Birthday bonfire to end season with a bang

Always a lively affair, this year’s celebration will mark the 21st anniversary of the current incarnation of Robertsbridge Bonfire Society.

The effigy has not yet been revealed, but Roger Palamarczuk, spokesperson for the society, said it would be a fitting tribute to mark the society’s milestone anniversary.

He said: “This year is our 21st birthday of the new era and we have a tribute to that fact as well as a larger than life effigy that will be set afire at the end of the evening.”

The day will start with a maroon, which will be set off at 7am to call all the members of the society to the village recreation ground to start the day’s preparations.

Footpaths around and across the field will be closed whilst the fireworks and bonfire are prepared for the event.

Road closures along the route will be in place from 6pm ready for the procession which will start at 7.30pm.

All the local bonfire societies, including Battle, Rye, Staplecross and Hastings, are expected to take part in the torch lit procession, which will set off from the station.

It will then head up George Hill, turning at Heathfield Gardens back down through the village to Rutley Close, before turning and heading back along the Clappers and into the recreation ground for the grand bonfire and fireworks finale at around 8.30pm.

Street collectors will be out in force, asking for donations which will go to local charities.

Parking for visitors will be available at Robertsbridge Community College on Knelle Road at a small charge, or the A21 layby.

Robertsbridge Bonfire Society asks that visitors do not park in the street as it will cause an obstruction should emergency vehicles require access.

The society’s next meeting will take place at Robertsbridge Club on Thursday, starting at 8.30pm.