Rye's bonfire tradition could be protected by getting World Heritage recognition.
MP Michael Foster is throwing his weight behind a move to get Sussex Bonfire placed on the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Every Autumn Sussex Bonfire organise a series of spectacular bonfire festivals across Sussex to commemorate th
e Gunpowder plot of Guy Fawkes who tried to blow up parliament on 5th of November 1605.
The event is one of the biggest of the year in Rye with thousands of people flocking to the town to watch a torch-lit parade through the streets and a giant bonfire and fireworks display on The Salts.
Organisers of Sussex Bonfire are now seeking to have the tradition placed on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) list of Intangible Cultural Heritage which aims to recognise and safeguard cultural practices.
Rye MP Michael Foster is supporting their efforts.
He said: "The Sussex Bonfires are a fantastic annual spectacle and a tradition that must be treasured and protected. I shall be contacting UNESCO calling on them to recognise the rich cultural heritage of Sussex and our Bonfire Societies.
"Traditionally Guy Fawkes Night in England was celebrated by large communal bonfires and celebrations, but in most parts of the country this has withered to family bonfires and large public fireworks displays.
"The tradition has remained much stronger in Sussex with the annual Rye Bonfire attracting thousands of visitors."
The Sussex Bonfires are the oldest continuous traditions in England – spanning the last 402 years and the only traditional custom to continue through the Protectorate of Oliver Cromwell.
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