Road Closures Confirmed for Lewes Bonfire 2026
Lewes is preparing for one of the country's largest bonfire celebrations on 4 November, with major road closures and parking restrictions in place.
Road closures in place
Lewes is gearing up for its annual bonfire celebration on 4 November, expecting large crowds to the East Sussex town. A series of road closures have been put in place to manage the event.
The A27 at the A277 Brighton Road (Ashcombe Roundabout) will be closed, along with the A275 Offham Road at B2116 Plumpton Road. The A26 will be closed at both the A2029 Malling Street and Church Lane at Mayhew Way. Further restrictions affect Kingston Road at Wellgreen Lane and The Drove from Hamsey Lane to the A275.
Parking restrictions will begin at noon on 5 November. Roads are expected to reopen at 2am, or once Sussex Police declares them safe and council crews have finished clearing the town.
Lewes District Council has published a map showing all road closures, restrictions and designated routes for those travelling to the event.
Safety warnings issued
Public bodies have urged people not to travel to Lewes for Bonfire Night because of overcrowding and safety concerns. The annual event has a history of injuries, particularly on the town's narrow streets.
Chief Superintendent Graham Barnett of Sussex Police said: "Sussex Police officers will be working closely with event organisers, stewarding teams and our partners to ensure Lewes Bonfire Night is a safe and enjoyable occasion for everyone."
He added: "Officers will be on patrol and any criminality and anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated. Enforcement action will be taken against anyone who puts others at risk or ignores event restrictions, including those bringing their own fireworks."
Sussex Police have urged anyone witnessing suspicious behaviour to report it to stewards, officers on patrol, or call 999 in an emergency.
Alternative travel options
A free Bonfire Bike Train from Brighton to Lewes is expected to attract more than 400 cyclists. Return rides will leave Lewes at 11pm and midnight.
Emergency services, councils and transport operators have spent months planning for the event, which regularly attracts large crowds to the historic town.
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