I went with my lad, his friend and a bunch of local mates. It’s a brilliant night out. It has a slightly lawless edge to it that I find very appealing. The tight ancient streets are packed with people, watching a bunch of well lubricated pyromaniacs with drums, torches and shit, it’s an intoxicating experience. The firework display is spectacular but the main draw for me is the procession to the fire and the fire itself, which last night was whipped up by gusts of wind to around forty miles an hour. The mentalists stand around dressed like pirates throwing bird scarers at each other. The relentless heavy rain lent the evening an even more epic quality.
I am looking forward to Alex growing up a bit so we can go in The Bedford Arms afterwards. Most of the nutters pack in there with their drums and bangers and create mayhem.
We got home late, soaked and covered in mud but really exhilarated.
I had lunch and a few pints in the one near the station a few years back on the way back from an ATP Festival at Camber Sands. It was lovely and quiet until a few local nutters came in, caused a load of aggro and then just left about five minutes later. I had a mahoooosive hangover and so went unnoticed in a corner as I drank my medicine. The landlord didn’t seem that bothered by any of it.
My missus went with the older two grandkids. She’s involved in the Hastings Bonfire Society and they go to a load of local ish ones. Hastings have very bright, red and yellow stripey jumpers so you may have seen them.
Robertsbridge this Saturday, which I don’t think is that far from you.
The Robertsbridge firework procession. Many of the local towns and villages down here have a Bonfire Society. At this time of year, near 5th November they have a procession through the town, fireworks and a Bonfire. The Bonfire Societies all go to each other’s. Hastings was a few weeks ago, then Battle the week after. Rye was Saturday just gone and Robertsbridge is this Saturday. Lewes has had theirs as has Eastbourne I think. I think there are a dozen or so. Some dates have to double up.
