Lewes Bonfire 04/11/2017

[Gemz91]

No fatalities....minor injuries (what most large events have)
I am not an outsider. As mentioned I have been going since a child! Sussex born and bred.
Yes it is the nanny state interfering. We should have a free choice. And yes I was asked as a guest of someone who is a leading member of the town. Now I cannot go as I cannot get there!

You do still have free choice to attend the event or not. You just can't use the train to get there on the afternoon.

 

[Robertj21a]

I think you have answered your own question! Last year there were around 80 people injured, shall we wait until there are fatalities?

No need to be melodramatic. The events in Lewes can return to what they have been in previous years - I have attended many of them. It's the vast influx of 'outsiders' that has become an increasing problem and one that they are trying to address. To stop the trains last year was an excellent move in the right direction and they will, hopefully, bring in whatever additional controls are felt necessary this year.

 

[Antman]

No need to be melodramatic. The events in Lewes can return to what they have been in previous years - I have attended many of them. It's the vast influx of 'outsiders' that has become an increasing problem and one that they are trying to address. To stop the trains last year was an excellent move in the right direction and they will, hopefully, bring in whatever additional controls are felt necessary this year.

An excellent move? Well the OP doesn't think so and I'm sure a lot of other Lewes residents aren't either. Who is being melodramatic?:roll:

 

[Llanigraham]

An excellent move? Well the OP doesn't think so and I'm sure a lot of other Lewes residents aren't either. Who is being melodramatic?:roll:

According to a post earlier the residents of Lewes DO want to reduce the numbers of "outsiders" attending, as do the participating Societies.

 

[yorksrob]

Will trains be running through non-stop between Brighton and Eastbourne ?

If I were a through traveller, I'd be annoyed to have my journey curtailed because of someone's bonfire.

 

[RichardKing]

Will trains be running through non-stop between Brighton and Eastbourne ?

If I were a through traveller, I'd be annoyed to have my journey curtailed because of someone's bonfire.

Stations that will not be served after midday: London Road (Brighton), Moulsecoomb, Falmer, Lewes, Glynde and Cooksbridge.

Services will call at Berwick, Polegate and Hampden Park as usual.

 

[yorksrob]

Stations that will not be served after midday: London Road (Brighton), Moulsecoomb, Falmer, Lewes, Glynde and Cooksbridge.

Services will call at Berwick, Polegate and Hampden Park as usual.

That's something, anyway !

 

[ajb690]

Exactly, the event really is a disaster waiting to happen.

An excellent move? Well the OP doesn't think so and I'm sure a lot of other Lewes residents aren't either. Who is being melodramatic?:roll:

Slightly confused at difference between the above two quotes?

Will trains be running through non-stop between Brighton and Eastbourne ?

If I were a through traveller, I'd be annoyed to have my journey curtailed because of someone's bonfire.

I believe they will.

I know this was a controversial move last year - and seems heavy-handed - but realistically it's the police who have instructed it and complaints should be addressed to the Sussex PCC commissioner; as with any blunt instrument, it will affect people with real connections to the events as well as those who could frankly find something else to do on a Saturday night. Ultimately, it's not as if there aren't lots and lots of other bonfire events in Sussex, usually attended by the Lewes Societies, and from personal experience I think "foreigners" could be diverted to the likes of Battle and probably have a better time.

 

[Antman]

Slightly confused at difference between the above two quotes?



I believe they will.

I know this was a controversial move last year - and seems heavy-handed - but realistically it's the police who have instructed it and complaints should be addressed to the Sussex PCC commissioner; as with any blunt instrument, it will affect people with real connections to the events as well as those who could frankly find something else to do on a Saturday night. Ultimately, it's not as if there aren't lots and lots of other bonfire events in Sussex, usually attended by the Lewes Societies, and from personal experience I think "foreigners" could be diverted to the likes of Battle and probably have a better time.

What exactly are you confused about?

 

[Antman]

According to a post earlier the residents of Lewes DO want to reduce the numbers of "outsiders" attending, as do the participating Societies.

And some want the event stopped altogether.Some may of course want to travel by train on the day in question.

 

[theageofthetra]

If the Police do not want any extra in Town and they have asked for the service to be suspended then that is a Police issue not Southern, and the Railway have simply complied with the request. (as 2016)

also chauffeured car may not work either:
The A26 will be closed for the event through the Cuilfail Tunnel, between the Southerham roundabout (junction with the A27), and Earwig Corner (junction with the B2192 to Ringmer) between 4.30pm and 1am in both directions.

Other road closures will include the A275 between Lewes and the B2116 at Offham, Brighton Road between the A27 and prison crossroads in Lewes and Kingston Road between Lewes and Wellgreen Lane.

Bus routes diverted, and Parking restricted or banned.

They have said they do not want outsiders there, and it is not suitable for children.

Are these draconian restrictions implemented during the annual crime fest otherwise known as the Notting Hill Carnival?

 

[theageofthetra]

No need to be melodramatic. The events in Lewes can return to what they have been in previous years - I have attended many of them. It's the vast influx of 'outsiders' that has become an increasing problem and one that they are trying to address. To stop the trains last year was an excellent move in the right direction and they will, hopefully, bring in whatever additional controls are felt necessary this year.

Doesn't stop Notting Hill though does it.

 

[theageofthetra]

No need to be melodramatic. The events in Lewes can return to what they have been in previous years - I have attended many of them. It's the vast influx of 'outsiders' that has become an increasing problem and one that they are trying to address. To stop the trains last year was an excellent move in the right direction and they will, hopefully, bring in whatever additional controls are felt necessary this year.

Are these 'outsiders' the same ones who have ruined the Whitstable Oyster festival?

 

[greatkingrat]

Tickets to Lewes are still being sold online for this day, so what are Southern's obligations if you turn up on the day with a pre purchased ticket and itinerary?

 

[Antman]

Tickets to Lewes are still being sold online for this day, so what are Southern's obligations if you turn up on the day with a pre purchased ticket and itinerary?

Trains will be stopping at Lewes in the morning, after that you get off at the station before or after Lewes.

 

[Robertj21a]

An excellent move? Well the OP doesn't think so and I'm sure a lot of other Lewes residents aren't either. Who is being melodramatic?:roll:

Despite claiming to be a 'Sussex Guy' it seems you know little about the issues at Lewes. It is the residents themselves who are particularly concerned at the volume of people attending the events.

 

[Antman]

Despite claiming to be a 'Sussex Guy' it seems you know little about the issues at Lewes. It is the residents themselves who are particularly concerned at the volume of people attending the events.

Well of course the residents are concerned about it :roll:. So (shock horror!) are the police, all sorts of safety concerns, ie 80 injuries reported last year!

A lot of residents would like the event to be banned altogether, similar issues to the Notting Hill carnival.

 

[theageofthetra]

Well of course the residents are concerned about it :roll:. So (shock horror!) are the police, all sorts of safety concerns, ie 80 injuries reported last year!

A lot of residents would like the event to be banned altogether, similar issues to the Notting Hill carnival.

What stabbings and sexual assaults? It hasn't got that bad has it?

 

[Antman]

What stabbings and sexual assaults? It hasn't got that bad has it?

It's probably not far off that but I was referring more to large crowds crammed into narrow streets.

 

[Clip]

Are these draconian restrictions implemented during the annual crime fest otherwise known as the Notting Hill Carnival?

You need to add lots of other festivals to your post if you are going to single out notting hill

 

[Clip]

A lot of residents would like the event to be banned altogether, similar issues to the Notting Hill carnival.

those who moved into Notting Hill after a very poor quality rom com movie would like to see it banned yes.

 

[3141]

As this is a rail forum, maybe it's not surprising that no-one has suggested going there by bus. Much cheaper than hiring a chauffeur-drive car, and less socially exclusive, for those who are worried about that aspect.

 

[ajb690]

As this is a rail forum, maybe it's not surprising that no-one has suggested going there by bus. Much cheaper than hiring a chauffeur-drive car, and less socially exclusive, for those who are worried about that aspect.

All the roads are being closed too, unfortunately.

http://www.theargus.co.uk/news/15566975.Plea_to_stay_away_for_bonfire_night_event/

POLICE are urging people from outside Lewes to stay away from the town’s annual bonfire night celebration.

Lewes Bonfire, which is taking place on Saturday, November 4, attracts thousands of visitors for the grand display each year.

But Sussex Police is asking people to go to events closer to their homes rather than commuting.

In an attempt to deter people from travelling to the event trains will (sic: not) be stopping at Lewes, London Road in Brighton, Moulsecoomb, Falmer, Glynde and Cooksbridge stations from midday on November 4.

Normal services will resume the next day.

A joint statement a number of authorities, which includes Sussex Police, East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service and Lewes District Council, said: “This is to help ensure the safety of the travelling public and people in the town centre, which cannot cope with a huge influx of people during the busy Lewes Bonfire celebrations.”

There will also be road closures in a bid to further restrict the amount of people getting into the town.

The A26 will be closed through the Cuilfail Tunnel during the event, as well as the Southerham roundabout junction with the A27. Earwig Corner will also be shut.

Other main roads cut off from Lewes include: the A275 between Lewes and Offham, Brighton Road between A27 and prison crossroads in Lewes, and Kingston Road between Lewes and Wellgreen Lane.

There are no designated drop-off points and the roads will be closed from from 4.30pm to 1am on November 5.

Instead of going to Lewes Bonfire, residents are being asked to find events closer to home.

 

[Sunset route]

Well of course the residents are concerned about it :roll:. So (shock horror!) are the police, all sorts of safety concerns, ie 80 injuries reported last year!

A lot of residents would like the event to be banned altogether, similar issues to the Notting Hill carnival.

That's no different to certain residents in Eastbourne wanting to scrap Eastbourne Airborne because they are not favour of it for various reasons. But then again Eastbourne seafront doesn't have the cramped streets that Lewes does.

Lewes Bonfires were a victim of the own success and for years it was the main draw for people from all over Sussex and beyond to attend to such a point that there were special stopping pattern on the trains with extra shuttles from Brighton to Lewes about every 10minutes and other train were made longer. Lewes signal box was always double maned during the afternoon/night and the BR/Railtrack/NR always had a special commend structure in place located within it.

Then after one extremely popular year when the crowds were to huge they started to discourage non Bonfire society memembers and Lewes residents from attending and each year since then the methods have become more and more draconian until we have have arrived at total road closures and train passing through without stoping.

Lewes and its Bonfire societies need to work out how to live with each other and what they expect from each other if they want to keep this tradition going.

 

[physics34]

If I recall correctly, the good people of Lewes themselves are worried about the enormous crowds that are attracted to the event(s) nowadays. It's been in danger of getting out of control and they don't need, or appreciate, vast numbers of 'outsiders' invading their small town.
As others have said, the same/similar arrangements were made for trains last year. It seems very sensible in the circumstances, if people are that determined they can cycle or walk.

bizarre as youd think it would be a moneyspinner for some local businesses

 

[Robertj21a]

bizarre as youd think it would be a moneyspinner for some local businesses

Not at all bizarre. I doubt you appreciate the enormous volumes they are trying to handle in what is a fairly small town. Safety needs to be paramount - and it's far more important than any business (which can't cope on the day anyway). However, just to counter some rather extreme comments above, the 80 injuries last year were described at the time as 'relatively minor' - it's quite absurd to compare it with anything like Notting Hill Carnival.

It will be interesting to see if the restrictions this year are sufficient to reduce numbers or whether something more draconian is still needed.

 

[jopsuk]

Theere's more and more serious arrests each year at Glastonbury than Notting Hill; there's a reason you mainly here reports about the arrests at Notting Hill though of course.

Regardless of all this, it's abundantly clear that this is not exactly a railway issue- the railway are simply reacting to what they've been asked to do by the police, by the local council, by the bonfire societies. For a railway issues discussion forum isn't that the end of it?

 

[Llanigraham]

bizarre as youd think it would be a moneyspinner for some local businesses

From my experience of Llanidloes Fancy Dress (mentioned earlier) I doubt it. Even the pubs said they ended up making very little after having to pay for additional staff and plastic glasses, plus the additional cleaning up after. As for shops, we all closed early and many had to pay for window protection panels or risk damage.

 

[Antman]

Not at all bizarre. I doubt you appreciate the enormous volumes they are trying to handle in what is a fairly small town. Safety needs to be paramount - and it's far more important than any business (which can't cope on the day anyway). However, just to counter some rather extreme comments above, the 80 injuries last year were described at the time as 'relatively minor' - it's quite absurd to compare it with anything like Notting Hill Carnival.

It will be interesting to see if the restrictions this year are sufficient to reduce numbers or whether something more draconian is still needed.

80 injuries were reported, minor or otherwise, make of that what you will.

The obvious comparison with the Notting Hill carnival is that it's an even that has become a victim of its own success and attracts large numbers of people to an area with narrow streets. Obviously if both events were held in an enclosed area they would be a lot safer, although there may be an admission charge.

 

[BestWestern]

Not at all bizarre. I doubt you appreciate the enormous volumes they are trying to handle in what is a fairly small town. Safety needs to be paramount - and it's far more important than any business (which can't cope on the day anyway). However, just to counter some rather extreme comments above, the 80 injuries last year were described at the time as 'relatively minor' - it's quite absurd to compare it with anything like Notting Hill Carnival.

It will be interesting to see if the restrictions this year are sufficient to reduce numbers or whether something more draconian is still needed.

Surely the only option left is to stop the event itself?!