BATTEL BONFIRE BOYeS
GUY FAWKES CELEBRATIONS
November 4th 2023
photo by Roz Bassford
ORDER OF
EVENTS
06:00am – A maroon signals the start of Bonfire day.
10.00am – The Church Bells will signal the arrival of ‘The Oldest Guy in the World’ on the Abbey Green accompanied by Saxon Warriors and children’s procession. The information and souvenir stalls open.
10.30am – Judging of the Children’s Guy and Fancy Dress Competition on the Abbey Green by BBB President.
6.00pm – Roads close.
7.45pm – A maroon will signal the departure of the procession from Market Road and proceed down the High Street and Lower Lake to the Station Approach.
Turning at Station Approach and returning to the Abbey Green BBB will enter the Abbey Gatehouse to keep the traditional involvement of Battle Abbey within the celebrations. Having turned within the Abbey, BBB and visiting societies will make their way back up the High Street where they will turn and re-torch at the roundabout.
Making its way back down the High Street, the procession will return to the Abbey Green where the bonfire will be lit to the traditional cry and the firework display will commence.
Please note: It is likely there will be loud bangs throughout the day while set up takes place
PROCESSION ROUTE
7.45pm – A maroon will signal the departure of the procession from Market Road (A) and proceed down the High Street and Lower Lake to the Station Approach. (B)
Turning at Station Approach and returning to the Abbey Green BBB will enter the Abbey Gatehouse (C) to keep the traditional involvement of Battle Abbey within the celebrations. Having turned within the Abbey, BBB and visiting societies will make their way back up the high street where they will turn and re-torch at the Roundabout. (D)
Making its way back down the High Street the procession will return to the Abbey Green (E) where the bonfire will be lit to the traditional cry and the firework display will commence.
PROCESSION ROUTE
7.45pm – A maroon will signal the departure of the procession from Market Road (A) and proceed down the High Street and Lower Lake to the Station Approach. (B)
Turning at Station Approach and returning to the Abbey Green BBB will enter the Abbey Gatehouse (C) to keep the traditional involvement of Battle Abbey within the celebrations. Having turned within the Abbey, BBB and visiting societies will make their way back up the high street where they will turn and re-torch at the Roundabout. (D)
Making its way back down the High Street the procession will return to the Abbey Green (E) where the bonfire will be lit to the traditional cry and the firework display will commence.
ROAD CLOSURE
INFORMATION
Please note our road closure operates from 6pm until midnight along the following roads:
Powdermill Lane, High Street, Market Road, Upper Lake, Lower Lake, Battle Hill & Station Approach.
There is strictly no parking along the procession route.
Any cars left will be removed and kept over night at the car owners expense.
There is no dedicated parking for this event.
If parking on the road please park respectfully and do not block residents drives or access routes.
SAFETY INFORMATION
It is important that you know what to expect when attending our event. Please check that you are happy to attend and ensure you take responsibility for your own safety.
There is no dedicated public viewing area for the bonfire celebrations which take place in the High Street
Battle Bonfire is a traditional event and is not deemed suitable for young children or those with a nervous disposition
During the event the streets will be crowded and there will be fire and loud fireworks
Please ensure you carry any medical supplies you require such as asthma inhalers
We advise against trying to view the procession within the area surrounding the Abbey Green
Follow ALL marshal instructions
Do not bring any of your own fireworks
Due to crowd numbers the event is not suitable for pushchairs
WHERE TO VIEW THE FIREWORKS
Battel Bonfire Boyes are famous for their pyrotechnic display! However, due to the fact that the event takes place on the public highway, there is no dedicated viewing area for the event and the area around the Abbey Green (where the bonfire is) gets very crowded and uncomfortable for viewing the fireworks.
We advise not to gather in this area but to move to the top of the High Street and view the display from the comfort of the car park in Market Road.
This will allow you to get a great view of the aerial firework display without any of the discomfort of trying to view from the High Street.
What time does it start?
The procession starts at approx 7.45pm. Due to the nature of the event, timings are all approximate.
As a guide, the bonfire will be lit at about 9pm followed by the firework display at 9.30pm
The event is normally finished by 10pm.
All timings are approximate and can vary by 30 minutes.
Can I join in?
Only members of bonfire societies who have been invited can join in the procession. Members of the public will need to stand on the pavement to watch the procession. If you would like to get involved next year then we would love you to become a member. Details can be found here
Where can I park?
There is no dedicated parking for the event however, there are public car parks in Mount Street and Market Road. We advise arriving early. If parking on the road, please do so respectfully of local residents.
Please remember there is strictly no parking on the procession route, and any cars left will be towed away and kept overnight at the car owners expense.
Mount Street Car Park
This is accessible at all times if coming from the Whatlington. It can not be accessed via the High Street which is closed.
Market Road Car Park
Market road is where the procession forms up and therefore is part of the road closure. However, it is likely this will reopen after the fireworks to allow cars out but you will only be able to head down the A21 or up North Trade Road – The High Street will remain closed
How much does it cost to attend?
The event is completely free to attend, but we collect money on the night for local good causes. Please give generously
Where can I view the fireworks?
We suggest viewing the fireworks from Market Square carpark. This is away from the busy area around the Abbey Green.
What if it rains?
If it rains we suggest wearing a big coat. The event takes place outside in November. If there are any changes to the event and what is going on we will publish these on our Facebook page
Is there first aid?
Yes there is. If you require assistance, please speak to one of our marshalls or make your way to the first aid point by the Chequers Pub in Upper Lake (please see map above)