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Firesite tickets are now available to buy at £10 each from The King’s Head, The Swan, Lewes Tourist Information Office and St Pancras Stores. Snap yours up for friends and family. You can also buy our programmes at the same venues. If you are a paid up member of SBS, you get free access to the firesite on the night as long as you have your up to date Membership Card and 2023 Badge with you. Photo courtesy of James McCauley.
Lewes Priory by Candlelight – Southover Bonfire Society presents the magical Lewes Priory by Candlelight. The ruins of the Priory of St Pancras will be lit by thousands of candles in the evening as darkness falls. Come and enjoy this magical event with entertainment throughout the evening from choirs, food stalls and bar. Admission on the gates or in advance from Eventbrite. Adults: £5 , 5-17 years old: £2.50, under 5 years: free. Last admission 9pm. Event postponed to Saturday 16th September if wet.
Meet the folks playing some of our key Society roles and find out more about them, what they do and why they love it. Just visit the Who We Are page – hopefully you’ll be inspired to get involved and join them!
Due to the pandemic and in adherence to government guidelines and to protect public health and safety, we have cancelled our celebration on November 5th 2020. This includes badge nights, processions, bonfire, firework displays, torches and tab. We have told our members and reiterate this here for everyone else, if people go out on the night individually or in groups, as a family or in SBS colours, they will be doing so under their own steam. They are not part of Southover Bonfire Society and should not claim to be so. This is to protect us against any insurance claims made in relation to COVID 19 or injuries resulting from this activity. We have told members that if a claim is made against them, we will not be able to defend them because our insurance will not cover them as we have officially cancelled the event. We are looking forward to coming back bigger than ever in 2021! ADVANCE!
As we have shared with you over the months of this pandemic, we have been in ongoing discussions through BONCO and with our SBS committee members and the police to work out possible scenarios for the 5th, while protecting the health and safety of our members, their families, the public and the emergency services.
We have been trying to look at every option in an ever-changing environment. Sadly, we have reached the tough decision that we are not going to be able to host our annual celebrations on November 5th this year.
We are all very disappointed, as we know you will be, but with the advice from Government and health professionals unlikely to change this year, plus the threat of a second wave, we cannot compromise on health and safety.
All we can do is plan to be back next year – better than ever. Please lookout for ways you can get involved as we set our sights on a return to bonfire, SBS-style, in 2021.
Advance!!!!
Best wishes,
Pat O’Toole
Chair Southover Bonfire Society
If you or your family would like to get more involved in the Society as a volunteer or even join one of our many brilliant Bonfire teams who help build our Tab, run our firesite, and organise great events such as the annual Lewes May Fayre – to name just a few – please pop along to the King’s Head on Sunday September 8 from 3pm-5.30pm for our Volunteers Event. You’ll be able to meet the teams and get plenty of advice on how to make the most of your SBS membership. There are a few great surprises in store plus limited editions of our brand spanking new pewter badge will also be on sale.Email chair@southoverbs.com for more info!
On Sept 20 the Con Club plays host to local bands The Manatees and Caburn, in aid of SBS.
Our official torch making sessions kick off this coming Sunday September 1 from 9.30am-12noon at The Swan. All members are invited to come along and make their share of torches ready for the 5th. Experienced torch makers will be on hand to show all the family how the best bonfire torches in Lewes are made. The refurbished yard at The Swan means we have an ‘all weather’ venue, so even if it’s raining there is cover and rumours abound that there’ll be plenty of cake and the chance to get to know other SBS-ers as you twist, staple and wire.
Welcome to the start of the 2019 Bonfire season! We hope that you are getting the most out of your membership with SBS and will renew again this year for more fiery frolics! Although membership renewals commence in September, work goes on behind the scenes all year to raise money and prepare. This is my first year as Chair of SBS and I am asking for your help.
Continue reading “Volunteer Night – a message from the Chair”
Southover Open Gardens is back for 2019 with a trail of secret gardens to explore in Lewes on Sunday June 9 from 2pm – 5pm (some gardens open til 6pm). Entry is by ticket only at £5, kids go free. The event is hosted by Southover Bonfire Society and is raising funds to buy some of the fireworks Lewes is famous for.
