Nevill Juvenile Bonfire Society

In 1967 two 15-year-old friends, Phil Amey and Peter Earl, were devastated when the bonfires they had built in adjacent gardens in Nevill were mysteriously burnt down before the 5th. So they decided to start their own society, Nevill Juvenile, which has grown into one of the most popular in the town today. A mixture of adults and children, Nevill has always stood slightly apart from the other societies in town, and now holds its celebrations at least a week before the main events.

Today, as usual, they will parade around Nevill and hold a fireworks display on the Motor Road, just off Nevill Road. As usual their members will be joined in the procession by representatives from the other bonfire societies in and around Lewes, as well as two marching bands, a drum band, and, for the first time, a pair of bagpipers. There will be flaming banners, torches, burning barrels and all the usual paraphernalia, but rest assured, if you want to take your kids, it won’t be quite as raucous as events on the 5th (or the 4th this year). And they don’t burn the Pope. “This year the tableau will be a pretty famous children’s character which is celebrating its anniversary,” says secretary Mike Fisk. “Our event is less adult-orientated that the other societies’ proceedings,” he continues. We’re split 50-50 between adults and children; kids help organise our event. “We are geared towards bringing younger members into the bonfire scenario.” The fuse is lit for the 4th of November…