A brief History of BHBS
In 1897 it was reported that "Up to this time very little notice has been taken of the Gunpowder Plot Anniversary in Burgess Hill beyond the dragging of a blazing tar barrel through the streets and the annual bonfire and fireworks display at Mr Walliehs Academy at Holmsdale House".
The first Burgess Hill Bonfire Society was formed in September 1894, with the Society's headquarters at the Burgess Hill Inn. The first organised procession in the town was attended by 170 members, nearly all in character dress and bearing torches, the scene being a most brilliant and spectacular one. A tremendous bonfire in a field near the Consitutional Club was a "scorcher". Subsequently the "Hardware Bonfire Society" with headquarters at the Royal George Inn, was established.
Both organisations, Burgess Hill Bonfire Society & the Hardware Society, held dinners and annual bonfire celebrations and both eventually disbanded.
Burgess Hill Bonfire Society, was reformed in 1969 by Mr L Parker, a former Borough Bonfire Society member, together several like minded individuald. The society has thrived since this date. Since 1969 there have been many changes with Burgess Hill Bonfire Society, the most obvious being the addition of Smugglers within the Society ranks. Our Smugglers march in their distinctive colours of green and black. These colours were chosen specifically for their links to our town as they are old Burgess Hill Football Club colours. To keep with the traditions of bonfire the reformed Society have reintroduced flaming fire carts (barrels) to the procession. Our first Pioneer costume has not changed since the society reformed in 1969, and we are still proud to walk in our spectacular Aztec Indian costumes. This costume was selected bt the society when BHBS reformed in 1969. It is based on an advertisement that was used to publicise the popular Cadbury's Aztec Bar.
Burgess Hill Bonfire Society is an active member of the Sussex Association of Bonfire & Carnival Societies together with the Sussex Bonfire Council. We are proud to support our kindred societies at their celebrations and our spectacular costumes are recognised across the county.
