UP to 40,000 people joined in bonfire night celebrations in Lewes.

The number of people attending the annual event is believed to be considerably down on when previously held on a Saturday.

Sussex Police said that it estimated 30,000 to 40,000 people attended last night’s November 5th celebrations, in part due to the fact no train services were stopping in the town and at surrounding stations after midday.

Chief Superintendent Neil Honnor, of Sussex Police and was in command of policing last night’s event, said in a statement: "This event takes months of preparation, planning and working with our fellow emergency services and partners, as well as the bonfire societies. Our aim is always to provide a safe environment for both participants and spectators.

"Lewes was busy as it always is for bonfire night and I am very grateful to all those who worked hard during the evening to ensure that everyone had a safe and enjoyable evening.”

South East Coast Ambulance Service and St John Ambulance treated around 81 people for injuries, most relatively minor.

Police said they had made two arrests: one for possession of a knife and another for affray.

A spokeswoman added a number of people given tickets for throwing fireworks.