Burgess Hill Bonfire Society

The History of Burgess Hill Bonfire Society 

In September 1894, the Burgess Hill Bonfire Society was first formed with meetings held in the Burgess Hill Inn, Keymer Road.  The first organised procession in the town was attended by 170 members, nearly all in character dress and bearing torches, the scene being a most brilliant and spectacular one.  With its success, followed the formation of a second Society, called the Hardware Bonfire Society being based at the Royal George Inn. Both Societies continued for a number of years however eventually disbanding.

The current Burgess Hill Bonfire Society was reformed in 1969 by Mr L Parker, a former Borough Bonfire Society member, together with several like minded individuals.

Our first Pioneer costume has not changed since 1969 and we are still proud to walk in our spectacular Aztec Indian costumes, which are based on an advertisement that was used to publicise Aztec Bars, made by Cadbury's at the time.

However, since 1969 there have been many changes within Burgess Hill Bonfire Society, the most obvious being the addition of Smugglers within the Society ranks. Our Smugglers march in their distinctive colours of green and black. These colours were chosen specifically for their links to our town, as they are old Burgess Hill Football Club colours. To keep with the traditions of Bonfire, the reformed Society have reintroduced flaming fire carts  to the procession.

In more recent years, there has been a new addition to the Burgess Hill ranks in the form of the female smugglers, or “Wenches” as they are known in the ranks. The Wenches keep in character with Smugglers by wearing their green and black corsets and white period skirts.

 As Burgess Hill Bonfire Society thrives and moves in to the future,  there will be many more changes to come, with one being the introduction of a costume section for new members. This will help keep the old traditions of Bonfire alive.