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Last Updated: Tuesday, 6 November 2007, 13:23 GMT
Thousands witness bonfire parades
Lewes Bonfire Parade
Several bonfire societies parade through the streets of Lewes
More than 60,000 people crowded into an East Sussex town to celebrate one of the country's biggest bonfire night celebrations.

Effigies were burnt and flaming torches carried through the streets of Lewes on Monday evening.

Sussex Police said despite the large crowds the majority of people were well behaved and the parade passed without any major incident.

There were 16 arrests for public order, criminal damage and drug offences.

Transport police were on duty at Lewes Station to control the 20,000 people who arrived at the event by train.

"Given the large crowds, the event passed reasonably safely from a police perspective, despite the irresponsible behaviour of a small minority," said Supt Cliff Parrott.

"In the main, most people were well behaved and acted sensibly, which in turn allowed everyone to enjoy the celebrations," he added.

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said they were kept busy throughout the evening with a small number of bonfire-related incidents.

Lewes bonfire societies spend months preparing their giant effigies and organising the processions through the town centre.

SEE ALSO
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