James Foster will always remember Saturday November 11 2023. It’ll mark his first Rye Bonfire as Chairman of the team that has been working hard for months to make this year’s event happen. He’s been telling Ryecast about the challenges of putting on such an important night in Rye and how proud he is of continuing his family’s involvement over many decades. “I think I must have been about ten when I went to my first Rye Bonfire. I remember wearing a long black coat and a black top hat. It was a load of fun, and even then, I knew it was part of a big tradition in Rye. A big privilege to be part of it, and it still is.”

His ambition is to make the event even more family friendly, moving the start time of the bonfire and fireworks an hour earlier this year, and welcoming the closure of the train station for the night. “The town does get very crowded, and as much as we love visitors coming to Rye, we’re also keen that local people get a good spot to see the procession and enjoy the evening. So calming things down a bit but keeping the traditions of the past.” On the evening, the Sussex bonfire societies parade through the town ending at The Salts where a boat is burnt on a huge bonfire, followed by fireworks. And he can’t wait. “It’s the satisfaction of putting on a successful event and everyone enjoying themselves I look forward to. When we’re clearing up what’s left of the bonfire on a cold morning it’s good to remember the happy faces of people in Rye.”

You can hear more about how James Foster sees Rye Bonfire, past and present, on this week’s edition of the Ryecast. For the full timetable of this year’s pageant visit www.ryebonfire.co.uk

Ryecast is presented and produced in Rye by James Stewart