Hailsham Bonfire celebrations cancelled

The town’s bonfire society confirmed this morning (August 5) it would not be going ahead with the annual event, which was due to take place on October 17.

Honorary chairwoman Rose Piggot said, “Although we have already put a number of things into place for this year’s celebrations, we feel that, due to covid-19, it would have been wrong for us to put our members, fellow bonfire family, and the general public at risk of this horrible pandemic.”

It means the society will no longer be able to raise money for its two chosen charities, Hailsham Foodbank and Sunflowers Mental Health and Wellbeing Project.

Hailsham Bonfire Society thanked all of its volunteers for their hard work in torch making and fundraising and reassured people it will ‘bounce back’ in 2021.

The society also said thank you to the NHS and keyworkers for everything they have done throughout the pandemic.

It comes after Eastbourne Bonfire, due to take place on October 3, was also cancelled earlier this year.

Meanwhile, the county’s biggest Bonfire event in Lewes has not announced whether it will still be going ahead.

However, Cliffe Bonfire society has cancelled its participation in the event.

Two major Eastbourne events cancelled due to coronavirus

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