Lewes ready for 'absolutely electric' Bonfire Night

Lewes is ready for its renowned annual Bonfire Night celebration.

Josh Reed, who manages the White Hart pub, said the East Sussex town was going to be "full to the brim" on Thursday.

"It's an absolutely massive event," he told the BBC. "We're really, really, really excited about it. It is going to be absolutely electric."

The parade sees effigies paraded through the town, climaxing in a huge bonfire and firework display.

Live: Follow the events online in Lewes as they happen, and on the BBC Sussex Facebook page and on iPlayer.

Reed said it was his first time experiencing Lewes Bonfire Night, which last year drew an estimated crowd of 40,000.

He said as well as being excited he was "simultaneously a little bit terrified".

"I grew up in the American South and seeing pictures of people marching down the road with burning crosses triggers a few memories for me," he said.

Ch Supt Graham Barnett said Lewes Bonfire Night was one of the biggest single events Sussex Police had to deal with.

"Let's make no mistake - we put a lot of resource into [it]," he told the BBC.

Barnett said local and specialist police officers would attend, along with a "small number of armed resources".

"That's to... reassure the public and make sure we can do our role in preventing crime and disorder," he said.

"Please behave yourselves and be safe."

Three people were arrested and seven were taken to hospital at last year's celebration, according to Sussex Police.

Eliot Parry, station manager at Lewes Fire Station, said firefighters were also expecting a busy night.

"We have well-rehearsed plans to ensure that we have an ability to respond to an emergency in the town should there be one," he said.

Parry urged people to be mindful of torches and fireworks, while those consuming alcohol should take care near water and busy roads.

"Look out for each other," he added.

Kicking off with torch-lit processions at 17:00 GMT, Lewes Bonfire Night sees effigies paraded through the town centre, culminating in a huge bonfire and firework display.

The event - which marks the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605 - concludes at 23:00.

Visitors have been urged to stay away, while a number of road closures are in effect.

Trains will not stop at Lewes or its surrounding stations from late Thursday afternoon until early Friday morning.

"If you can go to a bonfire event locally, then please do," added Sussex Police's Barnett.

Southern Railway has said that Rye station will be closed on 14 November from 15:00 until the next day for the town's bonfire celebrations.

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