Battle ready for bonfire spectacular

To mark the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, the group will be paying their own special tribute, by recreating the historic battle between Britain and Germany.

Matt Southam, chair of Battel Bonfire Boyes, said: “The effigy is slightly different from normal.

“The artist chose a completely different route so it’s not at all like any of the past effigies.”

The effigy is made up of several small parts and will be assembled and unveiled at tomorrow (Saturday) night’s annual bonfire spectacular.

The largest bonfire celebrations in Rother kick off at 10am when the oldest guy in the world will arrive on the Abbey Green and children are invited to dress up and accompany him and enter the junior fancy dress competition.

Entries for the children’s Guy competition will be taken throughout the day and entries should be taken to the Abbey Green where they will be judged at 6pm, with the winner taking its place on top of the bonfire.

The processions start at 7.30pm, but this year there will be some changes.

Only members of Battel Bonfire Boyes or invited societies will be allowed to take part in the procession, and members should display their membership badge on their costume.

At 7.30pm, the BBB Juniors will set off from the Green with the Guy, processing up the High Street to the roundabout, where the rest of the procession, including visiting societies from Staplecross, Rye, Robertsbridge, Hastings and Lewes, will join them.

The procession will make its way down the High Street, around the Abbey Green, towards Lower Lake and turn around at Station Approach.

From here the procession will head up towards the Abbey Green where the token bonfire will be lit and flowers and fireworks placed on the fire in remembrance of past members.

The procession will then leave the Abbey Green and head back up the High Street, where it will turn at the roundabout and makes its final journey down the High Street.

The Boyes will then enter the Abbey Green for the final time and go through the Abbey gateway and on to the Battlefield for the main bonfire and firework display.

Anyone wishing to see the main display can enter via Powdermill Lane, although the terrain is unsuitable for pushchairs, wheelchairs and mobility scooters.

The event is free to watch, but a collection will be take on the night and donated to local good causes.

Road closures will be in force from 6pm-midnight and no parking will be allowed along the procession route.

Any cars left on the road will be removed at the vehicle owner’s expense.

For further details the official 2010 programme is now available from many local shops priced £1 or visit www.battlebonfire.co.uk

See next week’s Observer for pictures of the event.