Bonfires and parades are taking place all over Sussex as the countdown to Bonfire Night begins.

There are just a few days to go until the night sky glows with the flames and sparks of November 5, with celebrations around the county beginning on the first weekend of this month and continuing over three weeks.

On Monday, November 5, Lewes will be at the heart of the anniversary celebrating the night in 1605 when Guy Fawkes and his co-conspirators hatched the Gunpowder Plot and attempted to blow up Parliament at the Palace of Westminster.

Lewes’s legendary parades also commemorate the 17 Protestant martyrs burnt at the stake in Lewes between 1555 and 1557 as the country struggled with the swing from the Protestantism of Henry VIII to the devout intention of his daughter, Queen Mary I, to restore Catholicism to England.

“Bloody Mary”, as she became known, ignited the flames of hatred as she began her persecution of Protestants in 1555. Around 275 people were burnt to death over the next two years, including the 17 in Lewes.

Those incendiary events from Tudor times are recalled each year in the town as 17 burning crosses, one for each of the Sussex Martyrs, are held aloft during the parade, along with an effigy of the Pope.

Thousands of visitors flood into the town each year for the celebration.

Here’s our guide to the Bonfire Night celebrations around Sussex this month:

Saturday, November 3

Newick was the site of the world’s biggest ever Catherine Wheel, 86ft in diameter, which propelled the town into the record books in 1999. For details, visit www.newickbonfire.com.

The Winchelsea bonfire has a well-earned reputation for its magnificent fireworks display. The torch-lit parade with the Guy on a cart begins in Castle Street from 6.30pm and marches to Rookery Field for the bonfire. Full details at www.winchelsea.net.

Battle Bonfire Night has been cancelled because the ground was damaged by a re-enactment of the Battle of Hastings. For details, visit www.battlebonfire.co.uk.

Monday, November 5

Lewes Bonfire Night celebrations begin when the town closes at 5.30pm, followed by the blazing barrel run along Cliffe High Street at 6pm. After the early torch parades, the grand procession in the High Street begins at 7.30pm, followed by bonfires at 9pm. Full details at www.lewesbonfirecelebrations.com or www.lewesbonfirecouncil.org.uk.

Lindfield Bonfire Society stages the Lindfield Bonfire Night beginning with a fancy dress competition at the King Edward Hall at 6.30pm. The torch-lit procession through the village begins at 7.30pm and the lighting of the bonfire will be at 8.15pm, followed by the grand firework display on Lindfield Common at 8.30pm. Full details at www.lindfieldbonfiresociety.co.uk.

Saturday, November 10

Rye and District Bonfire Society’s parade starts at 7.30pm when members and visiting societies head through Rye with flaming torches, with Dragon, Scorcher and The Burning Boat bringing up the rear. Fireworks and the bonfire begin at 9pm. Full details at www.ryebonfire.co.uk.

Details of the 2012 Family Shoreham Bonfire and Fireworks were being finalised as Sussex Society went to press. Full details will be available on www.shorehambonfire.co.uk.

South Heighton Bonfire Society celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. The procession leaves Flying Fish in Denton at 6.30pm, with bonfire and fireworks on South Heighton playing fields at about 8pm. Full details at www.southheighton.com.

The Chailey Bonfire Society annual parade and fireworks display begins with a procession at 6pm from Chailey School in Mill Lane, stopping at Horns Lodge for refreshments before proceeding to the village hall. The bonfire and fireworks begin at about 7.15-7.30pm. Full details at www.chaileybonfire.co.uk.

Many Sussex bonfire societies support the East Hoathly and Halland bonfire event, which begins with a procession at 7pm, the Halland Grand Procession at 7.30pm, the East Hoathly Grand Procession at 8.10pm and the Final Procession at 9pm. The bonfire and fireworks are at 9.40pm. More details at www.free-events.co.uk and www.easthoathlyandhalland.co.uk.

Saturday, November 17

Robertsbridge Bonfire Society’s parades begin at 6.30pm with marching bands, a bonfire and a fireworks display. Details at www.robertsbridgebonfiresociety.com.

It’s invitation only to attend the processions, bonfire and fireworks display organised by Barcombe Bonfire Society. Visit www.barcombebonfire.co.uk.