Traditional 200-year-old torchlit procession through ancient town is banned due to wildfire fears - with residents told to bring fairy lights instead

See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred Source Published: 19:51 EDT, 6 September 2026 | Updated: 20:36 EDT, 6 September 2026 A traditional torchlit procession through an ancient town dating back almost 200 years has been cancelled due to safety fears.The historic event has been axed due to concerns over fires breaking out after weeks of dry weather.Now instead of flaming torches residents are being encouraged to bring battery-powered lanterns and fairy lights.The move has been taken by the Bonfire and Carnival Society in Uckfield, East Sussex – an ancient town which dates back to 1220.It has also cancelled the traditional fireworks display which kicks off the weekend of celebrations this weekend.Organisers say the difficult decision was made after they were told the event would not be covered by their insurers.Events across the UK have been cancelled or curtailed after the Government Emergency announcement last month which warned of the increased risk of fires following hot weather.The society said they had been reviewing the situation since the Government Emergency announcement on August 14 but also took advice from East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service. A traditional torchlit procession through an ancient town dating back almost 200 years has been cancelled due to safety fears. Pictured: Last year's procession The historic event has been axed due to concerns over fires breaking out after weeks of dry weatherThe statement said: 'The Government Emergency announcement is still current and as such our insurers have confirmed that our use of torches in the procession will not be insured.' The society added: 'Uckfield Bonfire & Carnival Society have made the decision to cancel the Firework Display on Friday night and will not be using the traditional torches in the procession on Saturday night to minimise the risk of harm to the town.'Despite the changes, organisers stressed that the carnival itself would still go ahead.The society announced the decision in a statement posted to Facebook on Tuesday, September 1, following a meeting of its officers.In a message accompanying the statement, the society said: 'We ask people to respect our decision and remember that we are all volunteers trying to do the right thing. Carnival is still on please come and support us all.'It added that organisers had 'a duty of care to follow the guidance and minimise the risk of starting fires even with the recent wetter weather'.Uckfield Bonfire and Carnival Society said it hoped residents would continue to support what it described as one of the town's oldest traditions in its 199th year.'We hope that everyone will still support the Society and come out and see the fantastic costumes from Bonfire and Carnival Societies from across Sussex and uphold one of the town's oldest traditions in this its 199th year.'Instead of traditional torches, residents are being encouraged to 'bring out your battery-powered lanterns and fairy lights and help us light the town up'.Many of the online responses to the announcement were supportive, with fellow bonfire societies from across Sussex pledging to attend and back Uckfield's decision. In contrast to last year's procession residents are being encouraged to bring battery-powered lanterns and fairy lightsThe move has been taken by the Bonfire and Carnival Society in Uckfield, East Sussex – an ancient town which dates back to 1220Burgess Hill Bonfire Society wrote: 'Stepping back from a long-standing tradition is never easy, but prioritising the safety and wellbeing of the community is always the right call.'Burgess Hill Bonfire Society stands with you in full support of your decision and wishes you a successful night.'Rotherfield & Mark Cross Bonfire Society said: 'We fully support your decision. We stand by you. This is what Sussex bonfire is all about, putting the community first. No matter how hard it is.'East Grinstead Community Bonfire added: 'We understand your decision, we will stand with our bonfire brothers and sisters, see you Saturday.'