Cranleigh’s annual Bonfire & Fireworks celebrations started in the late 1940’s when a group of local teenagers (The Bonfire Boys) who lived in Ewhurst Road, used to build a bonfire on Parkhouse Green, the triangle at the junction of Ewhurst Road and Barhatch Road. Back then, Park Mead was just a field with a track across it for a horse and cart, and Tommy Benson’s fun fair was held on the recreation ground, now the Village Way car park.
Around 1951, following various run ins with the local council, it was decided to move both the bonfire and the fair to the common. As the Bonfire boys got older, some moved away and some joined the Cranleigh & District Lions Club, when it was formed in 1974. The Lions then took over the arrangements for the bonfire event and have continued to run it ever since.
You can read the full bonfire history on the Cranleigh Lions website:
www.cranleighlions.org/events/bonfire-fireworks/history
Each year, Cranleigh Lions raise many thousands of pounds through their events, all of which is used to help individuals and families in need. They also support our local schools, clubs and associations as well as providing financial assistance for international disasters.
Last year, through their events, the Lions raised over £100,000 and since 1974 over £2 million pounds has been raised and spent supporting our local community.
The 50th Anniversary Bonfire & Firework display on 2nd November is your opportunity to have a great evening out and to generously support the Lions through your donations. Please remember we are not blessed with a decent mobile signal in Cranleigh and fast card payments are difficult, so the Lions always say “please bring cash”!
Want to win £250 or many other fabulous prizes? Then don’t miss buying your Grand Draw ticket. In addition to the 1st & 2nd cash prizes of £250 and £150 cash, there are some great runners up prizes, including a Bosch Mum Series 2 mixer worth over £150. Plus, a number of generously donated vouchers from local businesses. £50 from Amarone, £50 from Pizza Express, £20 Sainsbury, £20 Co op, £20 Wild & Green, A meal for two from Cook, 4 prizes of £10 from the Curry Inn, £10 from Marks & Spencer. A free chiropractic consultation at the Health Lounge and a McLaren team cap. As they say, you have to be in it to win it. Tickets are £1 each.
Here is the timetable for this year’s event:
From 10am
Parade torches and Grand Draw tickets on sale outside the Co op and Sainsbury. New this year are a limited quantity of Glo stick batons and wands for the younger parade participants. Torches and Glo sticks cost £5 each. Please only buy your torches and glow sticks from the Lions Team. No income is derived from the Pedlar traders who descend on Cranleigh at this time.
3.00pm
Guy competition in Stocklund Square. Sponsored by Churchods. Just make your Guy and bring it to Stocklund Square, outside Sainsbury by 3pm on the day. The winning Guy will take pride of place at the front of the procession before being placed on the top of the bonfire. So make sure your Guy is secure enough for the marshals to carry up to the top. Judges will be looking for clever ideas and quality of build. If you have a name or title for your Guy all the better. £25 cash prize for the winners plus runner up cash prizes.
5.45pm
Assemble in Village Way for the torchlight procession. The Slinfold Band will be entertaining crowds in Stocklund Square
6.00pm
Procession leaves Village Way and proceeds to the common
6.35pm approx.
The bonfire prayer is read and the winning Guy is taken to the top of the bonfire.
6.40 approx.
The bonfire is lit and procession torches passed to the bonfire marshals.
7.10pm
Fabulous 50th Anniversary firework display set to music.
7.30pm
Funfair.
Please give generously, stay safe and have a great evening.
