For the last 18 years the 5th November has been a special celebration for us. No, not because of bonfire night, but because it is the day that I produced my second daughter (who aptly shot out like a rocket, but perhaps that's too much detail).
Last night was no exception and along with 30,000 other revellers (and that was half of the usual number who attend) we were braving the cold, autumn air to watch the spectacle that Lewes is renown for. For those of you not fortunate to live near to this exquisite town, it is the biggest celebrated 5th November event in the world - not to be missed.
We first starting join the throng who line the streets to watch the torch-lit processions seven years ago when we moved down from London. Since then, although we spend the first part of the evening on the pavement, we soon learnt to get maximum enjoyment out of the evening it was a great idea to take a table in a particular restaurant where we could keep warm, eat and hang out of the upstairs window to watch the crowds below. ( I book the table a year in advance.)
Last night we were out there again. The young French exchange student with us enjoyed the antics of the lairy city gent hell bent on shouting at the parade. I'm just grateful his English wasn't up to translating all the abuse hurled.
I would urge anyone to witness this spectacle. Don't be put of by scaremongers who tell you it is dangerous, too crowded or wild. A week day is best as the town can swell to 60,000 if the 5th falls on a Saturday. You will see families with young babies enjoying the revelry and I have taken various children over the years, always counting them out and counting them in again with none lost, injured or scarred to date. ( I would recommend taking some ear plugs though as often firecrackers are let off right in front of you. Although leaping a foot in surprise does give you an added vantage point.)
I will always be grateful for the revellers in Lewes for attending the birthday girl's celebrations and making them go with a bang. Last night while she wanted the restaurant to sing her 'Happy Birthday' as usual, understandably the lure of her mates, legal alcohol and roaming around the town caused greater excitement than bonding with her family. Needless to say I was in my bed before her but I could still hear the rest of Lewes from 6 miles away, sharing her special day, safe in the knowledge that the cleaning fairies would do a marvellous clearing up job ready for the town to wake this morning. I just wish they could make it as far as my village.
Teresa x
If you want to know more about the what goes on in Lewes on the 5th November, here’s a link:-
Lewes Bonfire Celebrations