Lewes Bonfire - safe for kids?

[Arthritic Toe]

I haven't been for donkey's years and plan on taking the kids to see the various processions and one of the bonfire's this year.

The town isn't exactly welcoming of visitors though. Is it safe to visit with kids or will we all end up inside a wicker man?

 

[turienzo's lovechild]

i sure as hell wouldn't take kids there


a LOT of wankers go

 

[Uncle Buck]

No, they burn them.

Catch them tonight trick or treating, then burn them on bonfire night...

 

[Peter Grummit]

My 6 yo marched last year and carried a flaming torch, no probs. Everyone has flame retardant gear.

Come and enjoy - best place to stand is by County Hall on the high street. When the band goes by and plays Sussex by the Sea, makes the hairs on your neck stand on end!!

PG

 

[Bluejuice]

I was always taken along as a nipper and if anything I'd say it's less rowdy these days than it was 15 - 20 years ago.

You just need to be sure your kids will enjoy it.

I wouldn't take anyone who was frightened of chaos however

 

[Commander]

I went many times as a kid and was fine, but I wouldn't exactly say it is the safest place in the world on bonfire night. Definitely safer than it used to be though.

 

[Uncle Buck]

I went many times as a kid and was fine, but I wouldn't exactly say it is the safest place in the world on bonfire night. Definitely safer than it used to be though.

Safer than Eaton's Stag Do?

 

[Lammy]

Going on a Saturday is normally very busy. If you go by train you will experience a crush on the train going home. Not to mention a very long wait!

If you do go then I wouldn't stand on School hill as it will be very crowded, and could be quite scary for little ones.

My advice is to stand somewhere like cliff high street as it has more room. Not the best place but much more room. THen go to Waterloo Bonfire. Again loads of room, and free to get in.

 

[Everest]

My 6 yo marched last year and carried a flaming torch, no probs. Everyone has flame retardant gear.

Apart from LDC councillors. Everybody reckoned they were retarded enough.

 

[Gazwag]

My 6 yo marched last year and carried a flaming torch, no probs.

My daughter has been marching since she was 4, however, whilst I am confident of her safety as a member of commercial square, I probably would not take her to watch though and I am amazed the number of families with young children that do

 

[Easy 10]

Any chance of someone taking a Norman Baker effigy ?

 

[Albion Dan]

One of the most overated events you will ever ever go to in your lifetime.

I tried it about 3 times and every year thought what a load of old crap, you will have a better time, come across far less drunken idiots, and probably see a better display if you go to something local, or even your garden.

 

[Zesh Rehman]

went with my mates last year, was a right laugh

 

[jevs]

The event is organised for the people who march in the processions....not the crowd and therefore 90% of the people who are in the procession do not give a flying f*** about where they throw their bangers or torches etc.

I took some kids down there a few years ago with a few other parents and i was beginning to get scared for my safety let alone the kids. My brother-in law had a banger thrown in his little boys buggy and the bloke who threw it just smirked as if to say "that'll teach you for bringing your kid". The kid suffered serious burns and was in hospital for a week.

So, the choice is yours. But i certainly wouldn't take my 8 year old daughter. Luckily enough, my garden backs onto the commercial square fire site.

 

[Commander]

Safer than Eaton's Stag Do?

Baghdad is safer than Eaton's stag do.

 

[pasty]

Lindfield is a half-decent alternative. Much less crowded, lots of loverly fireworks and a big burny thing.

 

[Napper]

take them to a local one , lewes one isnt all that imo due to the crowds and access to and from

 

[Lady Bracknell]

It all depends on the age of your children and their ability to cope with 80,000 or so people all attempting to cram themselves between the War Memorial and Cliffe Bridge.

This is a classic scene from last year - also a Saturday:

and very many people who'd come expecting hours of spectacular fiery processions spent a deal of their evening being moved around by the OB.

My sons marched with the Cliffe from the age of 2. However, there's absolutely no way they'd have been taken to watch the event!

If you do decide to come, there's a lot more room to watch things if you go up the High Street away from the War Memorial.

 

[rospants]

is baker going to be there?

 

[Easy 10]

I can't think of many things I'd rather NOT do.