Bonfire event closed to public due to storm

Lewes bonfire usually goes ahead whatever the weather, but some areas of the town are more prone to flooding

One of six bonfire events planned for Guy Fawkes' Night festivities in Lewes will be closed to the public due to stormy weather and flooding.

Cliffe Bonfire Society posted on Facebook that it had "made the difficult decision to cancel ticket sales" for its bonfire and fireworks on 4 November.

The event will be open to members only and tickets refunded.

"[We] hope that everyone understands that [we] need to put on the safest event possible," Cliffe said on its website.

Lewes is renowned for its lively bonfire festivities, and Cliffe is one of the six societies that process through the town holding effigies, drumming and burning crosses.

None of the other societies have announced plans to close their events to the public, but the site where Cliffe holds its bonfire and fireworks is particularly prone to flooding.

Authorities planning this year's event have urged non-locals not to attend after 2022's bonfire attracted thousands, despite wet weather and travel disruption.

Road closures will be in force from 16:00 GMT and no trains will stop in Lewes after 15:00 BST.

Meanwhile, free fireworks in Brighton's Preston Park due to take place on 1 November have also been cancelled due to stormy weather.

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