Lewes Bonfire Night: 11 Arrests Amidst 20,000 Strong Crowd

Lewes Bonfire Night drew an estimated crowd of 20,000 people on Thursday, November 6, 2026. Sussex Police reported making 11 arrests in connection with eight separate incidents. These offenses included assault, drunk and disorderly behavior, criminal damage, and possession of an offensive weapon.

Emergency medical services provided treatment to 52 individuals throughout the event. Of those treated, four required hospitalization for more advanced care. Police described the night as successful, thanking participants and organizers, and noted that the majority of attendees had dispersed by 01:00 GMT. Roads in Lewes were subsequently reopened, and a clean-up operation began.

This significant annual event required extensive planning by various agencies, including emergency services and local authorities. Effigies this year notably depicted figures such as FIFA boss Gianni Infantino and Prime Minister Andy Burnham. Despite its scale, the event concluded with ongoing operations for Sussex Police, who consider it among their largest annual undertakings.