Rye bonfire: a blaze of glory
RYE was ablaze on Saturday as hundreds of flaming torches lit up the town for the bonfire celebrations.
The procession was the longest for some years with societies from across the county being joined by drumming groups, smugglers wearing sinister cloth masks, and pirates.
Among those taking part were large contingents from Lewes, Battle, Staplecross, Icklesham, Robertsbridge and Hastings.
Flaming fire carts brought up the rear of the procession while a team of collectors worked hard to raise money for local charities and good causes.
Popular local figure Jimper Sutton collected wearing his pirate's costume, complete with parrot on the shoulder.
It was a noisy but good-natured event with plenty of loud bangs in the procession. Police, who in previous years had cautioned bonfire society members for letting off bangs in the procession, kept a low profile, concentrating their resources at key locations such as the station area at the end of the event.
Floats did not feature in this year's procession - a having tractor broken down at Landgate Arch a few years ago, blocking the road and causing the entire procession to be diverted.
Bonfire Society chairman John Izod said: "People seem to appreciate the traditional Sussex procession with people on foot in fantastic costumes making a lot of noise and creating a slightly pagan atmosphere.
"We had meetings with the police and decided it would be a waste of resources to put officers in the procession itself. We had more marshals out than ever before to ensure things ran smoothly.
"It was a good-natured, peaceful night with a large and friendly crowd and I was not aware of any incidents. We worked hard to put on the event and you could say that I am a relieved and happy man."
The procession finished at The Salts where a huge bonfire blazed and a spectacular firework display delighted the huge crowd.
The fun continued later with lots of people staying in town to enjoy a party atmosphere outside many of the nearby pubs who had provided outside bars and barbecues. Bonfire drummers raised the rafters inside the Bedford Arms.
The bonfire season continues this week for members of the Rye Society who are aiming for a good turn-out at Robertsbridge Bonfire on Saturday, which brings the local bonfire season to a close this year.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for St Leonards-on-Sea
Sunday 05 February 2012
Today
Light snow
Temperature: -2 C to 1 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Light sleet showers
Temperature: -2 C to 4 C
Wind Speed: 6 mph
Wind direction: West
