Lewes prepares for 40,000-strong crowd with heightened police presence

Lewes in East Sussex prepares for its annual Bonfire Night celebration, an event that commemorates the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605. The town expects a surge in visitors for the torch-lit processions and firework display scheduled for Thursday evening.

Josh Reed, who manages the White Hart pub in Lewes, told the BBC that the town will be "full to the brim." Reed, who is experiencing the event for the first time, described it as an "absolutely massive event" that he expects to be "absolutely electric." Last year, the celebration drew an estimated crowd of 40,000 people.

Reed admitted to feeling "simultaneously a little bit terrified" given the scale of the gathering. He noted that growing up in the American South, images of marching crowds with burning crosses triggered specific memories for him.

Ch Supt Graham Barnett of Sussex Police stated that Lewes Bonfire Night is one of the largest single events the force manages. Barnett said the department is deploying local and specialist officers, along with a "small number of armed resources," to prevent crime and disorder. He urged attendees to "behave yourselves and be safe."

Data from last year's event indicates that three people were arrested and seven were taken to hospital. Eliot Parry, the station manager at Lewes Fire Station, said his team has well-rehearsed plans to respond to emergencies. Parry advised people to be mindful of torches and fireworks, and to take care near water and busy roads if consuming alcohol.

The event begins at 17:00 GMT with effigies being paraded through the town center. The celebration concludes at 23:00 GMT. Visitors have been urged to stay away from the area, and several road closures are in effect. Southern Railway announced that Rye station will be closed on 14 November from 15:00 until the next day for the town's bonfire celebrations.

Trains will not stop at Lewes or its surrounding stations from late Thursday afternoon until early Friday morning. Barnett suggested that those who can attend a local bonfire event instead of traveling to Lewes should do so. Live coverage of the thousands gathering for the parade will be available on BBC platforms starting at 19:30 GMT on Thursday.