Mayfield has had bonfire groups for many years and the earliest record we are aware of for an official Mayfield Bonfire Society is one formed in 1892. Members of the Society, known as the Bonfire Boyes and Belles, work throughout the year to raise money and host the carnival. It is held on the third Saturday of September, being closest to the date of the burning at the stake of four protestant martyr’s in Mayfield on 24th September 1556, whom the event now commemorates.

At over a mile long, with 5,000 burning torches, the Mayfield carnival procession is believed to be the longest in Sussex, other than the Lewes Grand United Procession on 5th November. Thousands of people flock to the village each year to take part in the carnival and watch this spectacular event.