Lewes Bonfire Night

Hi michelle K:

I plan to be in London during the first two weeks of November, and attending the Lewes Bonfire Festival is at the top of my list of things to see and do. I checked out the web site of every bonfire society and could find only one that took memberships by mail:

http://www.lewesbonfire.com/

The problem with joining is I could not figure out how to send them payment. They don't have a credit card or paypal account as far as I can tell, and I don't think sending them a check written on a USA bank would accomplish anything. What I did read was that one can join some of the societies on Guy Fawkes Day.

As far as finding a B&B is concerned: good luck. I booked a room at the Newmarket Inn which is a mile or so from the festivities. I spoke with one of the clerks, and she said that one can see the bonfires "down the road". I have the impression that there aren't any accommodations left in the area for that night. A meetup group of which I am a member is going to Lewes to arrive around 5 pm and return around 11 pm. As far as I can tell the last train from Lewes to London leaves around 11 pm. However, the festivities last until 1 am or so which is why I have booked a hotel room rather than do a round trip from London on the same day.

If you are interested in participating, the French smuggler outfit is probably the easiest one to put together: striped shirt, white pants, beret...

There are a number of bonfire societies. It is the locals taking part in the parade that dress up - as visitors, just wear something warm such as jeans and a jacket. You will be a spectator, not taking part in the parade as those taking part belong to local groups that will have been planning their costumes for months. It is quite a spectacle but can be cold.

Look on booking.com for available accommodation, but this can get booked up months in advance for this time and prices will be increased. You don't need a guide - just turn up and watch!

All the roads are closed, so travel by train is best.

Michelle K:

I did not receive an email from you concerning my offer to essentially pass my reservation for a room in a Lewes hotel to you and your husband. I am planning to cancel my booking this Saturday so if you might be interested I will need to hear from you in the next day or so.

Now I am planning to attend Guy Fawkes night next year.

Geor(ge)

George,
I have no idea what you are talking about. I did not receive an offer from you to pass along your hotel booking to us, if I had I would have told you I did secure a hotel just a few days after my initial post to rick steves. I do not log into RS regularly and only received a notification this morning about the message you just posted.

I am sure you can still cancel your reservation, rooms will be in short supply.

good luck,
MK

George,
I just found your private message. I had no idea you had written, I didn't get any notification I had a message,

best of luck with your reservation.

MK

Not sure who they are burning this year, but the Pope always goes up in flames.

Marco, I can think of plenty of people who should be burned.

Michelle, enjoy Guy Fawkes day. Sorry I will not be attending this year - work has priority. However, I will be attending Bonfire night in Seattle with a group of ex-pats who celebrate every year.

Geor(ge)