Our Storied History

1913

The Beginning

South Street Bonfire Society is founded, initially as a "Juvenile" Society, to allow the children of the town to participate in the Bonfire traditions. The headquarters is the Thatched House pub.

1925

A New Home

The society moves its firesite to the chalkpit behind The Snowdrop pub, which becomes the new headquarters.

WW-I & WW-II

The Unbroken Flame

South Street earns its reputation as the "unbroken flame" by being the only Lewes society to hold a procession every single year, even through the First and Second World Wars.

1993

A New Name

The word "Juvenile" is officially dropped from the society's name, formally becoming the South Street Bonfire Society to reflect its all-ages membership.

Today

Faithful Unto Death

With the motto "Faithful Unto Death," the society continues to be a cornerstone of the Lewes Bonfire celebrations. Its firesite is now on the Railway Land, and it remains a popular, family-focused society with distinct pioneer groups and the iconic brown and cream smugglers' guernseys.