Organisers of one of the biggest Guy Fawkes celebrations in the country are urging people from outside the town to stay away from the event.

Six bonfire societies have been preparing to take over the streets of Lewes tomorrow for the annual spectacular.

Up to 50,000 people are expected to pack the narrow streets of the town to watch the parades.

But non-residents are being discouraged from attending because of the lack of parking and crowded public transport.

Lewes Bonfire Council said it was “particularly unsuitable” for children, who could be frightened or get hurt.

Roger Meyer, secretary of the council, said: “Lewes is a very small town and we have always said the celebrations are by the people of Lewes for the people of Lewes.

“We know from many years’ experience that the larger the crowds, the more uncomfortable it can become for spectators, and we urge people from outside the town to celebrate in their own area.”

However, those pleas are likely to fall on deaf ears as thousands of people keen to experience the celebrations head to the town.

The first procession will start at 5.30pm and the last will end at about midnight.

The Grand United procession begins at 7.45pm.

Each society has a different tradition and hosts its own bonfire in a different part of Lewes.

The societies are themed according to their past, including the Commercial Square Society’s Red Indian theme. In the 1800s members went to America to work on the railways.

Towering effigies are also central to the celebrations.

They are constructed in secret throughout the year and controversy was sparked last year when a giant seagull emblem was burned as a statement on Brighton and Hove Albion’s plans for a stadium at Falmer.

The event will be policed by more than 400 officers drafted in from across the county.