

The bonfire was lit by 16-year old Alexandra Blincow, whose Mum, Judith, owner of the Mermaid Inn, bid for the honour at the bonfire societies Auction of Promises.  Alexandra was carried through the streets on a sedan chair by men dressed as Roman soldiers.  The effigy this year showed a moustachioed EU flag dangling a giant fish from his hands, a swipe at he effect of European quotas on local fishermen.

Enjoy the celebrations in 2009? Please help make 2010 even better!

Donations to: The Treasurer, Rye Bonfire Society, c/o Adams of Rye Ltd, 8 High Street, Rye, East Sussex

Charity Work

The Rye Bonfire Society has raised and distributed many thousands of pounds of charity funding for local “good causes” in and around Rye.

A Word From The President

Rye Bonfire and torchlit procession has become one of the great family events in the local calendar.

Many months of hardwork and preparation are put in by society members from fundraising to torchmaking and building the ultimate bonfire.

May I thank all those who have striven so hard to make it all happen and also those who support us with financial contributions and assistance in Rye.

A great team effort.

Thank you and enjoy yourselves.

John Izod President

Rye and District Bonfire Society is a company limited by guarantee.Company No: 4669575