Burgess Hill's burning issue (From The Argus)

Burgess Hill's burning issue

11:30am Monday 29th September 2008

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(3)

A burning effigy of a pole dancer was a hot topic of conversation during a bonfire procession.

The tongue-in-cheek figure played a part in the Burgess Hill Bonfire on Saturday night which attracted more than 5,000 people to the town.

The model was a reminder of the blaze which destroyed lap-dancing club Redd, above the Martlets shopping centre in Burgess Hill, in July.

The warm and dry weather drew large crowds into Burgess Hill, including people from as far afield as Bristol.

The first procession started at Cyprus Road car park at 7.30pm and ended at Silverdale Road.

About 22 bonfire societies from across Sussex turned out for the lengthy procession which went down well with the crowds.

Nick Wright, Burgess Hill Bonfire committee member, said: “The first procession went really well and we had prepared a lot beforehand.

“It made for a very long procession but initial reports are that it was well received.

“We had effigies of a pole dancer and a panther because there have been quite a few sightings of big cats in the papers recently. The effigies kept everyone very warm as they went through the high street.” The main procession began at 8.30pm and went through the town and down to the bonfire site.

Last year the bonfire society made more than £2,000 for charity, a figure it is hoping to beat this year.

The money raised from Saturday night’s crowds is being split between three charities – Hope in the Valley, a disabled riding school in South Chailey, the Bluebird community bus service which helps people who are frail or disabled to get to and from hospital, and TS Indomitable, a Nautical Training Corps unit which needs money to convert its building so it has wheelchair access. Mr Wright said: “Next year will be our 40th year and we are looking for people in Burgess Hill and the surrounding areas to become members of the bonfire society.

“We like to support local charities and last night’s procession was really vibrant and drew gasps from the crowds as we walked through the town.

“The bonfire was 10ft to 12ft high and made of crates and it was quite impressive.

“We are the fourth society to have their procession so far but we like having it early on in the season because it usually means we get the good weather.”

What did you think of Burgess Hill's bonfire parade? Tell us about it below.

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(3)