Face-painted revellers parade through the streets of Lewes in East Sussex
Photograph: Daniel Leal-Olivas/AFP/Getty Images

Thousands of people gather with flaming torches to march through the streets and burn effigies as part of the local tradition
Photograph: Neil Hall/EPA

Each November the East Sussex town boards up its many shop windows and closes all surrounding roads, as tens of thousands of spectators converge on the town
Photograph: Neil Hall/EPA

The event marks Guy Fawkes Night and the uncovering of the Gunpowder Plot in 1605, and remembers a group of Protestants burned at the stake in the town between 1555 and 1557
Photograph: Neil Hall/EPA

People carrying torches march during the traditional bonfire celebrations in Lewes
Photograph: Neil Hall/EPA

Many participants adorn themselves with period costume to stand out from the throngs of people attending
Photograph: Neil Hall/EPA

The 2017 version of the night was dogged by an unexpected controversy, with a last-minute decision taken to end a race row by banning certain costumes
Photograph: Reuters