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Lewes Bonfire Society torches 'tallest' Guy Lewes Bonfire Society torches 'tallest' Guy
(about 2 hours later)
Thousands of people have gathered to see a 50ft (15m) Guy Fawkes effigy torched in an attempt to set a world record for the tallest Guy. Thousands of people have gathered at bonfire celebrations in Lewes to see a 50ft (15m) Guy Fawkes effigy torched in an bid to set a record for the tallest Guy.
It is part of celebrations by six bonfire societies in Lewes. More than 30 different processions are making their way through the East Sussex town.
More than 30 different processions will make their way through the East Sussex town, carrying flaming torches and effigies to be burnt.
Lewes Borough Bonfire Society boasted it had built a one-of-a-kind landmark which would illuminate the sky.Lewes Borough Bonfire Society boasted it had built a one-of-a-kind landmark which would illuminate the sky.
Chairman Jason Winter said: "This is the biggest one we've ever done. I think it's the biggest one that anyone's ever done." Six bonfire societies are involved in the event.
Chairman Jason Winter said of the 50ft Guy: "This is the biggest one we've ever done. I think it's the biggest one that anyone's ever done."
Jim Etherington, from Cliffe Bonfire Society, said people described the famous Sussex event as anarchic, but that was "romanticising it".Jim Etherington, from Cliffe Bonfire Society, said people described the famous Sussex event as anarchic, but that was "romanticising it".
"It's incredibly well-organised with due care for safety," he said."It's incredibly well-organised with due care for safety," he said.
"The days when fireworks were thrown and barrels rolled down through the town are long gone.""The days when fireworks were thrown and barrels rolled down through the town are long gone."
Michael Symes, from Lewes Bonfire Society, said the town would "be alight from one end to another".Michael Symes, from Lewes Bonfire Society, said the town would "be alight from one end to another".
Sussex Police assistant chief constable Robin Smith said the priority was safety.Sussex Police assistant chief constable Robin Smith said the priority was safety.
Alcohol also caused problems and about 50 injuries last year were related to drink, he added.Alcohol also caused problems and about 50 injuries last year were related to drink, he added.
Mr Smith said all the authorities wanted to ensure the event remained a celebration. BBC reporter Charlie Rose tweeted that the centre of Lewes was packed with onlookers enjoying the spectacle of the parades, and there was no room to move on the pavements.
"By keeping it a celebration we keep it safe," he said.
Bonfire societies across the South East also burn effigies of more current, controversial figures. Last year Lewes torched figures including Russian president Vladimir Putin.Bonfire societies across the South East also burn effigies of more current, controversial figures. Last year Lewes torched figures including Russian president Vladimir Putin.
A model of Pope Paul V - Pontiff at the time of the Gunpowder Plot - is burned every year to remember 17 Protestant martyrs burned at the stake in the town during the 16th Century.A model of Pope Paul V - Pontiff at the time of the Gunpowder Plot - is burned every year to remember 17 Protestant martyrs burned at the stake in the town during the 16th Century.
Fifa president Sepp Blatter has already been named as the target of a Kent society's celebrations - but BBC reporter Nathalie Edell also saw him make an appearance in Lewes earlier.Fifa president Sepp Blatter has already been named as the target of a Kent society's celebrations - but BBC reporter Nathalie Edell also saw him make an appearance in Lewes earlier.
She tweeted: "Well there's a sight for sore eyes... A Blatter effigy makes its way through Lewes this morning #lewesbonfire"She tweeted: "Well there's a sight for sore eyes... A Blatter effigy makes its way through Lewes this morning #lewesbonfire"