Seaford Bonfire Society marches again

The newly formed Seaford Bonfire Society (SBS) celebrated their returned on Saturday night with a torch-lit parade, bonfire and free firework display that was attended by members of other local bonfire societies.

The firework display was on a par with much that Lewes can offer; lasting some ten minutes in a well thought out and impressive display, and the parade was watched by thousands.

The revival of this old Sussex tradition will be welcomed although it was a shame that the Seaford event fell on the same day as the Nevill celebration, thus it was even more impressive to see representation from a few of the Lewes Societies.

The last time Seaford Society held a procession was in 1977, after which the society petered out. This time SBS (Lewes also has a SBS – Southover Bonfire Society, who attended Saturday night's event's) have taken the 'Seaford ****' (a type of cormorant) as their emblem and the motto is: E Ventis Vires – From the wind, strength, it is the motto on the town's coat of arms. The smugglers stripes are grey and purple.

The society is not without its memories.

 

A report from 1867 recalls that: "The procession was led by the Bonfire Captain carrying a sabre high in the air. Marching alongside him were his Lieutenants carrying torches and then the Seaford Fife and Drum Band followed by a huge banner reading "SEAFORD BONFIRE BOYS" and a blazing barrel in a cart drawn by six men.

"A banner reading "GOD SAVE THE QUEEN" was held aloft followed by a group of six fishermen pulling an old boat. At the New Inn the boat was thrown into the fire along with more blazing tar barrels to a huge cheer from the large crow which had assembled.

"Fire crackers and squibs were thrown as the band played and the glow from the fire could be seen from a great distance.

"This must have been a glorious event and the proceedings did not come to an end until midnight when the crowd thanked the Captain by singing 'For he's a jolly good fellow'."

Fingers' crossed for more 'glorious events' in future years.

More on Bonfire on Lewes People:

Lewes' biggest night: Bonfire, of course

Bonfire Season - Seaford