UK town swaps a 199-year-old torchlit procession for fairy lights as wildfire fears grow

In Uckfield, East Sussex, a torchlit procession that has been part of the town's bonfire celebrations for nearly 200 years is being replaced with battery-powered lanterns and fairy lights because of wildfire risk.

Run by the Uckfield Bonfire and Carnival Society, the annual event will go ahead without torches or its usual fireworks display, according to the Daily Mail.

Here's what to know

After a Government Emergency announcement on Aug. 14 warned that hot weather had increased fire danger around the U.K., the society said it began monitoring conditions. Before reaching its decision, organizers said they also sought advice from East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service.

"The Government Emergency announcement is still current and as such our insurers have confirmed that our use of torches in the procession will not be insured," the group said in a Facebook statement posted Sept. 1.

For the celebration's 199th year, that means the fireworks display had to be canceled, and the procession will proceed without open flames. Instead, residents were encouraged to "bring out your battery-powered lanterns and fairy lights and help us light the town up."

In this case, the society said it had "a duty of care to follow the guidance and minimize the risk of starting fires even with the recent wetter weather."

What's being done?

Rather than cancel the celebration entirely, Uckfield's organizers are opting for a safer version of the event. By swapping torches for battery-powered lights, the town can keep the procession visible and festive while reducing the risk that sparks could ignite dry vegetation or nearby structures.

Other Sussex bonfire groups publicly backed the move online. Burgess Hill Bonfire Society wrote: "Stepping back from a long-standing tradition is never easy, but prioritising the safety and wellbeing of the community is always the right call. Burgess Hill Bonfire Society stands with you in full support of your decision and wishes you a successful night."

"We ask people to respect our decision and remember that we are all volunteers trying to do the right thing," the Uckfield Bonfire and Carnival Society said. "Carnival is still on … please come and support us all."

Where can I learn more?

Uckfield's decision reflects how hot, dry weather can force communities to rethink fire safety. Wildfire danger, smoke, and other weather extremes are affecting daily life well beyond one Sussex procession.

• Across the Carolinas, heightened fire risk is forcing communities to prepare for fast-moving blazes.

• After major blazes, wildfire smoke can linger far beyond the flames.

Swapping torches for battery lights in Uckfield is part of an effort to adjust traditions and daily routines as conditions become more volatile.

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