Mid Sussex Times - Tuesday 12 November 1889

Cuckfield had probably the largest display in Mid Sussex this year. The Bonfire Society seemed to have  sprung into renewed life under its new management, there being something like 110 members, a larger number than has been obtained for some time.

The celebration was therefore proportionately increased, the whole of the inhabitants of the town turning out to join in the ancient festival. From the neighbouring districts, several of which did not attempt any united effort, numbers walked to join in the sport and enjoy the fun.

The bugle calls at six o'clock were the first intimation of the proceedings of the evening, and then people began to assemble largely in the streets. The first procession started from the head-quarters at the Rose and Crown at seven o'clock, proceeding to the Wheatsheaf Inn and back through the town.

The night was a beautifully clear, moonlight one, and the fantastic attire of those taking part in the processions could therefore be distinctly seen. Each had been allowed to let his own fancy run riot in regard to the masquerading dress he adopted, and almost every conceivable make-up was to be seen. Gay cavaliers were there indulging in many peculiar antics, Highlanders, soldiers and sailors rubbing shoulders with the knights clothed in garments like those worn by the merry Falstaff, and such jovial heroes of the days of old; while the policeman marched alongside the free forester or the gallant highwayman; jesters danced and sang, and Mephistopheles, in his scarlet robes suggestive of a fiery region, walked moodily along, bearing himself as though an uninterested spectator in this mad revolt, and willing to let things take their course.

The Bonfire Boys were also many of them arrayed in female attire, some representing gay maidens bereft of all care, and others carrying themselves with the dignity of a Mother Rigby, possessed of the knowledge how to combat with all human afflictions. The Cuckfield Town Band led the way, the bandsmen having also allowed their imagination free play regarding their costume. Among the best of their get-ups were several representations of the renowned "Ally Sloper esq”, dressed in policeman's uniform.

The 'processionists' carried flaming torches and were accompanied by burning tar-barrels. This parade had the effect of fairly starting the celebration. An hour later a similar display was made, the route taken being from Whitemans Green, through the upper portion of the town to the headquarters again. By this time the streets were full of spectators, and all kind. of fireworks were ignited freely. The streets resounded with the explosion of crackers, and squibs were continually sent careering through the air, everyone giving himself up to riotous enjoyment. But it was very orderly disorder, and there was to be seen the burly form of the "real" policeman, who evidently enjoyed the frolic as much as anyone.

A few minutes after nine the grand procession started from the Rose and Crown and marched down the town to the lower end of South. street, returning thence to the Talbot Hotel, where a stoppage was made. Again the band led the way, followed this time by a number of the members of the Burgess Hill and Mid-Sussex Volunteer Fire Brigade, in their uniform, after whom came the banner of the Cuckfield Bonfire Boys. The other banners contained the words "Success to our subscribers," and "No Popery." The officers of the Society formed an important part in this array. Mr. A. Lukehurst (the secretary) was Commander-in-chief, and arrayed in the costume of some ancient Merry Monarch, presumably Henry VIII. The others were dressed in various manners, and were Mr. G. Elliott, captain; Mr. J. Lander, lieutenant ; Mr. T. Tester, captain of ranks; Mr. A. Dancy, lieutenant of ranks; Mr. F. Field, captain of torches; and Mr. N. King, captain of tubs.

Hussars mounted on dummy-horses occupied a leading position in the procession, which was very much like the previous ones greatly enlarged, and added to. There were probably a couple of hundred or more carrying flambeaux, while many tar-barrels and hogsheads had been reserved for this special display. Coloured lights were everywhere to be seen, and fireworks were largely let off along the route; and the display dwarfed anything which has taken place for some years. The characters in the play increased in number, and Neptune was there with his trident, and attended by his usual satellites : some might be supposed to represent Drake and his merry tars, Spanish prisoners, and supporters of the Inquisition; while several in night attire and hoods bore aloft the effigy of the Pope, others preceding them with Guido Fawkes himself.

The chief interest probably was centred upon the National tableaux. The car was gaily decorated, and contained a representation of Britannia, surrounded by soldiers and sailors. There were other groups, typical of various events, but most of them were more or less vague, and fell short of the National sketch, which was very effective. The procession was a grand one altogether, and will do much to revive the fortunes of "The Fifth," should this be needed, and make next year's celebration a more popular one than ever.

When the halt was made opposite the Talbot, the Commander-in-chief addressed the assembled crowd, putting before them, in an impassioned speech, the reason for this celebration. He commenced by addressing them as friends, patrons, and Bonfire Boys, and said it was a pleasing duty to address them upon this noble theme. He spoke of the time when England was under the rule of the Pope, and of its relief from that rule. We were now Protestant in religion, and had been for some three centuries, and we were enjoying the blessings of peace. After expatiating upon the benefits we were continually experiencing on account of the change of the head of the Church from the Pope to the Queen, he mentioned that it was also the anniversary of the battle of Inkerman, a time when British pluck was well shown. He asked them to hand their offerings towards the celebration to those members of the Society going round with the boxes, and he thanked those that had subscribed for their liberal donations. He concluded by expressing the hope that the next anniversary would be celebrated in a more loyal manner even than this, and that he would be present to address them.

A verse of "The red, white, and blue" was then lustily sung by the Boys, after which the procession again moved onward to the head-quarters, in a field near which the huge bonfire was lighted shortly before ten o'clock, and the effigies committed to the flames. The fire quickly took a good hold upon the tremendous mass of brushwood , etc., and the excitement grew hotter at the same time as the fire. The Pope's light dress refused to ignite for a long time. Presently a circle of fire was formed round the dummy, and it burned rapidly for a little while, then falling to the ground. The large crowd waited to see Guy Fawkes consumed, during which time the remaining fireworks were being let off in the adjoining field, and then began the dispersal. The “entirely new management" under whose care all arrangements were placed have done much to put new life into the festival, and praise is especially due to Mr. A. Lukehurst, the secretary, for the work he has done.