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No train services to the Lewes Bonfire this year.

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Evvy73

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I expect some will want entry next year strictly by ticket only in advance by online ballot ,:D

Most of the actual fire sites have been by advance tickets for years now. I think Commercial Square is the only open one left now (not sure about Waterloo). Certainly Cliffe have been ticket only for ages, as were Southover when I last went there.

The problem is on the streets for the many processions and extra things like the Barrel Runs - obviously you cannot ask for tickets on a public street! :D
 
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Baxenden Bank

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Most of the actual fire sites have been by advance tickets for years now. I think Commercial Square is the only open one left now (not sure about Waterloo). Certainly Cliffe have been ticket only for ages, as were Southover when I last went there.

The problem is on the streets for the many processions and extra things like the Barrel Runs - obviously you cannot ask for tickets on a public street! :D

I suspect there are ways of doing it if it was deemed essential for safety reasons. Do a series of highway closures, restrict road access from surrounding areas, restrict rail access by not stopping trains. Few people will walk any great distance to attend an event. All very draconian of course. How does Edinburgh do New Years Eve?
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From the BBC News website:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-37863772

(Extract)

Mick Symes, from Lewes Bonfire Society, said members were "aghast" when they heard about the rail strike.

"We were expecting 35,000 people to come into Lewes by train, being as it's a Saturday," he said.

"It's a treble whammy. There are no trains, we are relying on the bus companies, and they are not even being allowed into the town."

Lewes District Council has said road closures will be in place around the town and the A26 will also be closed through the Cuilfail Tunnel as part of enhanced security measures.
 
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Antman

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I expect some will want entry next year strictly by ticket only in advance by online ballot ,:D

How can that be done when it's in a public place?

The concern from some people seems to be that fewer people will mean reduced charity donations although surely people can donate online should they wish to do so?
 

Baxenden Bank

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Having looked at the various websites, it would appear that the town centre streets are closed when full anyway. When the town is deemed full, the barriers are closed, and no one else is allowed in.

So, in effect, access is prevented, but on a first come first served basis, rather than to ticket holders. Itself a potential problem because you will have people arriving plenty early to ensure they get in and then having to find something to do (drink?) until the processions start. But, being Lewes, perhaps they are more civilised than other towns when under the influence.

Pedestrians, cyclists and horseriders have, in essence, an absolute right to use the public highway. Everyone else needs a licence. It is therefore easier to exclude (temporarily or permanently) 'licenced' road users compared to pedestrians etc.

I note that the Southern temporary timetable has trains stopping a Glynde in one direction only in the afternoon - a typo perhaps?
 

Antman

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Southeastern have put on extra trains for the event at Battle.

19:20 Hastings-Battle
22:12 Battle-Hastings
22:41 Battle-Tonbridge
22:45 Battle-Hastings
23:05 Battle-Hastings


Police advice about the Lewes event:


Keeping people safe during bonfire celebrations

04 Nov, 2016 13:15 News

Sussex Police's focus for Lewes Bonfire is keeping people safe.

With Lewes Bonfire taking place on a Saturday this year more people are expected to attend the event. Due to the train strike and the A26 being closed this year from 5pm, travel into the town will be challenging.

In addition although there is no specific threat to the bonfire celebrations, the national security threat means further measures have been put in place to keep people safe.

Chief Superintendent Neil Honnor said: "With our partners, we aim to ensure a safe environment so everyone can have an enjoyable evening.”

"Lewes Bonfire is a high-profile crowded event, and although there is no specific reason to believe it will be targeted we have to consider the potential security threat. There will be additional road closures and some armed officers at the event on the night. In the current climate it is not unusual for armed officers to be at an event of this size."

"Due to the national security threat assessment and the evolving nature of the threat we have reviewed our response, as other forces around the country are doing continually, and as a result, despite not having any specific intelligence, have put additional security measures in place."
 
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Antman

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Same way that Londons New Years Eve display is ticket only?

Isn't that just an area near the Thames? Obviously in Lewes people need access to homes etc.
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?!?!?!?

No way!

In my experience Lewes is a pretty rough town at night.

I think the same could be said about almost any town in the country.
 

tsr

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Between the parallel lines

For those to run does suggest that there was unexpected cover caused by someone not being on strike during their night turn, or who booked on "late" at midnight!

The last of those appears to have formed this additional service, which is a rare amendment which is sometimes used to pick up any stranded passengers and position late-running or cover/spare crew who need to work the normal 2A05 (a service which usually starts from Three Bridges): http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/W71714/2016/11/06/advanced
 

NorthernSpirit

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"Only wanted the bonfire societies and locals at the event" oy vey

Some people in this country need reminding that The League Of Gentlemen is not an instruction manual.

Sadly in some towns it is, then they (the local yokels) wonder why their town is pulled apart.
 
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Did anyone on this forum visit the Lewes Bonfire this year? I would be interested to know if it was actually quieter than most years because of the lack of train services?
 
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Did anyone on this forum visit the Lewes Bonfire this year? I would be interested to know if it was actually quieter than most years because of the lack of train services?

I wasn't able to go but Sussex Police said that there were between 30,000 and 40,000 people there - this was quite a bit lower than last time 5th November fell on a Saturday.
 
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