@@christinemarshall1366 I often find his videos annoying, he approaches things with a superficial mindset, breaks in "guessing" (usually wrongly) and skips thing. How he expects to learn and/or understand thing I don't know. I'm not sure why I come back periodically to his videos, perhaps I just want to be annoyed sometimes.
@@christinemarshall1366 Like the 'insect' rhyme*, Tyler takes his time To question _over_ explanations - "Wait... What...?... Wait...?!" He _may_ learn ...though learn it late?! (*"Big bugs have small bugs upon their backs to bite 'em... Smaller bugs have tiny bugs, and so Ad infinitum!!") Questions, questions, questions, And, many questions more... Lead to suppositions, (from Tyler) by the score... Each video seen, each lesson learned Into _our_ minds, 'TR'** has burned... _His_ responses, _our_ daily 'mantra' has always been: "Wait... What...?... Wait?!" 🇺🇸 These responses are - by _us_ - so frequently _heard_ (& seen) !! (**'TR' = _Tyler Rumple_ ). 👍🤔🏴💕🇬🇧🤭🖖
@@terryloveuk _We_ love to learn and with this guy Can learn to act as if we're 'high' To see, to hear, to listen, 'Ty'... One day, someday, you might ask why And remember, (maybe?!) 'um'... Not to say "Wait... What...? ... Wait?!" Ad infinitum... (?!) 👍🤔🥺🤭🖖
Lighting bonfires at this time of year, at the end of harvest and just as winter is drawing in, is a very ancient pagan practice. The fires are a promise that the Sun will come back next summer. Running or jumping over the fire is a cleansing ritual. Long ago villagers would build two bonfires in a field and make all their livestock (and children) run between them, to keep them all healthy and safe over the winter.
The burning Crosses relate to the burning of 17 protestant martyrs back when Mary 1st returned England to a Catholic country. I grew up close to Lewes . There are a number of Bonfire Societies in Sussex.
@@janinshirley Well, obviously! Where did I say (or imply) otherwise? I wrote _equivalent_ - not _imitation_ ! The lady doth protest too much, methinks. Point?
@@marvinc9994 As long as both achieve the same objective it doesn't really matter does it. No one pushes us around although our politicians like to think they do.
I’m British and Bonfire night is bigger than Halloween in my area. It’s great fun! We always go down to the playing field and the whole town will be there to see the fireworks. My brother and I take our old lightsabers and wave them about.
It's a great shame that Guy Fawkes' night is being increasingly elbowed out of our culture by Hallowe'en (although isn't that something we exported to North America in the first place?!) and moreover that most Brits seem to have very little knowledge of the gunpowder plot itself and of that period (or pretty much any period for that matter?...) in our history!
At the moment where I live bonfire night is way bigger than Hallowe’en and I hope it stays this way. It also make me said that people want to ban it. This is a massive part of your culture and should be encouraged ❤️. Definitely my favourite day of the year
Where I love bonfire night is only slightly bigger but maybe as Im not older than 20 Halloween is a time to get drunk with mates as go to the dogey fair that is set up on a car park
I’m from Surrey in the south of England and I’ve never seen this before. Our village bonfire is a big bonfire usually themed in the shape of a building or ship or something, with a big firework display. Other places have a funfair as well. Always was the best night and something we loved to do when I was a kid. I was at uni at Exeter and we used to go to Ottery St Mary which is a little village where they set fire to barrels and roll them through the village. It’s wild and very busy.
I am from quite near Lewes and I’ve been to the Lewes Bonfire Night celebrations. It is an amazing experience. The bonfire societies parade through the streets of Lewes wearing costumes and carrying flaming crosses and torches and the tar barrels are set alight in the wheel barrows. Eventually the processions all end up at various locations on the outskirts of Lewes. All of the societies have huge bonfires and effigies. The bonfires are lit and soon afterwards the fireworks are let off. No other Bonfire Night event even comes close to Lewes. It’s definitely the best place to witness the celebrations. The atmosphere in Lewis on the 5th November feels timeless and almost pagan, perhaps even a tad threatening, but it’s one of those events you’ll never forget, and something I would recommend visiting, even if it’s just the once.
One of the 'local things you didn't realise was just local' is the concept of Bonfire societies in Sussex. A lot of towns and even villages will have a Bonfire society that is in charge of arranging a Bonfire procession and firework display. Lewes is the centre for it but it is spread throughout Sussex. Lewes probably has a greater percentage of people trained in fire safety than anywhere else.
Non of that where i am in the north of England. There's a bonfire and organised firework display on the nearest saturday night before the 5th, then bonfires and fireworks on the 5th but there are idiots letting fireworks off for weeks leading up to the 5th.
Love being a local to Lewes. It’s an amazing evening. The processions, the flaming crosses and torches, the bonfire and fireworks, oh and the costumes. It’s complex and you need to read up more on it all to understand My family will be there tonight as they are most years. Spotted a few people I know on those videos too 😀
Well done Tyler. Lived in UK all my and been to many bonfire or fireworks event. I never even heard about Lewes or any other place going anywhere near this level of celebrations for 5th November. Its fun when youre learning new stuff about your own country to find i didnt know more about it than someone who never set foot in the here yet. It reminds me i dont know as much as i sometimes think i do lol
Hey Tyler just watched your video on bonfire night in Lewes Englang. I am as stumped as you. (I live in South West England). I have never seen this before, but Thank you for showing this clip as I might take a trip their next year it looks interesting👍😎. Love your vids on us Brits. Xx
Was always a part of the bonfire processions in East Sussex. East Hoathly was a good one for the fireworks, Uckfield for the home town vibes and Lewes for the mayhem. 🔥🎇
I have to say, raised as a Roman Catholic, absolutely nobody thought about the Gunpowder Plot and Catholic conspirators. As children we all went bonfires at friends houses or on open areas, enjoyed gathering the wood and making a GUY (dummy made of card, wood and old clothing) and watching fireworks, while eating traditional bonfire foods. Fun competing for the biggest bonfire and best Guy. We used to go round the neighborhood having a look at other bonfires too. There are less family bonfires and more organized public events nowadays though. To this day I’ve never heard anything political about bonfire night. Never heard any comments about religion either. All religions enjoy the night. Having said that I’ve never heard of this event in Lewis. Looks interesting 😊
I wasn’t realised as religious but we learned about it school and were reminded every year about the history of the event but yeah, we never gave it a thought during the actual celebrations! It was just about having fun around the bonfire with family and friends…and it was a one night only event back then! Now it goes on for days on end 🤦♀️
Lewes is about ten minutes away from Brighton and Hove, so I have been to Lewes bonfire night celebrations about 30 times in my 47 years of life so far.👍🏻
Lewes also has its own pound note, with a picture of thomas paine on it, as I belive he came from there, I think they can only use the note there. I did go to Lewes bon fire night a few years ago, but I don't live near Lewes so it was only the once. but it was great fun.
I have taken part in the Lewes Bonfire procession as a guest member of one of the societies (for 3 years) I have also been to 6 other towns in Sussex for the bonfire celebrations, I was one who carried fire and fireworks for every year I went. The Sussex bonfires are a night of freedom when fire can be carried through those towns, at other times you would be breaking the law. The Pope is traditionally one of the many figures burned also local and national figures who have caused some controversy during the year. Others have mentioned the martyrrs represented by the crosses, also the pope. It is a very long night, starting at around 6pm and ending around midnight, we do have limits on what fireworks we are allowed to carry, this is because of some people thinking it is dangerous. Other Towns are also pretty close to being as big, with most of the societies being guests for the processions in the other towns
A lot of places in the UK don't celebrate like they did when I was young, the council stopped neighbourhoods having bonfires for health and safety and it sucks.
Give it a rest, it's their decision, democracy in action, not only did he win the electoral college vote he won the popular vote to. He has a huge mandate from the American people.@@marisaevancoe2157
Here’s where the politics come in. Back in 1605, England was sharply divided between Protestants and Catholics, and this plot highlighted the intense religious tensions of the time. Bonfire Night became a way for Protestants to celebrate the failure of a plot they saw as a threat to their faith and their king. Today, though, people celebrate Bonfire Night for different reasons, and it isn’t all about anti-Catholic sentiment. Some people view it as a celebration of the fact that the plot failed, showing loyalty to the monarchy and the government. They might see the bonfire and burning of Guy Fawkes effigies as symbolic of protecting stability and law. Others, however, see Guy Fawkes as a bit of a folk hero-a figure who stood up to authority. These people might celebrate Bonfire Night with a sense of rebellion or a critique of government power. You’ll sometimes see people wearing Guy Fawkes masks, a symbol of anti-establishment views, especially popularised by the film V for Vendetta. For them, Bonfire Night has become a time to reflect on resistance against what they see as oppressive government power. So, in modern Britain, Bonfire Night is both a festive celebration and a reminder of deep political divisions. It’s about fireworks and bonfires, but the historical roots and diverse interpretations mean people view it through very different political lenses. That mix of celebration, rebellion, and history makes it a uniquely British holiday that still sparks debate.
I think this is a totally brilliant summary of both the fun and the politics behind bonfire night - thank-you! Hope it gets lots of likes to move it up a bit. The contradictions of patriotism and rebellion run though the whole thing. Originally it was an actual relgious day of thanksgiving decreed by the King in the protestant church in England for delivery from Papism - but that was repealed in the mid 1800s sometime - but it then carried on as a folk tradition as people enjoyed it so much. When its taught to kids in schools it is about saving parliament from plotters and the religious history of the event is watered down as much as possible - kids just find the fires and the fireworks exciting - but you learn more about the history and different connotations as you get older. I really love bonfire night - I'm English and live in Scotland - I'm glad my town here still celebrates it, though it has a much stronger tradition in England and Lewes is the most tradition-filled of them all.
Im old, as a kid bonfire night and several weeks run up were the best time of year, weeks spent dragging every bit of scrap wood in the surrounding area to the bonfire, having to leave gaurds to prevent other neighbourhoods burning it down. We would also burn theirs if we got chance. Local rule was if you burned another areas bonfire then you had to invite them to yours for bonfire night. Making a guy then cob a coaling a couple of weeks before nov5th the money received from singing on peoples doorsteps went to pay for fireworks on bonfire night. Mothers would make huge potato pies with thick crust and sweet sticky parkin. Wonderful memories
Where I live there’s Betley bonfire which is a massive bonfire the size of a building is burnt every year with a bunch of fireworks that are let off, but a lot of other places nearby my house organise displays as well as my family we stopped after one year my dad and my friends dad almost blew up bc the firework didn’t go off so they went to check it and . . . It went off (no one was harmed)
Tyler. Great video mate. Thank you. 😊 I have a lot of respect for our American Cousins 🇬🇧🇺🇸😊 also you should go to North of England (Manchester) (Leeds) (Newcastle) great Northern Cities of England. In North of England Newcastle folk are called (Geordies), Manchester folk are called (Mancunians), Leeds are (Yorkshire Folk), Liverpool folk are called (Scousers). They are all different Northern English accents, and there are many more too. 😊
I live 20 minutes away from Lewes . I went to the bonfire night once. It was utterly terrifying!!... Plus I smashed my head into a shop window when fireworks got set off in a narrow street.
Genuine question, do Americans study History, besides their own? Now before I get comments saying "well the video is about an English event" in primary school (aged 4-10/11 years) we study basic Ancient Egyptian, Romans & Ancient Greece,Vikings/Norman history before we go to secondary school (aged 11), as well as our own history which often intertwines with other cultures history.
Americans study history? You must be joking. The majority dont know their own let alone others. Their world revolves entirely around the USA as it stands today.
The Bloody Mary story is a folklore legend about a ghost, witch, or spirit that appears in a mirror when the name "Bloody Mary" is repeated. The apparition may be benevolent or malevolent, depending on the version of the story. The legend is also associated with Queen Mary I of England, who was given the nickname "Bloody Mary" for her persecution of Protestants during her reign:Such as the burning of 17 protestant martyrs .
I used to go to Lewes on Bonfire night for several years. There are several bonfire socities on Lewes in Lewes of which Cliff is the most famous. They used to roll flaming tar barrels down School Hill and read the Riot Act from the townhall as part of the festivities. Its a lot tamer now but dtill goes on every year. Its an amazing spectacle.
So to Murder the King and Prince of Wales, then have a 9 year old girl crowned as Queen. To then be married off to a Spanish Prince in order to change England to a Catholic country. Is that the Honest intention you have in mind?
Love Sussex bonfire nights. I've been to Hastings and Battle this year. Lewes is always hard to get to and the roads are all closed into the town tonight and the trains aren't stopping there.
I'm British English. When it comes to Bonfire night. It's mostly just letting off fireworks. But in some town's/city's the celebrations can mean something else. Ps the bloke at the end is just moaning. Cause he lives in a city, where it's celebrated alot and alot bigger. It's part if the British and Irish history.
It means the same all over england just some county's and towns still do the older more traditional celebrations like the cross burning and barrel burning and the guy fawkes burning to represent the people burnt at the cross and to remember the failed attempt gunpower bombing of the house of lords and attempted assassination of king james during the catholic and prodistant war in the uk.
I took part in my local Bonfire night in Rye, with my workmates years ago. We had a float with the theme of Grease. We had a car on the lorry and a full disco rig, play all the songs from grease. Behind us was the local majorettes behind us and they asked us to turn our music down, because they couldn't hear their music, so our DJ turned the volume up. This was the same year the guys who did the fire works, used 16" mortar fire works, which broke windows from about 600m away. At that time all me and my mates knew about it was when we heard a big bang and the doors to our shop rattled. Also in Rye they have a burning boat towed through the streets. It used be a real boat on fire, but its only a mock up of one with flames from gas bottles (bloody health & safety)
Your burningman festival last a week and manages 20 to 60 thousands partyers ,The 2018 Lewes Bonfire Night was sold out 80.000 peeps plus the 6000 plus people burning shit on one night .
You should look up the Up Helly Aa (yes spelled correctly). It takes place in Lewick just off Scotland on the last Tuesday of every January. It is an amazing spectacle and one of the must see events. They build a huge viking ship and then everyone throws Flaming torches and burns it. The villagers are all dressed as viking invaders.
i remember going to the lewis bonfire parade when i was young. it was a awesome evening, apart from my grandad did have a heart attack there. but recovered ok...
The bonfire in Lewes is so popular that the trains stop running on the 5th to reduce the visitors. I only live a few miles from Lewes but usually go to my village bonfire as the Lewes one is getting too busy. My village one is also quite big with a march, fireworks and someone selling hot food.
More specifically Lewes Bonfire celebrations commemorate the 17 Protestant martyrs from Lewis who were executed by Mary I. It also commemorates Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot too. Originally the whole thing was very anti Catholic, but these days most of the seven bonfire societies in the town tend to target political figures as the effigies they burn on top of the bonfire.
There are many versions of the Bonfire Night rhyme that have survived in different parts of England since the 17th century. Most begin with the same or very similar words. This is the basic form: Remember, remember, the Fifth of November Gunpowder treason and plot I see no reason why gunpowder treason Should ever be forgot
they dont celebrate it much any more except like you show in Lewes. But in the 70s kids used to build a Guy made of straw similar to a Scarecrow. So it would have old boots and a har similar to scarecrow clothes. Then it was put in a wheel barrow and kids would pull it around asking for penny for the guy. Then on 5 th November, it be burned on the fire and people chant remmember remember the 5th of November and we have sparklers and bobbing toffee apples. But its all linked to Guy Fawkes but halloween is more popular now
The best thing to explain bonfire night is to watch gunpowder plot by Richard Hammond you get a brief history and a demonstration of what would have happened had all gone to plan
This is just in Lewes, they think it's an audition for a Wicker Man sequel, we don't do that in Lancashire/Greater Manchester, Bonfire Night is the same as Christmas these days, we do it because it happens to appear on the calendar every year, Halloween and Easter are also no different, most even celebrate St. Patrick's Day and have absolutely zero links to Ireland
What you have been watching seems to me that it is a towns tourist attraction event. Nothing at all like most bonfire night celebrations. Which is the burning of an effigy of Guy Fawkes on a bonfire and firework displays.
Lewes bonfire has been happening since the 1800's. It was only for the residents of Lewes at the beginning. However, over the years more people came to watch. It would still carry on even if there was no-one watching.
I had to go look up the meaning of "WE WUNT BE DRUV" too. so... "The phrase "We wunt be druv" is an unofficial county motto of Sussex in southern England. It is a Sussex dialect phrase that means "we will not be driven"12. Here's a more detailed explanation: Meaning and Origin The phrase asserts that people from Sussex have minds of their own and cannot be forced against their will or told what to do. It originates from the Sussex dialect, likely dating back to the early 20th century, though similar sentiments were recorded earlier. The phrase probably originated in the Weald area of Sussex, where there's evidence that common people were freer from manorial control than in other parts of the county."
"We won't be druv" is a Sussex dialect phrase that means "we will not be driven" or "we will not be pushed around". It's the unofficial motto of Sussex, a historic county in southeastern England, and reflects the independent spirit of the people of Sussex. The phrase is used by several organizations in Sussex, including: Sussex Bonfire Societies: Use the phrase as their motto Harvey's Brewery: Has used the phrase as a strapline since 2016
I used to work with a woman who lived in that area and it's really big there. In the Midlands it's just bonfires and fireworks. I have long thought that the official reason for Bonfire nights ie the failed gunpowder plot was tacked on to more ancient pagan rituals - it's around the time of Samhain when they also lit bonfires
It’s predominantly in the Sussex county of England. There’s many bonfire celebrations throughout Sussex in various towns and villages from the beginning of September culminating in Lewes on 5th where some 50 bonfire societies meet up and march the streets. Each society represent their own towns and villages and can have anywhere from 100 to 300 members. Couple that with all the marching bands etc and there’s many thousands of people, not including the spectators. There’s several fire sites where the actual bonfires and fireworks are seen. The large effigies (floats) being dragged through the town are taken to the fire sites and burnt or blown up. The burning crosses represent the Lewes Martyrs who were 17 Protestants who were burned at the stake in Lewes, Sussex in the 1500’s. These executions were part of the Marian persecutions of Protestants during the reign of Mary I.
I miss Guy Fawkes here in Australia. Fireworks got banned ultimately killing the night. Admittedly many people mostly kids used to get hurt. We swapped that traditional night for Halloween. At least GF was a part of our British history.
My favourite day of the year (Obviously). I've had the privilege to attend Lewes bonfire a couple of times and it really is an assault on the senses and the best bonfire night you can ever experience. The burning crosses represent 17 protestant martyrs who were burned at the stake in Lewes- so there are addittional things going on as well as commemorating the failure of the gunpowder plot. Remebering our war dead also plays a big part in proceedings.
This is not a typical bonfire night, where i and in the midlands people are not so festive, theres always firework, and loads of places have bonfire but nothing like that.
The rest of Britain doesn't really have anything like that either, they get really caught up in the religious and political aspect. Most bonfire night celebrations I have been to is just a firework's display and I havent seen any large bonfires or the burning of guy for many years. I think the local parks and open spaces dont like the cleanup after a huge bonfire or maybe its just health and safety regulations that have been imposed
The 17 martyrs were burned for not accepting the Roman Catholic religion during the the years 1555-1557, Guy Fawkes was later and was a Roman Catholic who was part of a plot to destroy Parliament. The bonfire societies also include a memorial of those who gave their lives in numerous wars. I noted this year they included some Ukrainian marchers. It is very much a rememberance of God's preservation of England, the church of England and democracy. Lewes does it all in it's own rebellious way.
Personally I think people enjoy bonfire night for all different reasons. Some because Fawlks didn't succeed whereas others wish he had succeeded. Not because of a particular historical viewpoint but because a lot of people no longer like any government in power or don't like particular politicians. Some just like the pageantry and history of it. Some just for pure entertainment. London on New Year's Eve is another event that draws huge crowds for the spectacle mix of music, lighting and fireworks. Scotland also has one such huge event.
With noting that you do not recognise the name "Zulu". You definitely need to familiarise yourself with the history of the Zulu nation of people and the Zulu kingdom. Good video.
i live in southampton which is one of the less (but still) major cities and i would say that here halloween while its good for kids, doesnt have as big of a celebration as bonfire night. its amazing, throughout the past week and the next coming week, fireworks will be shot into the air across the city. and some places put on giant shows. i went to one a couple days ago and its normally music paired to a firework display. though we dont burn much here (bit sad)
Burning crosses remind us of all martyrs who have died for the rights of religious freedom. To mark the demise of the 17 Lewes Martyrs, 17 burning crosses are carried through the town, and a wreath-laying ceremony occurs at the War Memorial in the centre of town. No it’s not an anti religion thing.
I believe It was the law for about 200 years to celebrate bonfire night, now we have a bonfire with Guy on the top, and we eat Parkin and toffee also jacket potato’s. Not forgetting the firework. The rhyme is Remember Remember the 5th of November, gunpowder treason and plot.
Remember, remember, The 5th of November, Gunpowder, treason and plot. I see no reason, Why gunpowder, treason, Should ever be forgot. When I was a kid you'd make a guy, like a scarecrow almost, and take them out on the street shouting "penny for a guy" and people would give you a few bob if it was any good. Then everyone would throw the guts in the bonfire. I've just realised I can't remember the last time I saw guys on our local bonfire on the beach. Prob health and safety bollocks
In East Sussex lots of towns have bonfire societies. They stagger them over the weekends so they all do each others’ procession. Try taking some magic mushrooms (in season) and going!
Right, so I don't see this below but there is a lot already posted. For reference, I grew up in Sussex, but not Lewes specifically, so our bonfire carnival was much earlier in the season. Lewes is the culmination of the whole Sussex bonfire society season. There is a good Wikipedia page . Most towns in Sussex do this with slightly less exuberated, on successive weekends from the start of September through to Nov 5th, I don't see it directly related to Guy Fawkes, but it they are both anti-catholic and come to final on Nov 5th It is very specifically an anti-Catholic demonstration, but it is more about culture and ritual than expressing current anti-Catholic feelings. Where I grew up, all the garden rubbish for the last month or so got collected and put into a pile on the village green for the bonfire. (It was lit by the paraded torches at the end of processing through the town.) We had a fireworks display by the bonfire, too. Many groups dress up for themes etc, throughout the season. Political and anti-establishment statements are common, particularly at Lewes. Youth groups and local; clubs dressed up and do a tableau through the streets plus groups from other nearby towns, normally from those town's bonfire societies (eg those that organised the displays in the other towns). Often they choose them for fun and not politics, but some groups are definitely political. As the cyclist mentions Cowboys and Indians (Native Americans) are common themes. I don't think when I was living in Sussex over 20 years ago, there was an intent to offend anybody, but to celebrate the differing cultures, and express dismay at current political masters. I doubt this has changed but I could be wrong. So maybe it is a strange cult.
Bonfire nights were in the 70s, but then kids took over the nights running around like mini militia throwing bombs at everyone. And firework night injuries were highlighted as a reason to knock it off.
The crosses are for the 17 Protestants martyred who were burned at the stake
There is another video currently on you tube from two Americans.
@@pathopewell1814 I watched it - not so many interruptions. Most of Tyler's questions would be answered if he listened to the end.
@@christinemarshall1366 I often find his videos annoying, he approaches things with a superficial mindset, breaks in "guessing" (usually wrongly) and skips thing. How he expects to learn and/or understand thing I don't know. I'm not sure why I come back periodically to his videos, perhaps I just want to be annoyed sometimes.
@@christinemarshall1366
Like the 'insect' rhyme*,
Tyler takes his time
To question _over_ explanations -
"Wait... What...?... Wait...?!"
He _may_ learn ...though learn it late?!
(*"Big bugs have small bugs upon their backs to bite 'em...
Smaller bugs have tiny bugs, and so
Ad infinitum!!")
Questions, questions, questions,
And, many questions more...
Lead to suppositions, (from Tyler) by the score...
Each video seen, each lesson learned
Into _our_ minds, 'TR'** has burned...
_His_ responses, _our_ daily 'mantra' has always been:
"Wait... What...?... Wait?!" 🇺🇸
These responses are - by _us_ - so frequently _heard_ (& seen) !!
(**'TR' = _Tyler Rumple_ ).
👍🤔🏴💕🇬🇧🤭🖖
@@terryloveuk
_We_ love to learn and with this guy
Can learn to act as if we're 'high'
To see, to hear, to listen, 'Ty'...
One day, someday, you might ask why
And remember, (maybe?!) 'um'...
Not to say "Wait... What...? ... Wait?!"
Ad infinitum... (?!) 👍🤔🥺🤭🖖
Lighting bonfires at this time of year, at the end of harvest and just as winter is drawing in, is a very ancient pagan practice. The fires are a promise that the Sun will come back next summer. Running or jumping over the fire is a cleansing ritual. Long ago villagers would build two bonfires in a field and make all their livestock (and children) run between them, to keep them all healthy and safe over the winter.
Exactly, I just wrote the same!
The burning Crosses relate to the burning of 17 protestant martyrs back when Mary 1st returned England to a Catholic country. I grew up close to Lewes . There are a number of Bonfire Societies in Sussex.
My ancestor John Denley was burnt at the stake in 1555 (you can Google it!)
'WE WON'T BE DRUV is the Sussex Motto, meaning we won't be pushed about. I'm Sussex born and bred and I live by that phrase
Interesting: the Sussex equivalent of the Yanks' DON'T STEP ON ME! Like it...😀
@@marvinc9994 The Sussex phrase predates your Yank one by many centuries
@@janinshirley
Well, obviously! Where did I say (or imply) otherwise? I wrote _equivalent_ - not _imitation_ ! The lady doth protest too much, methinks. Point?
@@marvinc9994 As long as both achieve the same objective it doesn't really matter does it. No one pushes us around although our politicians like to think they do.
Quoted at me, by my Mother and one of my Aunts, they both attended Lewes Old Grammar School.
I’m British and Bonfire night is bigger than Halloween in my area. It’s great fun! We always go down to the playing field and the whole town will be there to see the fireworks. My brother and I take our old lightsabers and wave them about.
It's a great shame that Guy Fawkes' night is being increasingly elbowed out of our culture by Hallowe'en (although isn't that something we exported to North America in the first place?!) and moreover that most Brits seem to have very little knowledge of the gunpowder plot itself and of that period (or pretty much any period for that matter?...) in our history!
At the moment where I live bonfire night is way bigger than Hallowe’en and I hope it stays this way. It also make me said that people want to ban it. This is a massive part of your culture and should be encouraged ❤️. Definitely my favourite day of the year
Where I love bonfire night is only slightly bigger but maybe as Im not older than 20 Halloween is a time to get drunk with mates as go to the dogey fair that is set up on a car park
I’m from Surrey in the south of England and I’ve never seen this before. Our village bonfire is a big bonfire usually themed in the shape of a building or ship or something, with a big firework display. Other places have a funfair as well. Always was the best night and something we loved to do when I was a kid.
I was at uni at Exeter and we used to go to Ottery St Mary which is a little village where they set fire to barrels and roll them through the village. It’s wild and very busy.
I am from quite near Lewes and I’ve been to the Lewes Bonfire Night celebrations. It is an amazing experience. The bonfire societies parade through the streets of Lewes wearing costumes and carrying flaming crosses and torches and the tar barrels are set alight in the wheel barrows. Eventually the processions all end up at various locations on the outskirts of Lewes. All of the societies have huge bonfires and effigies. The bonfires are lit and soon afterwards the fireworks are let off. No other Bonfire Night event even comes close to Lewes. It’s definitely the best place to witness the celebrations. The atmosphere in Lewis on the 5th November feels timeless and almost pagan, perhaps even a tad threatening, but it’s one of those events you’ll never forget, and something I would recommend visiting, even if it’s just the once.
Most of us just have a small bonefire in the back garden and set off a few fireworks
Health & Safety.
Remember American adults are not allowed to cross a road where they want. 😂
And nor should they be with their levels of spacial awareness.
One of the 'local things you didn't realise was just local' is the concept of Bonfire societies in Sussex. A lot of towns and even villages will have a Bonfire society that is in charge of arranging a Bonfire procession and firework display. Lewes is the centre for it but it is spread throughout Sussex.
Lewes probably has a greater percentage of people trained in fire safety than anywhere else.
Non of that where i am in the north of England. There's a bonfire and organised firework display on the nearest saturday night before the 5th, then bonfires and fireworks on the 5th but there are idiots letting fireworks off for weeks leading up to the 5th.
We just make campfires and invite friends around from the part of the midlands I'm from but the idiots still exist
I was part of the procession and a proud Tudor lady! It’s always epic ❤❤
Love being a local to Lewes. It’s an amazing evening. The processions, the flaming crosses and torches, the bonfire and fireworks, oh and the costumes. It’s complex and you need to read up more on it all to understand
My family will be there tonight as they are most years. Spotted a few people I know on those videos too 😀
Well done Tyler. Lived in UK all my and been to many bonfire or fireworks event. I never even heard about Lewes or any other place going anywhere near this level of celebrations for 5th November. Its fun when youre learning new stuff about your own country to find i didnt know more about it than someone who never set foot in the here yet. It reminds me i dont know as much as i sometimes think i do lol
The 17 crosses represent 17 protestant marters burnt at the stake by Mary 1st
The only reason I watch
Your videos is to see how many times you say like ,so far it's 84
times.
Like that's a lot!
Where I am in Scotland, bonfires are lit for Beltane and Samhain, but 5th November isn't really a thing
Hey Tyler just watched your video on bonfire night in Lewes Englang. I am as stumped as you. (I live in South West England). I have never seen this before, but Thank you for showing this clip as I might take a trip their next year it looks interesting👍😎. Love your vids on us Brits. Xx
Was always a part of the bonfire processions in East Sussex. East Hoathly was a good one for the fireworks, Uckfield for the home town vibes and Lewes for the mayhem. 🔥🎇
I have to say, raised as a Roman Catholic, absolutely nobody thought about the Gunpowder Plot and Catholic conspirators. As children we all went bonfires at friends houses or on open areas, enjoyed gathering the wood and making a GUY (dummy made of card, wood and old clothing) and watching fireworks, while eating traditional bonfire foods. Fun competing for the biggest bonfire and best Guy. We used to go round the neighborhood having a look at other bonfires too. There are less family bonfires and more organized public events nowadays though. To this day I’ve never heard anything political about bonfire night. Never heard any comments about religion either. All religions enjoy the night. Having said that I’ve never heard of this event in Lewis. Looks interesting 😊
I wasn’t realised as religious but we learned about it school and were reminded every year about the history of the event but yeah, we never gave it a thought during the actual celebrations! It was just about having fun around the bonfire with family and friends…and it was a one night only event back then! Now it goes on for days on end 🤦♀️
Don't watch the Wickerman that would send you over the top
Yeah, Tyler should definitely watch The Wicker Man. Different part of UK but same pagan traditions
I saw it once. Never again!!
Great film, seen it many times, and now reminded I'll search for it again.😄
EVERYBODY should watch The Wicker Man! Classic horror.....and Christopher Lee! I bloody love this film!
Lewes is about ten minutes away from Brighton and Hove, so I have been to Lewes bonfire night celebrations about 30 times in my 47 years of life so far.👍🏻
Lewes also has its own pound note, with a picture of thomas paine on it, as I belive he came from there, I think they can only use the note there. I did go to Lewes bon fire night a few years ago, but I don't live near Lewes so it was only the once. but it was great fun.
I have taken part in the Lewes Bonfire procession as a guest member of one of the societies (for 3 years) I have also been to 6 other towns in Sussex for the bonfire celebrations, I was one who carried fire and fireworks for every year I went. The Sussex bonfires are a night of freedom when fire can be carried through those towns, at other times you would be breaking the law. The Pope is traditionally one of the many figures burned also local and national figures who have caused some controversy during the year. Others have mentioned the martyrrs represented by the crosses, also the pope. It is a very long night, starting at around 6pm and ending around midnight, we do have limits on what fireworks we are allowed to carry, this is because of some people thinking it is dangerous. Other Towns are also pretty close to being as big, with most of the societies being guests for the processions in the other towns
A lot of places in the UK don't celebrate like they did when I was young, the council stopped neighbourhoods having bonfires for health and safety and it sucks.
the one we had near my parents house was the biggest bonfire in the county with a decent fireworks display. All gone now and has been for years.
Thankfully Lewes will never be stopped it’s to big and famous . The people would never allow that to happen
Tyler referred to it as looking like a cult. Many of us here look at the fans of your new president as looking like a cult!
Give it a rest, it's their decision, democracy in action, not only did he win the electoral college vote he won the popular vote to. He has a huge mandate from the American people.@@marisaevancoe2157
Here’s where the politics come in. Back in 1605, England was sharply divided between Protestants and Catholics, and this plot highlighted the intense religious tensions of the time. Bonfire Night became a way for Protestants to celebrate the failure of a plot they saw as a threat to their faith and their king.
Today, though, people celebrate Bonfire Night for different reasons, and it isn’t all about anti-Catholic sentiment. Some people view it as a celebration of the fact that the plot failed, showing loyalty to the monarchy and the government. They might see the bonfire and burning of Guy Fawkes effigies as symbolic of protecting stability and law.
Others, however, see Guy Fawkes as a bit of a folk hero-a figure who stood up to authority. These people might celebrate Bonfire Night with a sense of rebellion or a critique of government power. You’ll sometimes see people wearing Guy Fawkes masks, a symbol of anti-establishment views, especially popularised by the film V for Vendetta. For them, Bonfire Night has become a time to reflect on resistance against what they see as oppressive government power.
So, in modern Britain, Bonfire Night is both a festive celebration and a reminder of deep political divisions. It’s about fireworks and bonfires, but the historical roots and diverse interpretations mean people view it through very different political lenses. That mix of celebration, rebellion, and history makes it a uniquely British holiday that still sparks debate.
I think this is a totally brilliant summary of both the fun and the politics behind bonfire night - thank-you! Hope it gets lots of likes to move it up a bit. The contradictions of patriotism and rebellion run though the whole thing. Originally it was an actual relgious day of thanksgiving decreed by the King in the protestant church in England for delivery from Papism - but that was repealed in the mid 1800s sometime - but it then carried on as a folk tradition as people enjoyed it so much. When its taught to kids in schools it is about saving parliament from plotters and the religious history of the event is watered down as much as possible - kids just find the fires and the fireworks exciting - but you learn more about the history and different connotations as you get older.
I really love bonfire night - I'm English and live in Scotland - I'm glad my town here still celebrates it, though it has a much stronger tradition in England and Lewes is the most tradition-filled of them all.
@grenniespexify Thank you 🙂
"You guys are crazy" - what an ironic thumbnail title from an American this morning 😂
Im old, as a kid bonfire night and several weeks run up were the best time of year, weeks spent dragging every bit of scrap wood in the surrounding area to the bonfire, having to leave gaurds to prevent other neighbourhoods burning it down. We would also burn theirs if we got chance. Local rule was if you burned another areas bonfire then you had to invite them to yours for bonfire night. Making a guy then cob a coaling a couple of weeks before nov5th the money received from singing on peoples doorsteps went to pay for fireworks on bonfire night.
Mothers would make huge potato pies with thick crust and sweet sticky parkin. Wonderful memories
You think Bonfire Night is crazy, check out Up Helly Ah in Shetland. It is a celebration of their viking heritage.
We used to have bonfires and fireworks in our own gardens, but it was quite dangerous, so public displays became the thing.
We got fireworks before bonfire night ONLY with our parents ! They cost about 3d or 6d. From Jepsons in Hastings !!
Where I live there’s Betley bonfire which is a massive bonfire the size of a building is burnt every year with a bunch of fireworks that are let off, but a lot of other places nearby my house organise displays as well as my family we stopped after one year my dad and my friends dad almost blew up bc the firework didn’t go off so they went to check it and . . . It went off (no one was harmed)
Tyler. Great video mate. Thank you. 😊 I have a lot of respect for our American Cousins 🇬🇧🇺🇸😊 also you should go to North of England (Manchester) (Leeds) (Newcastle) great Northern Cities of England. In North of England Newcastle folk are called (Geordies), Manchester folk are called (Mancunians), Leeds are (Yorkshire Folk), Liverpool folk are called (Scousers). They are all different Northern English accents, and there are many more too. 😊
I live 20 minutes away from Lewes . I went to the bonfire night once. It was utterly terrifying!!... Plus I smashed my head into a shop window when fireworks got set off in a narrow street.
What... as a protest? Lol😂
Genuine question, do Americans study History, besides their own?
Now before I get comments saying "well the video is about an English event" in primary school (aged 4-10/11 years) we study basic Ancient Egyptian, Romans & Ancient Greece,Vikings/Norman history before we go to secondary school (aged 11), as well as our own history which often intertwines with other cultures history.
Americans study history? You must be joking. The majority dont know their own let alone others. Their world revolves entirely around the USA as it stands today.
Never seen anything like this before. We just used to pile up the wood, set fire to it and throw spuds in the bottom of it!
Im glad im not alone with the spuds at the bottom 😊
Tyneside here and we always put our " Tatties in the Bonty." to cook. Bit of Lurpac and you were good to go.
Some fireworks in Lewes😂😂😂😂😂 they get thrown around and you can feel the displays half a mile away.
I'm British and even I didn't know that Lewes did this, all I was used to was fireworks and toffee apples
The Bloody Mary story is a folklore legend about a ghost, witch, or spirit that appears in a mirror when the name "Bloody Mary" is repeated. The apparition may be benevolent or malevolent, depending on the version of the story.
The legend is also associated with Queen Mary I of England, who was given the nickname "Bloody Mary" for her persecution of Protestants during her reign:Such as the burning of 17 protestant martyrs .
I used to go to Lewes on Bonfire night for several years. There are several bonfire socities on Lewes in Lewes of which Cliff is the most famous.
They used to roll flaming tar barrels down School Hill and read the Riot Act from the townhall as part of the festivities. Its a lot tamer now but dtill goes on every year. Its an amazing spectacle.
The last man to enter parliament with honest intentions ;)
So to Murder the King and Prince of Wales, then have a 9 year old girl crowned as Queen.
To then be married off to a Spanish Prince in order to change England to a Catholic country.
Is that the Honest intention you have in mind?
Terrorism
Love Sussex bonfire nights. I've been to Hastings and Battle this year. Lewes is always hard to get to and the roads are all closed into the town tonight and the trains aren't stopping there.
I lived in Hastings for a while and absolutely loved the bonfire night. I wanted to get back there this year but had a date clash.
I'm British English. When it comes to Bonfire night. It's mostly just letting off fireworks. But in some town's/city's the celebrations can mean something else.
Ps the bloke at the end is just moaning. Cause he lives in a city, where it's celebrated alot and alot bigger. It's part if the British and Irish history.
It means the same all over england just some county's and towns still do the older more traditional celebrations like the cross burning and barrel burning and the guy fawkes burning to represent the people burnt at the cross and to remember the failed attempt gunpower bombing of the house of lords and attempted assassination of king james during the catholic and prodistant war in the uk.
@@ulfhedinnoutdoorstrue
I'm off to Lewes tonight only 10 minutes up the road from me
Ha no way! Have fun 🔥
Thanks bro Yeah I try not to get burnt this time lol
Bonfire night is way bigger than Halloween!! (And where i live, Diwali is way bigger than both). The animals are having a meltdown 😭
I took part in my local Bonfire night in Rye, with my workmates years ago. We had a float with the theme of Grease. We had a car on the lorry and a full disco rig, play all the songs from grease. Behind us was the local majorettes behind us and they asked us to turn our music down, because they couldn't hear their music, so our DJ turned the volume up.
This was the same year the guys who did the fire works, used 16" mortar fire works, which broke windows from about 600m away. At that time all me and my mates knew about it was when we heard a big bang and the doors to our shop rattled.
Also in Rye they have a burning boat towed through the streets. It used be a real boat on fire, but its only a mock up of one with flames from gas bottles (bloody health & safety)
Tyler’s got his memory back I see 😂
You haven't been to Lewes bonfire if you haven't had a firework thrown at you
Nice to see Tyler responding to the comments, Finally!
"we won't be druv" is the unofficial Sussex motto. We had a reputation for being stubborn.
not stubborn , just know our own minds LOL
You can live stream it right here right now on youtube.
This is like history, like
who like fake laugh
like who know.
Your burningman festival last a week and manages 20 to 60 thousands partyers ,The 2018 Lewes Bonfire Night was sold out 80.000 peeps plus the 6000 plus people burning shit on one night .
You should look up the Up Helly Aa (yes spelled correctly). It takes place in Lewick just off Scotland on the last Tuesday of every January. It is an amazing spectacle and one of the must see events. They build a huge viking ship and then everyone throws Flaming torches and burns it. The villagers are all dressed as viking invaders.
i remember going to the lewis bonfire parade when i was young. it was a awesome evening, apart from my grandad did have a heart attack there. but recovered ok...
Hope grandad is hale and hearty now. 😊
It cracks me up when Tyler tries to work things out on the fly lol
I fibd it lazy and annoying! He does zero research, justs asks people to Comment and then doesn't read what people say! 🤷♀️
The bonfire in Lewes is so popular that the trains stop running on the 5th to reduce the visitors.
I only live a few miles from Lewes but usually go to my village bonfire as the Lewes one is getting too busy.
My village one is also quite big with a march, fireworks and someone selling hot food.
More specifically Lewes Bonfire celebrations commemorate the 17 Protestant martyrs from Lewis who were executed by Mary I. It also commemorates Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot too. Originally the whole thing was very anti Catholic, but these days most of the seven bonfire societies in the town tend to target political figures as the effigies they burn on top of the bonfire.
There are many versions of the Bonfire Night rhyme that have survived in different parts of England since the 17th century.
Most begin with the same or very similar words.
This is the basic form:
Remember, remember, the Fifth of November
Gunpowder treason and plot
I see no reason why gunpowder treason
Should ever be forgot
You also need to check out the Ottery St Mary tar barrels
they dont celebrate it much any more except like you show in Lewes. But in the 70s kids used to build a Guy made of straw similar to a Scarecrow. So it would have old boots and a har similar to scarecrow clothes. Then it was put in a wheel barrow and kids would pull it around asking for penny for the guy. Then on 5 th November, it be burned on the fire and people chant remmember remember the 5th of November and we have sparklers and bobbing toffee apples. But its all linked to Guy Fawkes but halloween is more popular now
The best thing to explain bonfire night is to watch gunpowder plot by Richard Hammond you get a brief history and a demonstration of what would have happened had all gone to plan
This is just in Lewes, they think it's an audition for a Wicker Man sequel, we don't do that in Lancashire/Greater Manchester, Bonfire Night is the same as Christmas these days, we do it because it happens to appear on the calendar every year, Halloween and Easter are also no different, most even celebrate St. Patrick's Day and have absolutely zero links to Ireland
Mostly we just use fireworks where I live but it is a good time for a fire if you have lots of fire wood
What you have been watching seems to me that it is a towns tourist attraction event. Nothing at all like most bonfire night celebrations. Which is the burning of an effigy of Guy Fawkes on a bonfire and firework displays.
Lewes bonfire has been happening since the 1800's. It was only for the residents of Lewes at the beginning. However, over the years more people came to watch. It would still carry on even if there was no-one watching.
A lot of Sussex towns and villages have the same thing. It's just Lewes is the oldest and biggest.
Americans really seem to ignore this British tradition, thank you!
I had to go look up the meaning of "WE WUNT BE DRUV" too. so... "The phrase "We wunt be druv" is an unofficial county motto of Sussex in southern England. It is a Sussex dialect phrase that means "we will not be driven"12. Here's a more detailed explanation:
Meaning and Origin
The phrase asserts that people from Sussex have minds of their own and cannot be forced against their will or told what to do.
It originates from the Sussex dialect, likely dating back to the early 20th century, though similar sentiments were recorded earlier.
The phrase probably originated in the Weald area of Sussex, where there's evidence that common people were freer from manorial control than in other parts of the county."
"We won't be druv" is a Sussex dialect phrase that means "we will not be driven" or "we will not be pushed around". It's the unofficial motto of Sussex, a historic county in southeastern England, and reflects the independent spirit of the people of Sussex.
The phrase is used by several organizations in Sussex, including:
Sussex Bonfire Societies: Use the phrase as their motto
Harvey's Brewery: Has used the phrase as a strapline since 2016
So it’s the 5th just now and it is mental outside. Bonfire Night is my absolute favourite night
all my city dose on bon bonfire night is make smores over a campfire why can't this be my city
I used to work with a woman who lived in that area and it's really big there. In the Midlands it's just bonfires and fireworks. I have long thought that the official reason for Bonfire nights ie the failed gunpowder plot was tacked on to more ancient pagan rituals - it's around the time of Samhain when they also lit bonfires
It’s predominantly in the Sussex county of England. There’s many bonfire celebrations throughout Sussex in various towns and villages from the beginning of September culminating in Lewes on 5th where some 50 bonfire societies meet up and march the streets. Each society represent their own towns and villages and can have anywhere from 100 to 300 members. Couple that with all the marching bands etc and there’s many thousands of people, not including the spectators.
There’s several fire sites where the actual bonfires and fireworks are seen. The large effigies (floats) being dragged through the town are taken to the fire sites and burnt or blown up. The burning crosses represent the Lewes Martyrs who were 17 Protestants who were burned at the stake in Lewes, Sussex in the 1500’s. These executions were part of the Marian persecutions of Protestants during the reign of Mary I.
I miss Guy Fawkes here in Australia. Fireworks got banned ultimately killing the night. Admittedly many people mostly kids used to get hurt. We swapped that traditional night for Halloween. At least GF was a part of our British history.
I grew up in England and never seen anything like this before. Ever. Now I live in Spain, they celebrate something similar at Easter 😮
My favourite day of the year (Obviously). I've had the privilege to attend Lewes bonfire a couple of times and it really is an assault on the senses and the best bonfire night you can ever experience. The burning crosses represent 17 protestant martyrs who were burned at the stake in Lewes- so there are addittional things going on as well as commemorating the failure of the gunpowder plot. Remebering our war dead also plays a big part in proceedings.
good reaction - you should also check out "up helly aa" in the shetlands !
This is not a typical bonfire night, where i and in the midlands people are not so festive, theres always firework, and loads of places have bonfire but nothing like that.
as a brit, i have no idea whats going on here, we just have a bonfire and fireworks where i am and everywhere i have lived, this is weird
The rest of Britain doesn't really have anything like that either, they get really caught up in the religious and political aspect. Most bonfire night celebrations I have been to is just a firework's display and I havent seen any large bonfires or the burning of guy for many years. I think the local parks and open spaces dont like the cleanup after a huge bonfire or maybe its just health and safety regulations that have been imposed
The big Firework event in Leicester still has a large bonfire - but no guy burning.
I'll be having a baked potato and baked beans tonight for Bonfire Night.
The 17 martyrs were burned for not accepting the Roman Catholic religion during the the years 1555-1557, Guy Fawkes was later and was a Roman Catholic who was part of a plot to destroy Parliament. The bonfire societies also include a memorial of those who gave their lives in numerous wars. I noted this year they included some Ukrainian marchers. It is very much a rememberance of God's preservation of England, the church of England and democracy. Lewes does it all in it's own rebellious way.
Personally I think people enjoy bonfire night for all different reasons. Some because Fawlks didn't succeed whereas others wish he had succeeded. Not because of a particular historical viewpoint but because a lot of people no longer like any government in power or don't like particular politicians. Some just like the pageantry and history of it. Some just for pure entertainment. London on New Year's Eve is another event that draws huge crowds for the spectacle mix of music, lighting and fireworks. Scotland also has one such huge event.
With noting that you do not recognise the name "Zulu". You definitely need to familiarise yourself with the history of the Zulu nation of people and the Zulu kingdom. Good video.
i live in southampton which is one of the less (but still) major cities and i would say that here halloween while its good for kids, doesnt have as big of a celebration as bonfire night. its amazing, throughout the past week and the next coming week, fireworks will be shot into the air across the city. and some places put on giant shows. i went to one a couple days ago and its normally music paired to a firework display. though we dont burn much here (bit sad)
I’m about 7miles away from Lewes and their bonfires are legendary!
whats this? the purge? lmao, you Sir are priceless!
Burning crosses remind us of all martyrs who have died for the rights of religious freedom. To mark the demise of the 17 Lewes Martyrs, 17 burning crosses are carried through the town, and a wreath-laying ceremony occurs at the War Memorial in the centre of town. No it’s not an anti religion thing.
Went to Lewes last night! Great fun.
This is british history.when Mary Queen of scots burned christians for England to become Catholics again
The bonfires go way back to pagan times, look up Samhain.
I believe It was the law for about 200 years to celebrate bonfire night, now we have a bonfire with Guy on the top, and we eat Parkin and toffee also jacket potato’s. Not forgetting the firework. The rhyme is Remember Remember the 5th of November, gunpowder treason and plot.
It’s noisy and awesome. I love it here x
I've lived in Lewes my whole life it's brilliant and the next day it's like nothing even happened
Remember, remember,
The 5th of November,
Gunpowder, treason and plot.
I see no reason,
Why gunpowder, treason,
Should ever be forgot.
When I was a kid you'd make a guy, like a scarecrow almost, and take them out on the street shouting "penny for a guy" and people would give you a few bob if it was any good. Then everyone would throw the guts in the bonfire. I've just realised I can't remember the last time I saw guys on our local bonfire on the beach. Prob health and safety bollocks
In East Sussex lots of towns have bonfire societies. They stagger them over the weekends so they all do each others’ procession.
Try taking some magic mushrooms (in season) and going!
Right, so I don't see this below but there is a lot already posted.
For reference, I grew up in Sussex, but not Lewes specifically, so our bonfire carnival was much earlier in the season. Lewes is the culmination of the whole Sussex bonfire society season. There is a good Wikipedia page . Most towns in Sussex do this with slightly less exuberated, on successive weekends from the start of September through to Nov 5th, I don't see it directly related to Guy Fawkes, but it they are both anti-catholic and come to final on Nov 5th
It is very specifically an anti-Catholic demonstration, but it is more about culture and ritual than expressing current anti-Catholic feelings. Where I grew up, all the garden rubbish for the last month or so got collected and put into a pile on the village green for the bonfire. (It was lit by the paraded torches at the end of processing through the town.) We had a fireworks display by the bonfire, too.
Many groups dress up for themes etc, throughout the season. Political and anti-establishment statements are common, particularly at Lewes.
Youth groups and local; clubs dressed up and do a tableau through the streets plus groups from other nearby towns, normally from those town's bonfire societies (eg those that organised the displays in the other towns). Often they choose them for fun and not politics, but some groups are definitely political. As the cyclist mentions Cowboys and Indians (Native Americans) are common themes.
I don't think when I was living in Sussex over 20 years ago, there was an intent to offend anybody, but to celebrate the differing cultures, and express dismay at current political masters. I doubt this has changed but I could be wrong.
So maybe it is a strange cult.
I grew up going there...I am too old to go now but wish I could.
Bonfire nights were in the 70s, but then kids took over the nights running around like mini militia throwing bombs at everyone. And firework night injuries were highlighted as a reason to knock it off.
bonfire night is kinda like Britain's versions of fourth of july
I’m in Lewes now and I’m ready
It's bonfire night today! 😆