Your first year in Bonfire might be a bit daunting but it doesn’t have to be if you make yourself known. People are always willing to help you- just ask. 

We would love you join in all our preparation and running activities however, the basics are itemised below for you. 

• Wear your 2023 membership badge where it can be seen easily.

•  If you have stripes – wear them, if not, wear serviceable black, in keeping with the Bonfire Tradition (absolutely no nylon, no blue jeans, no sandals). 

• Be at the White Rock Hotel about 6.30pm.

• Line up, three people per row, with the other members of Hastings at the front of the procession i.e. facing the Old Town.

• Get your torch from outside the Source. One per person.

• Wait till the procession moves and you pass the lighting area to light your torch then carry it upright.

• Follow the person in front of you and keep in line avoiding getting your torch too close to members of the public.

• Once on the fire-site, follow around the bonfire. Wait for the rest of the procession to catch up, for the chant and for others to throw their torches before throwing yours onto the bonfire.

• Look west to watch the fireworks and effigy.

• Keep a sharp look out for members of the public- tell someone if you see someone who should not be there and are not in the VIP area.

• At the end wait for our visitors (other Bonfire societies and drumming groups) to leave the site first.

Attending other bonfire society events as invited guests of their procession:

• Check the details sent out by the secretary about timings and road closures.

• Wear your stripes.

• Meet at the place, there is usually a club or pub we gather in first.

• Line up in ranks of three and look for where to collect a torch with the rest of Hastings to walk in the procession.

• Once on the fire-site wait to see the hosts have thrown their torches if there is a bonfire, sometimes your torch will be collected from you. Sometimes there is a funfair and sometimes there are refreshments to buy.

You will also receive a fuller sheet of where to go when which goes to everyone in the society. This sheet has more details about our weekend for setting up, on the day and clearing up. 

Link for new members: New members info 

Link to captaincy teams: Captaincy teams interests  - please join up for something