Visitors encouraged to leave cars behind for East Hoathly Bonfire

The East Hoathly and Halland Carnival Society are encouraging attendees to leave their cars behind ahead of Saturday’s remembrance parade.

Up to 8,000 spectators are expected to attend East Hoathly village at the weekend, to take part in a procession involving more than 1000 torchbearers, a firework display and a bonfire.

On advice from the rescue services, organisers have enforced access and parking restrictions on the night of the parade. Police warn that there will be road closures in place during the procession along with temporary speed restrictions on the A22.

Parking enforcement will be in place and cars parked in the no-waiting zone will be towed away for the evening.

“We welcome people to come along and experience the East Hoathly bonfire event,” said Tim Laker, Chairman of the East Hoathly and Halland Carnival Society. “This year promises to be spectacular, with an incredible sculpture and fireworks display planned for the evening – by leaving the car at home, visitors can reduce any potential stress and focus on having fun.”

This year’s event will feature a 30ft-high image of a local private from the Royal Fusiliers, who was killed on the first day of the Battle for Messines Ridge in 1917, is intended to honour the millions of ordinary foot soldiers who lost their lives in World War 1.

As with the previous 12 effigies, the angel was sculpted by East Hoathly artist Keith Pettit from waste timber destined for landfill.
The East Hoathly Carnival and Bonfire takes place on Saturday 11 November, when 20 bonfire societies will parade with marching bands along London Road, High Street and South Street.

A charity box collection will take place on the night, with proceeds donated to East Hoathly Village Church.

The carnival takes two hours to snake through the village. The torch-bearing procession will form at 7pm before a two minutes silence at 8pm, and the final grand procession will leave the Foresters Arms for the War Memorial Playing Fields at 9pm after which the bonfire will be lit and the fireworks begin at 9.40pm.

Blue Badge holders are advised to arrive early and speak to stewards about disabled access. Those walking to the event are advised to consider their safety when walking home in the dark and come prepared with torches.

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