Commercial Square Bonfire Society
For Independence
Formed in 1855, CSBS are one of the oldest
bonfire societies in the
world. For many years our headquarters have been the
Elephant & Castle
public house in White Hill, Lewes. From here we plan
our November the Fifth celebrations and on the night
it is here that we form up for each of the processions
through the town.
Great pride is taken by all of our members
as we parade through the streets on the Fifth. Our American
Indian pioneer costumes are spectacular in their number
and variety. These costumes were first worn in the late
1800's by a number of our members who had returned from
America after working on constructing the great American
rail network. Their experience of the persecution of
native Americans led them to create these costumes as
a sign of respect for the Indians and act as a form of
protest against their persecution.
Our second pioneer costumes from the period
of the American Civil War together with our strong contingent
of Smugglers
form the bulk of
our torchlit procession. Intermingled with these are
a vast range of other costumes including Egyptian, Medieaval,
Georgian, Victorian, First & Second World War to
name but a few.
The sight of our 950 society members, each carrying a
flaming torch through the streets of Lewes, together
with our numerous badges, banners and set pieces is truly
a sight to behold.
Our traditional bonfire celebrations climax
at our firesite late in the evening where, led by our
Archbishop and
his Clergy, we burn effigies of Guy Fawkes and Pope
Paul V. Our topical tableaux and aerial firework display
are
second to none.
Visit our website www.c-s-b-s.co.uk for
more information.
