Visiting recognised Societies and Drummers

HAWKHURST GANG BONFIRE SOCIETY

VISITING SOCIETIES & DRUMMING GROUPS  |  FRIDAY 6 NOVEMBER 2026

Dear Visiting Societies and Drumming Groups,

We look forward to welcoming you to our Bonfire Night on Friday 6 November 2026. Please read the following information carefully to help ensure a safe and enjoyable evening for everyone.

Event Location & Assembly

Bonfire Site: King George V Playing Fields, Hawkhurst Moor, TN18 4QB

Procession Assembly Point: Horns Road, near the Church

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Our event opens at 6.00 pm. Please be at the assembly point by 6.45 pm.

The Eight Bells is currently closed. However, we will have our own bar at the event and would love to see you there before and after the procession.

Procession & Safety Information

Fireworks and Drop-Downs: Our insurance prohibits all drop-downs and fireworks of any kind during the procession, except those contained within banger barrels or boom bins. UK legal dropdowns are otherwise restricted to the designated fire site.

Handheld Flares: Only permitted at the fire site. Please use responsibly and dispose of safely.

Torch Lighting: Our assembly crew will light your torches as the procession begins. Do not light torches while waiting to move off.

Society Marshals: All visiting societies must ensure their marshals are clearly identifiable, for example by fluorescent armbands or badges.

Effigy Area: Under no circumstances should anyone enter the designated area surrounding the effigy.

Church Area: Please be respectful and considerate when assembling near the Church.

Bonfire Lighting: Wait until the prayers have concluded before throwing torches onto the bonfire.

Personal Safety: Earplugs and safety glasses are strongly encouraged.

The final procession order will be circulated separately.

Order of Events - (approximate)

Time

18:00 Gates open – meet at the bar

18:45 Visiting societies head towards the assembly point

19:00 Procession commences

19:15 Arrival at the Beacon – lighting of the Beacon and Memorial Shells

19:30 Re-torch and process to the Bonfire Site

19:40 Remembrance Poppy and one minute’s silence – Society banners lowered

19:45 Effigy

20.00 onwards Bonfire Prayers followed by lighting of the Bonfire and Firework Display when fire dies down

Fire site open until 23.00 with Music and bar

Remembrance & Bonfire Ceremony

We will light the Remembrance Poppy and observe a minute’s silence, during which all society banners should be lowered. This will be followed by the Effigy and Bonfire Prayers. The bonfire will be lit after the prayers have concluded. Please wait until the ceremony has finished before placing torches on the fire.

Entry & Parking

Entry: Members of visiting bonfire societies wearing society jumpers or costumes will receive free entry.

Parking: Parking around Hawkhurst Moor is very limited and is discouraged in the immediate area. Limited parking may be available on surrounding roads or at Waitrose and Tesco car parks, approximately 5–10 minutes’ walk away. Please observe parking restrictions and car park conditions.

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A Final Word

We sincerely appreciate your support and attendance during a busy bonfire season. We also strongly encourage all Senlac Societies to support Battle Bonfire on Saturday 7 November.

Thank you for joining us. We hope you have a fantastic evening at Hawkhurst and wish you all a safe and enjoyable bonfire season.

We really look forward to seeing you on Friday 6 November!

Hawkhurst Gang Bonfire Society