BHBS programe 2026 v2

View BHBS programe 2026 v2 flipbook.

Burgess Hill’s biggest FREE event, run by a volunteer group….BHBS Programme includes tokens for Bensons Funfair PLEASE DONATE BURGESS HILL BONFIRE NIGHT 2026 Saturday 26th September

Information compiled within the programme correct at the time of printing Burgess Hill Bonfire Society Officiates President Daniella Benson Vice Presidents Mark Benson Lillian Benson Chairman Paul Woodward Secretary Donna Robbins Vice Chairman Shane Clear Treasurer Elisa Keeble Committee Elect Donna Robbins Elisa Keeble Cody Jones Darren Lindfield Shane Clear Kez Woodward Paul Woodward Burgess Hill Town Council Representative Adam White Life Members Tommy Benson Daniella Benson Trudie Stewart Brad Mitchell Stephen Robbins Val Saunders Jude Reynolds Gez Isted Donna Robbins Doug Stewart John King Pete Wallis Pat Saunders In Memoriam Netta Martin Eric Martin John Lambert Peter Sadd Jean Lambert John Croft Glynis Tims, Pyrotechnician Team Aurora Fireworks

Captains of The Society Commander in Chief Donna Robbins Aide de Camp Cody Jones Captain of Marshals Stephen Robbins Health and Safety Officers Shane Clear - Gina Tims Membership Secretary Elisa Keeble Captain of Ranks Sean Weeding Captain of Banners Darren Lindfield Master of Ceremonies Mick Gosden Fundraising Events Coordinator Donna Robbins Captain of Tractor Andy Standing Captain of Programmes Dave Mann Captain of Bands Kez Woodward Safeguarding Officer Toni Wood Captain of Boxes Elisa Keeble Captain of Bonfire Sean Weeding Captain of Fire Site Adie King Captain of Torches Christopher Keeble Captain of Fire Banners Don Stewart Captain of Fireworks Shane Clear Captain of Barrel Race Tegan Williams Captain of Premises Stephen Robbins Captain of Fire Carts Kez Woodward - Jack Woodward Captain of Judges Martin Stoner Captain of Walking Groups Sam Williams Captain of Media Kimberley Woodward

Chairmans Welcome Ladies and Gentleman, Bonfire Boyes and Girls, Thank you for picking up a copy of the 2026 Burgess Hill Bonfire Society (BHBS) programme, inside you will find details of our night, our sponsors, an insight into what members of BHBS get up to throughout the year and how much effort goes into putting on an evening of spectacular entertainment and details of our 3 chosen beneficiaries who will each receive an equal share of the street collection from the procession. This year you will have seen us out and about more in the community, as each year we face rising costs to be able to put on Burgess Hill's biggest free event. So I ask if you see us at an event raising money; you pop along be it when we are cooking at a barbecue, manning a fundraising stall, or just come and say hi when we're marshalling. On a personal note I would like to take this time to publicly thank the officers, committee and membership of BHBS without their support this year we would not be able to put on the event. Once you've read this programme or attended our Bonfire Night, should you feel that BHBS is something you would like to join you will find details of how to contact our membership secretary further in the programme. All that remains to be said is I hope you have a safe and enjoyable night. Paul Woodward Chairman Burgess Hill Bonfire Society

The Aurora Fireworks Gold Sash Award was presented to the winner Aron at BHBS badge on the 25th of July. Aron was voted junior member of the year by the members of BHBS. He was ever present at most of the fundraising events the Bonfire society attended. He helped with torch making and encouraged others. Aron said “I like to have fun and work hard. Being part of the Bonfire Society lets me do that. The members are friendly and helpful. Its great fun”. Jason from Aurora Fireworks presented the award. He said “Aurora Fireworks are pleased to sponsor the Gold Sash. It encourages young people to get involved and have a go. It’s a great way for us to be involved with Burgess Hill Bonfire Society” Look out for Aron on Burgess Hill Bonfire Night (Saturday 26th September) he will be proudly wearing the Gold Sash.

Do you have an event that requires a BBQ or Hog Roast? Maybe we could help. Our trained, certified chefs and team can cater for most events.

WHEELBASE Honest, reliable and quality service for over 30 years M.O.T SERVICING REPAIRS 01444 248754 FREE LOAN cars by appointment 24B Victoria Way Burgess Hill West Sussex RH15 9NF MON - FRIDAY 8am - 6pm info@wheelbasegarage.com

Opening hours: Mon–Wed 10am–midnight Thu 10am–1am Fri/Sat 10am–2am Sun noon–10.30pm

Event Timings (Approximate timings) 15:00 Build A Guy Bensons Funfair, Fairfield Recreation Ground, RH15 8QL 18:15 Remembrance Service Crescent Way...Civic Way...The War Memorial 18:30 Costume Competition (visiting societies) Cyprus road carpark 18:35 Tar Barrel Drag Racing Church Road 19:30 First Procession Crescent Way...Crescent Road...Mill Road…Cyprus Road Church Road...Station Road...Silverdale Road 20:40 Grand Procession Silverdale Road...Station Road...Church Road...Cyprus Road...Crescent Way...Civic Way...Lower Church Road… Royal George Road...Fairfield Road...Western Road… Fairfield Recreation Ground 21:45 Firework Display & Bonfire Burgess Hill Bonfire Society needs your help We need Sponsors, advertisers, funding and fresh ideas. If this is something you would be able to offer please contact us. Last years Bonfire Night cost just over £14,200 Fundraising is done by the Society Members through local events, festivals, car boot sales, sponsorship and advertisers. We are grateful to all the Members, volunteers and friends who joined us and work very hard to keep Burgess Hill Bonfire Society going.

With thanks to BHBS Officers Committee, Members, Fundraising Team, Volunteers, and Marshals. Burgess Hill Town Council. M&L Pleasure Fairs Bensons Fun Fair. Burgess Hill Community Radio. Horsham Coffee Grinders. Mike Stewart. Jupps Chip Shop. Beacon Fencing. The Constitutional Club. The Round Table. Craft House Coffee. Aurora Fireworks. Martin Stoner. Brad Mitchell. Parkers Vans. Dragon Event Services. Our sponsors and all the advertisers. Special thanks to our SPONSORS And anyone we may have missed! Thank you all

Burgess Hill Bonfire Society raising money for local beneficiaries In amongst the procession we have a street collection to raise money for local beneficiaries. All of the money collected in the procession is shared between them. Last year we raised £2500. This year the beneficiaries are: We are the Burgess Hill Creative Community, a 100% Volunteer run Charity that runs low-cost Arts & Crafts sessions, we believe in the wide range of benefits it brings to the community and want to give the opportunity for as many as possible to enjoy creating in a friendly sociable setting. Oscar's Wish Foundation supports families through the heartbreak of baby loss, child loss, and sibling bereavement. We provide memory-making resources, emotional support, and remembrance gifts, including our much-loved Love-a-Bear Memory Bears, helping families to honour and remember their precious babies and children. Founded nearly 50 years ago, Court Meadow RDA provides riding as important therapy for students from local schools and individual riders during term time at Tremaines Riding Stables in Horsted Keynes. Our riders have a wide spectrum of special needs and benefit both physically and mentally from the riding sessions. Riding also provides an emotional outlet, improving sensory development, co-ordination, independence and self-awareness. We could not operate without our team of willing volunteers and the invaluable help of our stable owner. We were recognised in 2004 when we were awarded the Queen's Golden Jubilee Award for Voluntary Service'.

Thanks to all the BHBS members that helped at these events this year BHBS helping the Round Table with the Christmas Santa Sleigh Burgess Hill Bonfire Society donating the 2025 street collection to local beneficiaries

Glynis Tims Last year we lost a long standing member and a stalwart of the society in Glynis Tims. Her exposure to bonfire came whilst playing in the local NTC who would coach share to bonfire events, joining BHBS at the age of 13 having liked what she saw and wanting to explore the Bonfire side. Glynis had been a member of BHBS for 56 years having been given life membership in 2018. She was on the committee for numerous years and helped fundraising and torchmaking for the society, helping members with Aztec costumes and joining in every aspect of society life. During the season she could be seen in her sparkling Aztec costume, and later in life adopting the smuggler and wench although she still would happily wear her Aztec. Glynis was a larger than life character who was happy to share knowledge but not afraid to let people know when they were wrong. She also helped younger members learn the ropes and brought along some of our current adult generation. Glynis's legacy carries on through her daughter Gina, and her grandkid's who are all proud members of BHBS and had enjoyed walking with Glynis in the last few years.

Road closures and parking restrictions will be active from 18:00 on Saturday 26th September. First procession 19:30 Grand procession 20:30 Fireworks display and bonfire 21:45 (Approximate timings)

We are proud to support Burgess Hill Bonfire Society

Burgess Hill Town Council is proud to support the Burgess Hill Bonfire Society and its spectacular annual celebrations—one of the most eagerly anticipated events in the town’s calendar. Year after year, the Society’s dedication, hard work, and community spirit bring thousands of people together for a truly memorable occasion, and we are delighted to help ensure its continued success. The Town Council provides an annual grant to support the delivery of this iconic event, recognising the important role the Bonfire Society plays in bringing our community together. Their contribution extends far beyond bonfire night, with members volunteering at a wide range of local events, serving their ever-popular BBQ, and raising vital funds throughout the year through activities such as their monthly bingo sessions. We are incredibly grateful to the Society’s volunteers, whose enthusiasm and commitment make such a positive difference to Burgess Hill. Their annual parade collection also provides valuable support to three local organisations, highlighting their ongoing dedication to giving back to the community. The partnership between Burgess Hill Town Council and the Bonfire Society is one built on mutual support. In addition to delivering an outstanding annual celebration, the Society assists the Town Council by providing marshals for community events and supporting civic activities throughout the year. Their contribution is invaluable, and we are proud to work alongside such a dedicated organisation. Burgess Hill Town Council organises and delivers more than 50 events each year for residents of all ages. Highlights include the launch of Boogie at the Bandstand, the Christmas Festival taking place from 26–29 November, tea parties for older and socially isolated residents, health screening events, and a fantastic programme of school holiday activities. To make sure you never miss an event, sign up to the Town Council’s Events Mailing List by scanning the QR code.

Making the Bonfire is hard work and takes about 4 hours to complete. We start at 8am and hope to finish at noon. Martin and the Jupps staff kindly supply the team with lunch. Thank you

Fish & Chips

Bonfire Outwalks 2026 05/09/26 Uckfield Bonfire Society 12/09/26 Crowborough Bonfire Society - Fletching Bonfire Society 19/09/26 Mayfield Bonfire Society 26/09/26 Burgess Hill Bonfire Society 03/10/26 Eastbourne Bonfire Society - Rotherfield & Mark Cross Bonfire Society Northiam Bonfire Society 10/10/26 Heathfield & District Bonfire Society - Meeching and District Bonfire Society 17/10/26 East Grinstead Bonfire Society - Hailsham Bonfire Society Hastings Bonfire Society - Neville Juvenile Bonfire Society - Seaford Bonfire Society 24/10/26 Firle Bonfire Society - Littlehampton Bonfire Society - Ninfield Bonfire Society 31/10/26 Ewhurst & Staplecross Bonfire Society - Newick Bonfire Society 05/11/26 Cliffe Bonfire Society - Commercial Square Lewes Borough Bonfire Society - Lindfield Bonfire Society - South Street Bonfire Society Southover Bonfire Society - Waterloo Bonfire Society 07/11/26 Battle Bonfire Boyes - Chailey Bonfire Society - Edenbridge Bonfire Society East Hoathly & Halland Bonfire Society - South Heighton Bonfire Society 14/11/26 Rye & District Bonfire Society 21/11/26 Barcombe Bonfire Society - Chiddingly and Parish Bonfire Society Robertsbridge Bonfire Society

Get your Bonfire Night goodies including Hotdogs, Burgers, Glow rings, and much more from the Burgess Hill Bonfire Society Authorised Trader B.A. Mitchell & Sons Please look for the following signs & identification badges B.A. Mitchell & Sons Authorised Trader Burgess Hill Bonfire Night For all your outside catering requirements together with your Sideshow and funfair needs please contact Brad on 07860 715504 And he will be happy to discuss all options available to suit your event ANY UNAUTHORISED TRADERS WILL BE ASKED TO MOVE ON BY THE AUTHORITES

Burgess Hill Bonfire Society Membership Burgess Hill Bonfire Society Membership is only £15 That's £15 towards the cost of next year’s event. Membership allows you to walk in the procession in costume, come on other Bonfire walks, help make the torches, make new friends, help us fundraise and access our Member’s Facebook page for all our updates, photos and chit chat. Or you could simply enjoy our Bonfire Night, knowing you have contributed towards the £14,000 required to make the night successful. We have a great social calendar and volunteer our services to some great events within Burgess Hill, including the Summer Fayre, Remembrance Sunday and the Christmas lights. To become a member of Burgess Hill Bonfire Society contact us via: bhbsmembership@gmail.com membermojo.co.uk/burgesshillbonfiresociety Membership Fees: Adult £15.00 (16 to 18s need written parental consent) Family £30.00 (2 Adults up to 2 juniors) Juniors £1 (0 -15 years) Free Membership Badge

JEWELLERY - WATCHES - CLOCKS - ENGRAVING - TROPHIES 14 Church Road, Burgess Hill, RH15 9AE 01444 232237 mhjstoner@aol.com

Thanks for the Rubbish Honestly thank you for using the black sacks we hung throughout the town centre and along the procession route. It really helped us clear up the following day. Every year Burgess Hill Bonfire Society members go out very early in morning to collect the rubbish from the procession route. We then clean up the fire site and Fairfield recreation ground. BHBS member Tony Groves suggested we try taping black sacks to the lampposts along the procession route, he hoped the public use them, and you did. It was a successful trial. We will put them out again this year, please use them. A big thank you to our members and volunteers who went out in the early hours to collect rubbish and clear the streets. You did a brilliant job. We take great pride in leaving the town as clean as possible. Thank you all.

Health & Safety Notice HELP US MAINTAIN A SAFE AND FUN EVENING FOR ALL BY FOLLOWING THESE STRAIGHT FORWARD RULES. Whilst every effort is made to ensure safety, spectators and participants are reminded that they attend the event at their own risk. Burgess Hill Bonfire Society do not accept responsibility for any personal injury, loss or damage to personal property. DO NOT PICK UP TORCHES OR FLARES Keep away from discarded torches or flares, they will be hot. Do not attempt to pick them up; they have been discarded as they are either spent or dangerous to hold. The Marshals at the rear of the procession will pick up all discarded torches and flares. FIRST AID First aid personnel can be found along the procession route and walking within the procession. On the fire site, they will be sited at a first aid post, as indicated on the fire site map. KEEP BEHIND BARRIERS AND ON PAVEMENT The barriers are there for your safety. Please keep behind them at all times. Do not allow children to sit on kerbs. Do not attempt to walk on or cross the road during the procession. DO NOT SET OFF FIREWORKS Do not discharge fireworks in the street. It is illegal to do so and will carry a £5,000 fine and is dangerous to other members of the public. IN AN EMERGENCY In the event of an emergency, please follow the instructions of the Marshals or emergency services. FIRESITE Do not enter the roped off area at any time. Do not approach the bonfire at anytime before, during or after the event. In the interest of animal welfare, please do not bring any animals onto the fire site.

www.mlpleasurefairs.co.uk THURSDAY 24TH 4PM - 9:30PM FRIDAY 25TH 4PM - 9:30PM SATURDAY 26TH 1PM - UNTIL LATE SUNDAY 27TH 1PM - 7PM BURGESS HILL FAIRFIELD RECREATION GROUND RH15 8QL SEPTEMBER THURSDAY 24TH UNTIL SUNDAY 27TH

ONE FREE TOKEN at Benson’s Funfair *Token must be used in conjunction with purchased tokens Thursday 24-09-2026 to Friday 25-09-2026 Saturday 26-09-2026 - valid until 5pm Sunday 27-09-2026 - valid until 5pm ONE FREE TOKEN at Benson’s Funfair *Token must be used in conjunction with purchased tokens Thursday 24-09-2026 to Friday 25-09-2026 Saturday 26-09-2026 - valid until 5pm Sunday 27-09-2026 - valid until 5pm ONE FREE TOKEN at Benson’s Funfair *Token must be used in conjunction with purchased tokens Thursday 24-09-2026 to Friday 25-09-2026 Saturday 26-09-2026 - valid until 5pm Sunday 27-09-2026 - valid until 5pm ONE FREE TOKEN at Benson’s Funfair *Token must be used in conjunction with purchased tokens Thursday 24-09-2026 to Friday 25-09-2026 Saturday 26-09-2026 - valid until 5pm Sunday 27-09-2026 - valid until 5pm ONE FREE TOKEN at Benson’s Funfair *Token must be used in conjunction with purchased tokens Thursday 24-09-2026 to Friday 25-09-2026 Saturday 26-09-2026 - valid until 5pm Sunday 27-09-2026 - valid until 5pm