American Couple Reacts: Lewes Bonfire Night! Britain's MOST DANGEROUS Celebration! FIRST TIME! WOW!!

American Couple Reacts: Lewes, England Bonfire Night! Britain's MOST DANGEROUS Celebration! FIRST TIME REACTION!! WOW!! This was EPIC!!! 👉🏻Here is the link to the video we did in October 2021 on the history of the 5th of November and Bonfire Night: • American Couple React:...
This is a video we have been looking forward to seeing for an entire year!! Since we did our original video on the history of Bonfire Night and Guy Fawkes, we have wanted to see a large celebration! This was certainly worth the wait!! We got so much more than we expected and had a really fun time seeing everything here. Lewes you have certainly impressed and scared us at the same time! Well done!
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[@alanhilton7336caradventure]

I laughed out loud when the Archbishop was up there batting away the fireworks it reminded me how nuts us Brits are.😂

[@danpearce4547]

Monty Python was a documentary

[@michalbalicki7267]

Don't worry Britain is changing fast no room for the English

[@barrywhite5899]

@@michalbalicki7267 too true. A nation of car washers and drug dealers. Importing wank from Eastern Europe

[@christineharding4190]

The English are not known as eccentrics for nothing.

[@ianvlt2907]

I’ve been going to Lewes bonfire every year since I was a toddler and now I’m 54 There is so much energy in the air on the night

[@TheNatashaDebbieShow]

That's so cool!!!

[@neilgayleard3842]

There are a lot of organised displays all over the country. I have one basically in my back garden. Leeds castle Maidstone Kent.

[@sjjb2]

agree great time All safe hazzords put in place

[@Isleofskye]

What time is it on,please,my friend?

[@crowhillian58]

​@@IsleofskyeIt begins about 5 and finishes at 1-2am. There's not just one bonfire and fireworks display in Lewes but six as each bonfire society has its own.

[@pegaz6529]

I love how most Americans think we're all tea drinking snobs, but in reality we do things like cheese-rolling and this firework display, etc, which are really dangerous, for fun. Loved the reaction.

[@andrewfitzgerald2327]

Don't forget Bog Snorkeling.

[@garrycole3403]

And worm charming.

[@TheNatashaDebbieShow]

We've never thought those things

[@elizabethchapman9523]

No we are eccentric, celebrate our long history and enjoy the fun of it all.

[@cazharris5581]

Those Shrove Tuesday town football matches are also quite brutal…

[@judithhope8970]

The archbishop gave an excellent example of dry British humour.

[@TheNatashaDebbieShow]

He was hilarious 😂

[@stephenbowler8006]

In the running for most British comment ever.

[@phillallen01]

we used to burn effigys of the pope as this religion was banned back in the day of 16th century (1559)

[@TheNatashaDebbieShow]

This is a video we have been looking forward to seeing for an entire year!! Since we did our original video on the history of Bonfire Night, we have wanted to see a large celebration! This was certainly worth the wait!! We got so much more than we expected and had a really fun time seeing everything here. Lewes you have certainly impressed and scared us at the same time! Well done! If you enjoyed this episode as well please click the Like button. Thanks

[@planekrazy1795]

Something else to check out is the "Up Helly Aa" festival on the Isle of Shetland Scotland. It marks the end of Yule. Sledges of burning Tar are dragged through the Streets and a huge torch lit parade of people dressed as Vikings it ends with the burning of a Viking Ship as sacrifice to the Gods. It's seen as a celebration of Shetlands Viking heritage.

[@brucewilliams4152]

Bonfire night, the stars are brighr. Four little angels dressed in white, one with trumpet, one with a drum, one with with a toffee apple stuck.to his bum.

[@neilgayleard3842]

It's the most important night of the year. Because it's about remembering what democracy is about.

[@sjbict]

@@planekrazy1795 YES

[@captvimes]

OK since this is where I grew up :). The protestant martyrs werent explained very well. Queen Mary with the endorsement of the Pope (they tried to get him to stop it) burned alive 17 people for owning a bible written in English. We will never forgive him for that. That is why he is burned not because of guy fawkes. Yes rememberance for the two world wars is very much part of this too hence the poppy as 11/11 is very close to this. They used to collect donations for the veterans but now they just charge entry to the bonfire sites displays and use that because people stopped giving so much.

[@meridianx9020]

What you don't get from the videos is the thunder-like effect of all the fireworks going off at the bonfires around the town at the same time. Lewes is surrounded by hills, and so they trap the noise and roll it back. The sound is amazing.

[@lynnhamps7052]

The archbishop guy was hilarious..typical British comment..lol..love how the UK is considered to be so sophisticated and yet we have the most ridiculous and dangerous events you could imagine...good advice for the pups...we used to make a den for our Labrador under the kitchen table with lots of blankets and treats and his favourite toys...my dad would then put a huge tablecloth on the table that hung down just short of the floor so he could still see and put the radio on loud...he never seemed bothered by what was going on outside so pretty sure it worked...he was called Radar and was a lovely old thing...✨💘

[@timnewman7591]

Ottery St Mary has a slightly different version of the tar barrel run. As in, they carry the barrels instead of dragging them. But don't worry, children get small ones.

[@flamelily2086]

Lol, somehow I don't think.Debbie and Natasha will find it reassuring that children only get small barrels.

[@danpearce4547]

Ottery St Mary's one is defo more extreme.

[@comically_large_cowboy_hat3385]

i went to the ottery st mary one once and honestly it wasn’t as impressive as everyone says…..not as good as lewes….but then again im from around lewes so i’ve probably got some bias

[@mark..A]

@@comically_large_cowboy_hat3385 lewimps! Get them to carry the barrels on their shoulders

[@marvinc9994]

"But don't worry, children get small ones." Whilst the grown-ups get scrumpy and singed eyebrows ! It's brilliant ;-)

[@keelbyman]

The archbishop; what a nutter 😂

[@jjwatcher]

It was the Pope.

[@keelbyman]

@@jjwatcher oh. I thought he said he definitely wasn't a Pope.

[@stephenbowler8006]

@@keelbyman he did. He REALLY made the point it positively, definitely wasn't the Pope. Which in English means 'Its the Pope (but it doesn't matter any more)'.

[@jamiekisler4927]

My Grandparents lived in Lewes so as a child I spent many November 5th watching this magnificent spectacle with them. I know very little of the traditions but do know that the striped jerseys worn were the original costumes that were used to help the bonfire boys confuse the police and avoid prosecution.

[@davidashton2361]

I've found that the best place to stand is upwind of the fire that way all the burning embers end up being blown down wind. Of course you could be attracted to fires and then it doesn't matter where you stand the wind will always find you and blow the embers towards you. After a bit you become paranoid and think it's deliberate! (Yeah, I know, weird eh?)

[@davidashton2361]

We also have a custom of rolling huge cheeses down a long steep slope chased by morons. I can't remember when and where that takes place.

[@bustersinclair7571]

Eastbourne Here!

[@riverdart2068]

@@davidashton2361 Cooper's Hill in Gloucestershire

[@davidashton2361]

@@riverdart2068 Thanks, River Dart!

[@albidor99]

Ladies, thank you so so much for putting this video up. I grew up in Sussex and many villages and towns have a bonfire society, but Lewes is the Soul of bonfire with 7 bonfire societies. They collect money for charities. The whole event is really about keeping religious tolerance alive, that no one has the right to tell you what to believe. Remembering the fallen 'up at the angel' (top of the hill) is one of the most moving and sincere moments of the night. Lewes on bonfire night has to be on your bucket list.

[@wolfie934]

Morning Ladies. Another great reaction! Lewis was a staunchly Protestant place and was actually the home of Anne of Cleves, the wife (no. 4 of 6) from Germany that Henry VIII married and quickly divorced. Her home is still there and you can visit it. The burning crosses are for the Protestant martyrs executed by Henry’s Catholic daughter Queen Mary (aka Bloody Mary!).

[@karazor-el9596]

her home was hever castle not inn lewes

[@tim1812h]

@@karazor-el9596 Hever Castle was Anne Boleyn's originally but given to Anne of Cleves who also owned the house in Lewes.

[@meicgoodyear1038]

Anne of Cleves' House never lived in Lewes. Her house, now a folk museum, was part of the annulment settlement.

[@christineirving4491pluviophile]

Funny Debbie was saying about carrying fire barrels because I was just going say about Ottery St. Mary Tar Barrels. Basically, in involves barrels being soaked in tar, lit and then being carried through the town on the backs of participants.

[@daniellastuart3145]

we Brits know how to party

[@karenblackadder1183]

We don't do it very often - but we can knock the rest of the world into a cocked hat!

[@lizbignell7813]

My horses like to watch the fireworks in the village from their stables. It is half a mile away so not terribly loud.

[@lynjones2461]

Morning Ladies thank you I've never seen Lewes Bonfire Night it's spectacular lol xx I'm blessed to have thirteen pussycats who don't react at all to fireworks in fact they all crowd on the table in my lounge window to watch the explosions lol xx 🥰

[@jonathanocallaghan9202]

Great reaction ladies, there are hundreds of traditional celebrations and gatherings in the UK, one local to me is the Haxey Hood, two villages fighting in a field on the 6th of January every year, there is usually, mud, blood, alcohol and broken bones.!! It's a fantastic day.

[@pauldurkee4764]

I always thought the lewes celebrations were a large bonfire and fireworks. This is like a combination of a carnival and guy fawkes night rolled into one. Best Wishes from Wales.

[@TheNatashaDebbieShow]

It's completely insane and amazing isn't it?!!

[@marycarver1542]

Lewes has several bonfire societies, and they compete against one another every year for the best show ! You can be absolutely assured that they are checked and checked again by the relevant authorities to ensure they are safe ! Guy Fawkes was the "Popes man",hence his appearance there .

[@paulmidsussex3409]

Each year it gets to the stage where the town gets so packed the police have to stop traffic into the town. If you don't get there in time you are looking at 4+ hours in your car.

[@captvimes]

@@TheNatashaDebbieShow When they threw the barrel into the river (yes water was there ) it is a reenactment of one of the times authorities tried to stop this celebration by throwing the barrel into the river. Guess what it didnt work. WE WUNT BE DRUV

[@meicgoodyear1038]

In some ways, more like a cross between Mardi Gras and a Black Mass. This is the season of remembering your dead. When the calendar changed fro Julian to Gregorian, old Halloween became 11 November, Martinmas, and still the traditional date for the slaughter of livestock not to be supported through the Winter. The exact midpoint between the two is November 5th. By an extraordinarily poignant coincidence, Old Halloween is also Armistice Day from the first world war. On the fifth we remember our personal dead, our war dead, and our religious dead (no bad thing to remember those who died for their beliefs, even in the rotten cause of religious faction fighting), and we also use it to symbolically destroy effigies of political enemies who try to interfere with our freedoms. For what it's worth, for twenty years I was one of the Vikings carrying the fiery crosses, then five years marshalling that part of the procession.

[@vaudevillian7]

You should know by now we’re pretty crazy 😂 Have been looking forward to this one, how has a whole year gone already

[@Netgodsworld]

I'm a member of one of those bonfire societies called South street bonfire society. I'm happy to help in any way. Happy bonfire.. aka the 5th

[@joshua.910]

Coming next on the Natasha and Debbie show; Debbie runs through the street with a flaming barrel whilst Natasha screams for her life😂🤣

[@daphnethurlow5388]

lol

[@TheNatashaDebbieShow]

😂😂😂😂 Sign up for Patreon now!! Lol

[@joshua.910]

@@TheNatashaDebbieShow have to admit I made myself laugh writing it 😂

[@Michael00172]

@@daphnethurlow5388 bump

[@rowietappy187]

Thanks ladies. So glad you posted this video. November 5th is my absolute favourite celebration. It’s still amazes me that James 1st back in 1605 said this day should be remembered forever and in 2022 it’s still going strong. Of all the things that have happened in English and British history since that day....this is still the number one national event....and it’s still not concerned a national holiday after 400 years. Great reaction really enjoyed it 🤗

[@andrew_koala2974]

The fire warms the heart as the nights become colder But the hottest place on earth is where one burns their desires

[@flamelily2086]

I can't think of anything better than waking up to one of your videos. I wasn't expecting such a spectacle. I was expecting a massive bonfire. The burning crosses made sense when they explained it was for the Protestant martyrs. Queen Mary is known as bloody Mary. Our new Priminister is Rishi Sunak.

[@no-oneinparticular7264]

Prime Minister

[@arcadian78]

History is written by the victors….hence why Mary I our first real Queen Regnant is unfairly labelled Bloody Mary. If people actually took the time to look at the history they would find that both Henry VIII & Elizabeth I were far more “Bloody” than Mary ever was but of course Elizabeth was Protestant and Henry VIII pretended to be up to his death.

[@Brytonrock]

I live just five miles from Lewes and never been to Bonfire as it usually falls on a work night for me. All the roads into Lewes are shut off from about 4:00 pm on the day and not re-opened until about 1-2:00am the next morning. We usually go to the Burgess Hill Bonfire which is done a few weeks earlier, just north of Brighton and Lewes. It's somewhat smaller but still part of the whole Bonfire culture here in the whole of East and West Sussex. Oh and my congratulations on your correct pronunciation of Lewes. I've heard so many people call it "Loos" because of the way it's spelt.

[@TheNatashaDebbieShow]

We take our pronunciation seriously!

[@andybaker2456]

Interesting that you mention the pronunciation of Lewes. One of my uncles was evacuated to Lewes during the war, and he always said that pronouncing it as spellt is incorrect and that the locals taught him that it should be pronounced "Lose"!

[@Brytonrock]

@Andy Baker I'm Sussex born and bred and that's the way I was taught how to pronounce it. We have a few villages and hamlets with hard to pronounce names. I think it harks back to the fact that our county was the first to be conquered by The Normans and their influence on the language. For example we have The Royal Observatory at Herstmonceaux, which is hardly a Saxon name.

[@tonys1636]

@@Brytonrock Herstmonceaux - from Hyrst, Anglo - Saxon, wooded hill. Monceaux, the family name of the land owner.

[@andybaker2456]

@@Brytonrock So are you saying it should actually be pronounced "Lose"? The same could probably be said for many towns and villages all over the country! I know there's a village in Devon called Woolfardisworthy, but is actually pronounced Woolsery! 🤷‍♂️😁

[@openorwap5412]

I have clearly led a very sheltered life 😶 Born and raised in England and in my 40+ years I have NEVER heard of Lewes's epic bonfire night celebrations! I've learned something new today and had many laughs in the process. Great video, thank you both 😆🥰🔥🎆

[@TheNatashaDebbieShow]

We've been reading A LOT of comments just like yours! We were ALL surprised!

[@1215298]

I live in Bexhill (nearby), and Lewes also comes to Hastings Bonfire night with the same energy as their own 😂

[@openorwap5412]

@@1215298 I'm going to have to add it to the bucket list, it looks like a real hoot!! 🥳🔥

[@1215298]

@@openorwap5412 It's a good idea to look at the towns around Lewes as some have their own bonfire nights: so if you wanted, you can pop to multiple in the same month! :)

[@freqeist]

I`ll be honest, I`m shocked to here that ...but then I was born there so I shall let you off.

[@bretthumm7315]

Loved this video. Thank you Natasha and Debbie for making me smile with all your wonderful videos

[@DesireAndFire2010]

Lewes - my hometown. All my family still live there. Bonfire night is absolutely amazing.

[@ratarsed666]

the american kkk tradition of burning cross's is based on the scottish clans who burnt cross's to raise the clans , the kkk was started by scottish imagrants desendants ......

[@richardselbyfoster1388]

...the Native American you Gels spotted in the first film was almost certainly Princess Pochahontas, who famously visited England in the early C17th, visited the Court of King James...and was a well liked and celebrated member of London society throughout her visit...so her appearance at an event commemorating that period of our history makes perfect sense. In fact, various visiting Native Americans are to be found in a number of paintings made around that time...

[@AtheistOrphan]

And she’s buried in Gravesend.

[@richardselbyfoster1388]

@@AtheistOrphan I think I knew that once...the odd thing is, despite the "wokesters" banging on about how horrible we are...actually, we aren't...and indeed never were

[@TheJaxxT]

“It’s a privilege to be up there and have fireworks thrown at me”… is a sentence I never thought id hear anyone say.. EVER!!

[@IanDarley]

The way we were taught to prevent our dogs from being stressed by thunder or fireworks (this only works if you do it from the start as a puppy): The very first time there is a loud crash of thunder or a firework goes off outside, COMPLETELY ignore it. This has worked with the last three dogs we've had, there is a bang or thunder clap and the dog immediately looks at the missus or me for a response, when they see no response at all from you they get a little agitated at first but will settle down. If you try and calm them or comfort them, they believe that there is something to fret about and it becomes ingrained. All of our dogs have been completely immune to apocalyptic thunder or loud fireworks since we learned this.

[@weedle30]

@Ian Darley my friend’s dog (Hendrix - RIP silly dog ❤️) used to get sooo excited at Bonfire Night, my friend had to shut him in doors, to keep him away from getting over excited at the sparkles and bangs and trying to chase them 😳🫣😄 When seeing his “dad” (my friend’s son) holding a firelighter, he just KNEW what was happening (apart from sensing the presence of hot sausages and grilled bacon ….) would bark and wag his tail in anticipation, waiting for the first Roman Candle or Sky Flyer Rocket to be lit….he was just so nutty 😄 He would get more distressed being shut indoors away from his fam than being outside, so us firework party guests had to sit outside holding tightly on to his lead as he barked his enjoyment - there was no way was he “frightened” by the loud bangs and screams. My friend has a brand new pup now (Hudson 😉) so she is hoping that she can “train” him to cope with the racket like his doggy cousin was able to. (But I really won’t mind having to stay indoors on puppy stroking duties if have to 😊)

[@malcolmross8427]

I never react to bonfires or loud bangs and my dogs never have either. I am on my 3rd & 4 th dogs now!

[@Nanooksan09]

Same! I didn't react at all so my dog never did. We also rescued a dog who was petrified. She calmed down a lot living with us but it didn't totally go away. I would sit on the floor and let her hide behind me but I didn't soothe or talk or make any sounds. She got much better. But my first dog who I trained from pup could even be outside with us. Not bothered by fireworks or storms. Dogs react to your feelings and what you project. If you make a fuss they know there's something to be fussed about and so they react badly.

[@xhogun8578]

I see you have limited experience with dogs and phobias. So glad that your dog doesn't have a major issue, and hopefully you'll never have to cope with a dog that does.

[@IanDarley]

@@xhogun8578 Yes, only 36 years actually dealing with dogs, I started late, so still learning, just like everybody else 👍

[@janemcnaughten7275]

Hello Debbie & Natasha. Please to remember the fifth of November gunpowder treason & plot. That's the song we grew up with. My Dad & Grandads would build a huge bonfire in the back garden on the 5th of November and us children would build a Guy. In the evening The men would put the Guy atop the bonfire and light the bonfire. My Mum & Grendmothers cleaned and wrapped potatoes in butter & tin foil an place them in the lower part of the bonfire to cook. Then the men would light the fireworks while we warmed ourselves with supervision by our Grandmother's. It was so exciting. We used to sing the firework advert. Light Up The Sky With Standard Fireworks. Then we were given sparklers( under supervision) and by that time the potatoes on their jackets were ready to eat. It was a magical night growing up. Jane in New Zealand 🇳🇿

[@enkisdaughter4795]

My father wouldn’t let my siblings and I celebrate Bonfire Night, as Guy Fawkes was Catholic, and so are we.

[@shirleyburke1571]

Same memories here ...

[@JJ-of1ir]

Your fireworks night was almost identical to mine here in England, Jane. The idea you were so far away and yet our families were each following the same traditions, for some reason, makes me feel quite emotional and I don't know why. Just being silly I suppose. It was a magical night growing up though, wasn't it!

[@karenblackadder1183]

Same in Britain in the 1960s

[@janemcnaughten7275]

Hello. I am originally from England born & bred lol

[@donball9777]

Lewes was my home town, bonfire night was such a highlight in my young life. Was even more bonkers 30 odd years ago.

[@LudwigsUnholySpade]

I’ve got to say, I’ve never seen a bonfire night quite like that in my life 😂

[@nicholasjones7312]

Nor me!

[@tomrainboro3728]

See also the Tar Barrels in Ottery St Mary. At other times of year see Montol in Penzance or Herefordshire Wassails.

[@vaudevillian7]

You definitely need to check out the flaming Tar Barrels of Ottery St Mary

[@pidgewidge942]

I've suggested this to the girls, they don't seem interested in the burning barrels of Ottery St Mary's

[@vaudevillian7]

@@pidgewidge942 shame

[@TheNatashaDebbieShow]

It was suggested by loads of people as soon as this video was uploaded. So we checked it out on our own

[@1daveyp]

Years ago, I wanted to go to the Lewes Bonfire. I rang the Lewes tourist info office in June that year and asked about accommodation. The lady on the phone just laughed. You can't get a bed within five miles of the town for November 5th, they book out year to year. Sussex and Kent are still big areas for celebrating Nov. 5th, Halloween seems to have overtaken Guy Fawkes Night in most places. When I was a kid, Halloween pretty much happened on the telly, Guy Fawkes was the big thing, we made a Guy and wheeled him about in a barrow collecting pennies for the Guy. NB. The burning crosses are an old Protestant symbol, which was appropriated by a certain group in the US that we won't talk about. I think in Lewes there is a cross for each of the 17 martyrs burnt by Mary I in Lewes between 1555 and 1557.

[@kes0287]

Loved this, loved the parade this has got to be the biggest and best bonfire night celebration in the country, where i am there are a few small bonfires, fireworks and handheld sparklers and thats it! i want to go to this now. i sometimes eat baked (Jacket) filled potatoes, sausage rolls, treacle pudding on the night, toffee apples are about as well.

[@meridianx9020]

Go. It's absolutely amazing. 🙂

[@katrin896]

The Brits do love their fire! They even set their Christmas pudding on fire (after soaking it in brandy!). Yes, they are lighting fires at the dinner table! I love this nation! :D

[@simondobbs4480]

I have been there. It is at least as wild and mad as the videos represent.

[@pjmoseley243]

It was always just a bit of fun for us when we were kids. It was also known as Guy Fawkes night, where as kids we would make a "guy" that represented "Guy Fawkes" we used to take the "Guy" along to where people were coming home and ask for a " penny for the Guy" we used the money collected to buy fireworks for bon fire night, this is a more grown up festival but its still just for fun. Nothing serious is meant.

[@andreaconroy3623]

😂😂... this is a really good example of our Britishness. There are many weird things that happen all across the country and across the year. Oh the privilege of having fireworks thrown at you and batting them away - marvellous stuff. Have you seen Morris Men (and women) and the Green Man ?

[@colinhawes1907]

A few years back a customer came to our very large hardware store and wanted ear defenders for their children. I told them they will not totally get rid the firework noises. I suggested those in the ear head phones, then the defenders on top. Play what ever music and volume they wanted. She did come back to say thank you, it worked for them.

[@nicholasjones7312]

This Bonfire Night in my town there is a silent firework display, which is mainly for people with Autusm etc, rather than for animals, but it is a welcome benefit for them.

[@TheNatashaDebbieShow]

That is AWESOME 👌🏻 👏🏻

[@christinedugmore]

@@TheNatashaDebbieShow yeah lots of places around the Uk do that, it’s amazing for those affected.

[@alisonelainehosker6444]

Bonfire Night in Lancashire usually starts the moment fireworks go on sale in the middle of October, unfortunately, so I have Classic FM on the radio most nights for my two cats, just in case.Silent fireworks are a great idea.I never understand why people set fireworks off in the day time as it's just noise without the wonderful display.There is an organised Bonfire Night in my hometown but I'll keep my cats company instead of attending.

[@pipmaple]

Lewes is a very historical town. It has a castle and Anne of Cleves house (fourth wife of Henry VIII) and a famous battle between the royalists vs the parliamentarians which happened (the battle of Muster Green 1642). Even the bookshop was built in 1450 !

[@paulmidsussex3409]

Also Thomas Paine author of the Rights of Man lived there for while, there is a pub named after his book. He later went to the American colonies and became a propagandist for the traitorous revolutionaries.

[@sheilamarsh7719]

Battle of Muster Green was up the road in Haywards Heath.

[@phillipbeck5736]

@@sheilamarsh7719 correct

[@robertwilloughby8050]

Also the Battle of Lewes in 1264, part of the Second Barons War.

[@Sue474]

Anne of Cleves never lived in her Lewes house by the way.

[@iancomputerscomputerrepair8944]

I'm British and I never knew this event took place in Lewes. Another great reaction video.

[@marcuswebb9023]

Hi Natasha and Debbie So I am local to the Lewes bonfires. You should know it's as mad as it appears but it is now much safer than it used to be. The tar barrel races are insane but they used to float the burning tar barrels down the river. You see them throwing the firework barrel over the bridge into the river in your video. Possibly the most insane part about the whole thing is the amount time it takes to get in and out. The last time I went, it took nearly 2.5 hours to get through into the train station and on to my home. Normally that journey is 20 minutes. It is certainly the biggest bonfire in the South of England. There might be larger ones in London but that's probably the only place that could compete. Along with the burning crosses which clearly has differing cultural imperatives, they were also burning doves, another religious symbol and the whole ceremony is very much a peaceful if anarchic anti establishment demonstration. Glad you enjoy our craziness and I look forward to seeing more of your videos soon

[@dirtbikerman1000]

I'm a pyrotechnician I'm doing my local show on this weekend for a Halloween show I'm doing another towns display on the 4th and the fireworks display at Clitheroe Castle on the 5th. All of our fireworks are electronically fired from a laptop and to music too You need to watch Las fallas mascletta velencia Its a fireworks carnival in Spain that lasts a week I went 2017 and its mental The mascletta is something you can only experience to understand how it feels

[@Nick_r]

I live close to Lewes in Eastbourne and often go to the Lewes Fireworks. It is as mad as it looks and the authorities have made it harder to get to. The massive crowds were getting out of control. There are a number of bonfires across Sussex and the bonfire societies from each town go and parade in the other towns. Battle is another town with quite a big celebration but none are on the scale of Lewes 😀

[@mightbeanybody]

Yep, Hastings and Rye both have big celebrations.

[@natalielang6209]

Love you for this video! I knew Lewes display was a bit extra, but I've never seen it. When I was a kid our whole estate would gather wood from everywhere around - in central London, so usually market crates and scaffold boards. We'd build a 15ft bonfire in the middle of the estate and the dads would do the fireworks. We can't have bonfires in London anymore so it's just fireworks now.

[@frglee]

This is Gunpowder Night on steroids! It's a very popular event and Lewes is not a huge place, so the authorities actively have to discourage people from other areas, like Brighton, from attending every year. It is mostly very good natured and people have a lot of fun, but it can get a bit rough, especially for children.

[@wendyfield7708]

The song is AULD LANG SYNE,,,,,a Scottish song, title meaning “for old time’s sake” usually sung on New Year’s Eve. It is actually Guy Fawkes night, but has merged into “bonfire night” because of its closeness to Halloween, which used not to be celebrated in England. The bonfire was to burn an effigy of Guy Fawkes! Now it is one big confusion. I am 88!

[@emmaackerman9132]

Yesterday way bonfire night and I just wanted to add that there was a radio station made just for dogs on Bonfire night and it work amazing my dog were so calm when fire works went off I totally recommend it ❤also love you guys you's are amazing 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿❤️

[@deja-view1017]

So good to see this - this is where I grew up. The seven Bonfire Societies spend all year planning and preparing for it. The bonfires are lit in the surrounding hills after the parades.

[@richt71]

Hey ladies. Now you know why this side of the pond we have free healthcare!! 😁

[@tonyaharman8369]

I go there every year and it’s incredible! So excited for this year… only another two weeks to go! x

[@stargate2424]

As someone who has lived in Lewes their whole life the stuff in the video you watched is tame in years before it has been so much more crazy but no matter how crazy it looks the safety is amazing and the top of the priority list for everyone

[@vaudevillian7]

Was going to say before you said it that I play classical music for my dog on bonfire night, hadn’t heard anybody else suggest that before so that’s so cool. There’s a Russian composer he really seems to like and I can’t remember who it is now, will have to get the playlist together soon as it’s less than 2 weeks away Haven’t tried reggae though, might have to try that, thanks!

[@TheNatashaDebbieShow]

Reggae truly is very relaxing for dogs

[@AlBarzUK]

It wasn’t Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture I’m guessing, or Handel’s ‘Music for the Royal Fireworks’. 🎼💥

[@vaudevillian7]

@@AlBarzUK haha definitely not

[@vix387]

A bit off-topic but, seeing as you like differences between UK and US, I thought you might be interested in this. Debbie talked about the gardener having a 'green thumb'. This isn't an expression in the UK. We would say he has 'green fingers'. I don't know why there is a difference. 😊🤷‍♀

[@raybishop1130]

Contrary to a couple of comments here, Lewes was never Anne of Cleves' home, although she owned a house there. But it was home to Thomas Paine, one of the founding fathers of the US, from 1768 to 1774. Many years ago, I marched in parade dressed as a Viking, complete with helmet, chain mail and sword - I even carried one of the crosses!

[@karazor-el9596]

she was given ann boleyns old home hever castle

[@bluesilvahalo3576]

I'm British and I had no idea this was happening but it doesn't surprise me lol! I'm learning a lot about my own country watching you guy's 😄

[@carlchapman4053]

I'm English a dog lover, dog owner and someone who has worked with dog rescue helping beaten and traumatised animals, the best thing you can do for a young animal (under 1-2 years old) during fireworks is to take a blanket and some high value treats outside, take he dog outside settle down and watch the show, all the time reassuring the animal that everything is good. The dog will take it's lead from you, if you are calm and relaxed the animal will accept that this is strange but not of concern, if you lock the animal inside you are reinforcing the "Hide! This is Dangerous" panic effect they are already suffering. I am 49 and every year that I have had a dog we have been outside watching the fireworks together and my Husky reached the point where if fireworks started to go off unexpectedly I had to open the living room window so he could look outside to watch. Animals are like small children DO NOT teach them to hide, just show them that it is something safe and special.

[@dannydee2668]

I never knew about this and I one lived about 30 miles from Lewes so I will have to go back down to witness this

[@micksymes]

Always a pleasure to see how visitors see and enjoy what is the best night in the year for Lewes. Nowhere does bonfire like Lewes, it supports 7 active bonfire societies all with their traditions & history, the two oldest date from 1853. with both having a good history going back way before being formally constituted. But whilst it looks and can be dangerous, self-preservation and the safety of both participants and the public is taken very very seriously.

[@purplebongo27]

Our guinea pig used to love classical music on bonfire night, dogs prefer female vocals....keep them safe...love your show...love & light from South Wales xxx🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@fayesouthall6604]

My cat hates it too 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@babyboomerinc]

We used to celebrate Guy Fawkes here in Australia til it was banned in the 1970's

[@angusscott2148]

I live near to Lewes. It is impossible to get into the Town on Bonfire Night. Lewes Railway Station which is generally very busy, is closed to dissuade people travelling into Lewes. If you do manage, it is shoulder-to-shoulder crowded and extremely noisy. As a family we take walki-talkies which are more convenient than a Mobile phone. One year I called a daughter to find out where she was and she described being under a particular Bank sign, I replied that I was too! She was two people away. If you get the Chance, go to it. The relevance to the Bonfires being the Burning of the Lewes Martyrs. Each Society has it's own Bonfire.

[@jeanetteshepherd1142]

I live about 5 miles away from Lewes in Brighton and in my 20's and 30's I went to a few Lewes bonfires, but the population increases tenfold on the night and its packed everywhere. The archbishop is a nutter on a podium who catches and throws fireworks! There are always organised bonfires and fireworks displays throughout each village and town that gives everyone plenty of notice so that you can sort something out for nervous pets. Classic FM plays music especially for pets on the night to help. Personally I've never had a problem with my pets, if anything its hard enough to keep them indoors, they always want to watch the fireworks. My cat opens the shutters purposely to watch!

[@stephensmith4480]

Bonfire night was always a Big date to look forward to when we were kids. Where I lived there was loads of slum clearance going on with old houses being knocked down to make way for new developments. There was always an abundance of wood available, so on Bonfire night there would be Fires on waste ground all over the district and who had the biggest was always fiercely contested. But if you want to see truly Huge Bonfires, then check out the Bonfire celebrations in Northern Ireland for the 11th and 12th of July, they will Dwarf anything you have ever seen. They are the Biggest you will ever see. The one in Craigyhill in Larne this year stood at 202 Feet tall, was measured and certified and has been sent off to The Guinness Book of records.

[@davetherave6192]

Lewes bonfire night is great! Quite bonkers some of it!! The fireworks are awesome! It's so popular they have to shut down the town and train network because it's too busy!!!

[@danjames5552]

Battle bonfire (also in East Sussex) is the oldest bonfire celebration in the county. Its the place where the gunpowder was milled that Guy falks tried to use . They also have the oldest Guy in the country. Its in the same town where the battle of hastings happened .( many think it did not happen there now )

[@georgebarnes8163]

St Johns Eve bonfire night and Guy Fawkes bonfire night are both older

[@sarapalmer-ob4vn]

I live 12 miles from Lewes and bonfire night there is as crazy as it looks. Sussex is the home of Bonfire and many towns and villages have their own Bonfire Society, including mine, with their own costumes, hosting parades on Saturday evenings, where other societies attend, starting in September and finishing in November. East Hoathly is always the last, which is after November 5th, they are the ones dressed as cowboys and native Americans, and that parade is always the Remembrance one, showing respect to those who lost their lives in conflict. Lewes, however, always happens on November 5th, no matter what night of the week, except Sundays. Lewes has 6 bonfire societies, each of them have different bonfires and fireworks on the 5th, at different sites around the town, but the parades are as one, before they split to go their separate ways. All the societies from around Sussex attend and it is how it looks in the video, but you can’t smell the gunpowder in the air on the video. The police close the town by 4pm, all the shops are boarded up and the trains no longer stop at the station past that time, to prevent too many people coming into town, as it’s attended by around 60,000 people each year. I have been to many Lewes bonfires, Cliffe being my favourite, the one with the bishops giving the sermon, reminding the revellers about the Protestant martyrs burned by Bloody Mary, whilst being pelted with fireworks. In Sussex the phrase “we won be druv” means we will not be driven, or forced, we are stubborn. Thank you for doing this video, it was great to see your reactions, shame you can’t experience it for yourselves

[@peterfhere9461]

There are seven societies that group together to put on these displays. I'm not sure if they do it now, but the societies used to be invited to other towns. As a child I lived about 50 miles from Lewes and the local council invited the societies to come to our town close to bonfire night and to put on their parade - a magical experience for a child to see.

[@johncharlescaley]

The burning barrels of Ottery St Mary is quite dangerous. Maybe check that out.

[@janetthompson1581]

Thanks for the tip about classical music and dogs. Am looking after my sisters dog on bonfire night and was wondering how to keep her calm.

[@shaunprendergast8900]

I live about two miles from Lewes, and go to the displays every year. It's wild, and the whole town seems to be there, it's amazing.

[@pyewackett3822]

Well...Fancy seeing my town on your channel! Get yourselves over here for the next Bonfire Night and I take you to the Lewes Arms for a pint.

[@Q3ToPBuZz]

Brits are crazy. Love em.

[@ashleyp.4932]

I hope you ladies don't mind, I've shared your video on a Lewes group on Facebook, so others can enjoy your reactions to Lewes Bonfire! 😄

[@lilydawnpippard625]

My little Somerset town of Bridgwater , celebrates Guy Fawkes with the largest illuminated Carnival ( one was featured in the Queens platinum jubilee )

[@stephenlee5929]

Hi Folks, I think the greatest feeling is waking up on November 6th, going outside and smelling smoke and gunpowder. The fog in the early morning. Another year when we did not forget.

[@davidashton2361]

And see the still smoking hulls of old wooden houses.😂😂😂😂

[@cmick69]

When I was a kid we had a dog that loved bonfire night and the fireworks.

[@Tr1k1e]

Great video. I did find it some what amusing when you suggested joining our bonfire night with your INDEPENDANCE day celebrations

[@PBSmusic]

This must be unique to that part of the UK. Here in the North East of England Bonfire Night has Guy Fawkes, bonfires and fireworks, but none of this strange ritual. When I was a child we had a bonfire in our back garden with fireworks and then we went to the big bonfire organised by the local fire brigade. On the morning after we used to see how many spent rockets we could find. Lumped together with 'Penny for the Guy' and Mischief Night, late October was a fun time.

[@martintabony611]

You were accidentaly right. One of the best things about Guy Fawks night is sitting around with your friend, roasting potatoes in the ashes. We usually sit until the early hours.

[@malcolmross8427]

I have been to bonfire nights since I was small & I still go each year & I am 63 now. I love to light my own fireworks. Lewes is not a typical bonfire night. There are many different traditions. My family always cook baked potatoes in the bonfire. We usually eat corned beef hash followed by treacle toffee. Sometimes we also have parkin.

[@SuperJohnnyenglish]

I’ll be there this Saturday providing ambulance cover at the event, Lewes is the biggest bonfire and firework display in Europe. It doesn’t show the scale of the night, it starts at 5pm and finishes at 1am, there are 6 bonfire sites and 6 firework displays. There’s also a thing called prayers at midnight where they say prayers and then set fire to thousands of fire crackers. It is the most extreme firework and weirdest evening ever, the participants even carry what are known in farming as “Rookies” they are designed to scare birds off the crops but these people light them and then either drop them and they explode really loudly or they hold onto them until the last second and throw them in the air!! Thanks for the video ❤

[@mattbentley9270]

We are crazy over here !!! love it

[@guidofourcandles6477]

Enjoyed the video ladies! It's nice to see people from outside the UK showing an interest in bonfire night. I've had the privilege of being in Lewes for "the 5th" a couple of times and it really is celebrated there like nowhere else, they do it properly down in Sussex. Elsewhere in the country Bonfire Night seems to be under a bit of threat from health and safety rules and penny pinching but I will always celebrate it in the traditional ways. Best night of the year for me, probably because it takes me back to my childhood and some very happy memories!

[@jillosler9353]

We're nuts! Most towns etc just have an organised firework event; people far away from the bonfire (which is NOT in a street but in large open spaces) and a firework display similar to New Years Eve - only smaller and cheaper.

[@stephenjames4999]

Hi there love your video about lewes bonfire, I live in sussex and have been taking part in bonfire processions for almost 15 yrs now. I also drum for a group that takes part in lewes bonfire and was in one of many processions that go through the town that evening. Lewes has a total of 5 different bonfire societies and each have their own different look and there are different bonfire processions that go through various parts of Lewes that evening so the entire town is completely engrossed by the event itself. The bonfire societies also have their own bonfire displays so there are 5 sites that have their own displays so its amazing to see them going on throughout the town. Lewes bonfire itself is the oldest and longest running bonfire event itself and is very much a Sussex tradition. The saying 'We Wont be Druv' is a old sussex saying which basically means we won't be told. I feel very proud to take part in this event every year and the buzz of everyone and everything going on around you that night is something that can never be felt anywhere else. Please do come and actually watch the whole event and feel the atmosphere yourselves instead of over a video as you will absolutely love it.

[@nottzangel9533]

I lived and worked in Lewes for years and loved Bonfire night it was an amazing spectacle I've ever seen and watching this video brought back so many memories thank you and keep up the good work.....

[@cornishmaid9138]

That “it’s a privilege” is typical British dry humour. 😄😄😄

[@princessshelley3304]

im from lewes , did bonfire for 28 years and loved every minute! it is an amazing night , definitely something that has to be experienced in person to fully appreciate it, the videos on youtube really dont do it justice. and answer to your "who makes these?" question, the bonfire societies do it all, they make the tourches, the effigies, everything. it takes moths of hard work to have that one night

[@Mortartube]

You should come to Lewes on the 5th and experience ot yourselves. A video can never give you the true feeling of what it's like. This year will be my 38th year and I love it.

[@berrycreative7196]

Just little more info, most villages and towns is Sussex have their own bonfire society and put on their own parade involving dressing up and flaming torches then ending in a big bonfire and fireworks. In Sussex its a whole season starting late September with different villages and towns hosting their parade with other local bonfire society’s attending and parading alongside the host society. The biggest is Lewes which is our county town where all the societies parade alone side the 7 Lewis bonfire societies. Each society wear a different colour of stripy jumper or theme of historical dress. It’s mostly a Sussex thing.

[@MichaelJohnsonAzgard]

We had 2 westies and a cairn and each hated fireworks. I would travel up to the nearby hills with them far away from any of the whizz poppers - I'd have a flask of tea, black peas and some parkin whilst they would have some dog treats. We'd have a great view over the whole town far away from every firework display and it didn't seem to bother the dogs.

[@markhayward4439]

30k whoo whoo! Well done keep it going. Much love from the UK x

[@bustersinclair7571]

Fun Fact. The wooden pole the Bishop is holding is called a wooden Crook. It's what shepherds use. It represent the people are the flock to the religion as sheep are a flock.