Trail blazing bonfire event ignites town

Thousands lined the streets to watch Hastings in flames for Saturday’s bonfire celebrations.
Hastings Bonfire 2015. SUS-151019-070951001Hastings Bonfire 2015. SUS-151019-070951001
Hastings Bonfire 2015. SUS-151019-070951001

Bonfire Society members worked through the pouring rain on Friday to build the huge bonfire on the beach, but their efforts were rewarded with dry weather for Saturday’s torch-lit procession and firework display.

Bonfire societies from across Sussex were joined by drumming groups as the procession travelled from the Pier to the Old Town before arriving at the fire-site opposite Pelham Place.

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This year’s effigy took a wry poke at the controversial seagull debate with three gulls exploding in a shower of sparks.

Hastings Bonfire 2015. SUS-151019-071325001Hastings Bonfire 2015. SUS-151019-071325001
Hastings Bonfire 2015. SUS-151019-071325001

The subject drew some negative comments on social media from gull lovers but as bonfire president Keith Leech MBE explained: “The effigy was irony. The gulls were in an identity parade line-up to make the observation that seagulls get the blame for everything.”

There was wide-spread praise for the event, which raises several thousand pounds for charities and good causes.

Patsy Solanki, commenting on Facebook, said: “It was phenomenal. The bonfire society surpassed itself.”

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Elaine Allix said: “It was a fantastic night - well done Hastings.”

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Hastings Bonfire 2015. SUS-151019-071218001

Beverley Hoath commented: “We live in Suffolk and come here to Hastings every year for the bonfire, it’s always the highlight of our holiday.”

Chairman of the HBBS, Nick Lynas said: “Our volunteers have been working hard all year to raise money to pay for and to prepare this amazing event. It’s run by the community, in the community and for the community.”

Next year’s bonfire is set to be even bigger as it coincides with the 950th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings.

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For more about joining Hastings Borough Bonfire Society, visit their website at www.hbbs.info.

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Hastings Bonfire 2015. SUS-151019-070835001

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