UCKFIELD BONFIRE AND CARNIVAL SOCIETY

WHAT: UCKFIELD BONFIRE AND CARNIVAL SOCIETY
WHY: ANNUAL BONFIRE AND CARNIVAL
WHEN: SATURDAY 5^TH SEPTEMBER 2020
WHERE: UCKFIELD, EAST SUSSEX
COST: FREE BUT CONTRIBUTIONS TO CHARITY ARE WELCOME

Uckfield Bonfire and Carnival Society are just one of the numerous ‘Sussex Bonfire Societies’ in the UK today the oldest being the Battle Bonfire Boyes, established in the mid-1640s who continue to mark both Guy Fawkes Night and the burning of 17 protestant martyrs at the hands of Mary 1^st.

As with most of the rest of the world, the parades, carnivals, and bonfires usually held in the towns around Sussex and Kent have been cancelled due to the COVID 19 pandemic which is going to have a huge impact on the economy of these areas as well as not being able to offer the same support which has been enjoyed by worthy causes and charitable organisations in the region.

The tradition of holding Bonfire Celebrations can be traced back to the mid-17^th century based on the failed attempt by Guy Fawkes and his co-conspirators.  Originating in Battle, the centre of gunpowder production in the UK records details about this and several others in Waltham, Faversham, and Tolworth all of which supplied for the Royal Armouries.  During production, they used 1 legged stool to stop the workers from falling asleep whilst in charge of the very unpredictable and volatile explosive materials. Today, the Gunpowder Mill at Waltham is a visitor attraction.

So, given the current situation, Uckfield Bonfire and Carnival Society will be holding a ‘virtual carnival and live fireworks display so that locals can sit at home safely and still raise much-needed money for local good causes without leaving the house. At 8.30pm, a film is to be shown via the Uckfield Bonfire Society’s Facebook page, which will include video footage and photographs from previous carnivals before Bonfire Night prayers, and then the society members will light torches and fire banners, heralding the start of the display which should be visible to most of the town and surrounding area.