Hailsham’s annual bonfire celebrations will return to the town on Saturday 17 October 2026, bringing thousands of residents and visitors together for an evening of tradition, community spirit and entertainment.
Hailsham Bonfire Society has confirmed that the official 2026 event programme will be available to purchase from town centre outlets on Saturday 10th and Saturday 17th October (details and locations to be announced), giving residents and visitors the opportunity to plan ahead for one of the town’s most eagerly anticipated annual events.
Now marking the 21st anniversary of Hailsham Bonfire Society’s reformation in 2005, the event will once again feature the town’s iconic bonfire procession and spectacular firework display, alongside marching bands and a torch-lit procession led by the Society, with the biggest effigy ever displayed to date at the Western Road Recreation Ground.
Crowds are expected to line the streets of the town centre to watch the parade make its way through Hailsham as part of the traditional procession. The procession will then continue to Western Road Recreation Ground, where the Traditional Cry will herald the start of the Grand Firework Display.
Families, community groups and visiting bonfire societies will come together throughout the evening to enjoy the pageantry, pyrotechnics and unique atmosphere that have made Hailsham’s celebrations such an important part of the town’s heritage.
This year, the Society is pleased to welcome five societies from Lewes to join the celebrations. Their attendance demonstrates the growing respect and friendship that Hailsham Bonfire Society has built within the wider community.
For this year’s event, Hailsham Bonfire Society has chosen two charities to benefit from money to be raised on the night via street collections: Out of the Blue and Parkinson’s UK Hailsham Branch.
Town Mayor Cllr Chris Bryant, who also serves as Captain of the War Memorial for Hailsham Bonfire Society, said: “Hailsham Bonfire is a very special occasion in our town’s calendar, bringing together generations of residents and welcoming visitors from across the area.”
“I would encourage everyone to come along, enjoy the procession and fireworks, and help us celebrate the community spirit that makes Hailsham Bonfire so special.”
Town Councillor Dave Chapman, who also serves as Honorary Vice President of Hailsham Bonfire Society, said: “Hailsham has a proud and longstanding bonfire tradition, and it is wonderful to see that tradition continuing to thrive. The hard work of the Bonfire Society, volunteers, local organisations and everyone involved behind the scenes is what makes this event possible.”
“We are looking forward to welcoming thousands of people to Hailsham once again for what promises to be a memorable evening.”
Cllr Anne Marie Ricketts, Chair of the Town Council’s Communities Committee, said: “The annual bonfire celebrations are about much more than the spectacle of the procession and fireworks. They are an opportunity for our community to come together, celebrate Hailsham’s heritage and enjoy an evening of shared tradition.”
“The event attracts residents and visitors of all ages, and the Town Council is pleased to support an occasion that contributes so much to the life and character of our town.”
Road closures and traffic restrictions should be expected through Hailsham town centre during the procession.
The Society has not yet published its full 2026 procession route and timings online, so check the latest information before travelling rather than relying on road closure or route details from previous years.
With thousands of spectators attending in recent years, allow plenty of time to arrive and expect the busiest areas of the town centre to be crowded.
Terry Hall, COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
Hailsham Town Council, Market Street, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 2AE
Telephone: 01323 841702 | Email: terry.hall@hailsham-tc.gov.uk