Wet weather saw Lewes bonfire crowds fall by half

Wet weather may have contributed to a significant fall in numbers attending this year’s Lewes Bonfire celebrations on Thursday night (November 5) – said Sussex Police.
The Lewes Bonfire 2015 celebrations. Photograph taken by Simon Dack SUS-150611-061631001The Lewes Bonfire 2015 celebrations. Photograph taken by Simon Dack SUS-150611-061631001
The Lewes Bonfire 2015 celebrations. Photograph taken by Simon Dack SUS-150611-061631001

Crowds, who pour into the event from across Sussex, totalled an estimated 20,000 - 25,000,compared to 40,000 in 2014.

And numbers arriving through Lewes railway station were put at around 14,000 - well down on the 21,000 plus counted through on the last occasion.

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South East Coast Ambulance Service and St John Ambulance treated 82 people for injuries, with just six casualties needing hospital treatment.

East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service had no incidents of note in Lewes.

By 12.30am police had made a total of five arrests. Two people were detained for possessing drugs, one for criminal damage, one for assault and one for being drunk and disorderly.

Superintendent Laurence Taylor said, ”The policing of this event involves months of preparation, planning and consultation with the bonfire societies, our fellow emergency services and partners, with the main aim being to provide a safe environment for both participants and spectators alike.

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“I am especially grateful to the stewards who worked tremendously hard along the processional routes to ensure that onlookers had a safe and enjoyable evening.“

This year’s event took place on the 410th anniversary of the discovery of the Gunpowder Plot.

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