Costume Competition

is held annually by Lewes Bonfire Council, to enable the Lewes Bonfire Societies to compete against each other for a great variety of highly-prized cups and other trophies. Points are awarded to winners of the first three places in each class, and the Society accumulating the most points is awarded the prestigious Points Cup.

he competition is held at Lewes Town Hall in October of each year and spectators and supporters are welcome (although the competitions are open only to members of Lewes Bonfire Societies affiliated to Lewes onfire Council). The doors open at 5 pm and the competition takes up the full evening; refreshments and a licensed bar are available. The children's classes start at 6.15 pm and the adults' classes at 8 pm. Admission prices are £2.50 for adults and 50p for children under 16, whether competitors or spectators.

CHILDREN'S COMPETITION CLASSES

1. Boys

Under 5 years

2. Girls

Under 5 years

3. Boys

5-9 years

4. Girls

5-9 years

5. Boys

10-15 years

6. Girls

10-15 years

7. Mixed Pairs

Boy and Girl in complementary dress - e.g. Indian (male) and Squaw (female). Open to all ages of Boys and Girls under 16 years. Note: costumes entering the comic class are not eligible for this class.

8. Comic Class

This class is open to all ages of Boys and Girls under 16 years, in costumes not previously worn in Classes 1 to 7. Maximum of two children per entry.

Note: Children may also enter the adult classes as members of their Society's First and Second Pioneer GROUPS only.

Presentation of Childrens' Cups.

ADULTS' COMPETITION CLASSES

1. Lewes Pioneer Cup

Pioneer Group to consist of a minimum of 6 and maximum of 8 persons in the costume of that Society's First Pioneer as published in their programme for the current year

2. Pioneer Class

(a) Male First Pioneer

(b) Female First Pioneer

Note: All persons in the First Pioneer dress of their own Society as published in their programme for the current year are eligible to enter these classes, including those who take part in the Lewes Pioneer Cup.

3. Mixed Pairs

Male and Female in complementary dress - e.g. Indian (male) and Squaw (female).

Note: Costumes entering the Comic Classes are not eligible for this class.

4. Second Pioneer Group

Second Pioneer Group to consist of a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 6 persons in the costume of their Society's Second Pioneers as published in their programme for the current year

5. Second Pioneer Class

(a) Male Second Pioneer

(b) Female Second Pioneer

Note: All persons in the Second Pioneer dress of their Society as published in their programme for the current year are eligible to enter these classes, including those who take part in the Second Pioneer Group.

6. Best Fancy Dress

(a) Male

(b) Female

Note: Costumes eligible for Classes 1, 2a, 2b, 4, 5a and 5b are NOT eligible for this class. This class is NOT open to Society members whose costume is the First or Second Pioneer of another Lewes Society.

7. Best Dress of the Evening

(a) Male

(b) Female

Note: This class is only open to the winners of Classes 2a, 2b, 5a, 5b, 6a and 6b.

Presentation of the Cups and Trophies by the Mayor of Lewes.

The evening to conclude with Bonfire Prayers.

Forthcoming Dates:

19th October 2007
17th October 2008
23rd October 2009.