Bonfire Societies Fancy Dress Night

The various bonfire societies have been preparing for the big night since November 6th last year, but this is where it all kicks off, as far as the punter is concerned. The annual Lewes Bonfire Society Fancy Dress Competition, open to children and adults alike - as long as they are members of one of the societies. Members of the public are welcome to come and watch the proceedings. “The competition has been running as long as anyone can remember,” says organiser Keith Austin, “back in the 50’s, it used to be a dance, too,”

There are actually 16 different competitions, eight for children and eight for adults. Each society amasses points for the competitions their members win: the society with the most points wins the Points Cup. The other blue riband event is the Pioneer Cup. Each society has a First and a Second Pioneer dress code in the procession and in this class six to eight members vie to win the vote of the judges, having spruced up their costume from last year. Borough are Zulus, Cliffe are Vikings, Commercial Square are Native Americans, South Street are English Civil War soldiers, Waterloo are Ghengis Khan-era Mongolian warriors, Nevill are ‘Medieval’, Southover are Priory Monks. “There will be a licensed bar with Sussex ales and refreshments throughout proceedings,” says Keith. “Also this year there will be a new award, the Meldrum Smith Award for the best fancy dressed man, named after Meldrum, the popular Cliffe life member who sadly passed away on Boxing Day.” AG