Fat cat bankers and greedy MPs went up in flames last night at the Lewes Bonfire celebrations.

Thousands of people flocked to the town to watch the effigies as they were paraded through the streets.

Click here for a gallery of photos from the night

One effigy featured the former Home Secretary Jacqui Smith holding a cheque, with a giant pig to represent the greed of the MPs, on a gravy boat.

Revellers of all ages, from children in pushchairs to pensioners in wheelchairs, joined together to watch the spectacular processions through Lewes.

Six of the town’s bonfire societies took part in a variety of long-held traditions including a costume competition.

Efforts had been made to reduce the number of people going to the event from outside Lewes, with fewer trains stopping at the town and increased parking restrictions.

One of the very first videos of the procession was posted on YouTube by riwi01:

But there were mixed reports as to whether it had been successful. Some people said they had noticed fewer crowds at the event, while others said it was as busy as ever.

Sussex Police's dedicated Twitter feed reports that although the crowd is largely good natured, five men have been arrested for affray after a fight in East Street.