On the 31st January, 1606, Guy Fawkes and several of his co-conspirators were hung, drawn and quartered at Westminster, as punishment for treason. They were executed for their involvement in the Gunpowder Plot, a plan to blow up Parliament, and with it King James I, on the 5th November 1605.

That night is now celebrated annually in the UK and known as Bonfire Night. Most towns in the country have bonfires and small firework displays. Lewes, though, takes Bonfire Night a little more seriously.

The six bonfire societies in the town, and many from the surrounding area, parade through the town in costume, in one of the largest processions of its kind anywhere. After that, the societies split up and head for each of their individual bonfires and fireworks display, around the edge of the town.

The anti-catholic feeling in Lewes is very strong, most obvious in the "No Popery" banners around the town - and the burning of effigies of the Pope. The celebrations here are not just for Bonfire Night and the Gunpowder plot, but also in memory of the Lewes martyrs, burned in the 1500s under the rule of Bloody Mary.

Anywhere from 70,000 to 100,000 people make their way to the town to join the festivities every year, bringing the town to a standstill.

Last night was no exception. I and a group of friends made our way round the town. We missed the barrel-racing (huge flaming barrels being pulled at high speed through the town center), unfortunately, due to the massive over-crowding. We did see the procession, which was as good as ever, and went to Waterloo's bonfire, down by the river. The fireworks were great, though it was all a bit over-crowded this year.

Enjoy the photos!

Lewes Bonfire Night 2004
 

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