Crowds of people line the streets of Lewes as six of the town’s bonfire societies march with burning torches for Guy Fawkes Night.

Tens of thousands of people are expected to attend the annual celebrations, a tradition still very much alive since the first recorded event in 1795.

Each society spends months producing an effigy – or tableau – of who they are paraded through the streets and then burned at various fire places.

BBC Radio Sussex reporter George Carden said there was a “celebratory feeling” in the town as the processions began.

He added: “Smoke filled the air and flames lit up the faces of those who came to watch, while the faint echoes of drums came from over the hill.”

Kevin and Cathy Mooney said they were in Lewes for the first time in Arizona.

Mr Mooney said: “I’m quite overwhelmed by it, it’s been really amazing.

“It’s organized, but the excitement was really amazing. I’m from the States and I really can’t think of anything that comes close to it.”

Ms Mooney said she hoped Donald Trump would appear as a tableau in Tuesday night’s celebrations.

Sussex Police urged non-locals to stay away from the event due to the risk of “crushing and crowd displacement” in the town’s narrow streets.

“Holidays are always busy, challenging and complex,” said surf. Ch. Howard Hodges for BBC Radio Sussex.

“This is an event steeped in history, culture and tradition, but it’s one we can’t get enough of.

“There are inherent risks and that’s why the police, ambulance and fire services are working closely to ensure people can participate safely.”

While Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot of 1605 dominate Britain’s autumn bonfire tradition, Lewes Bonfire Society also remembers the 17 martyrs killed by Mary I in the town in the 1500s.

There are a total of six processions through Lewes between 17:30 and 23:30 GMT.

Between the fifth and sixth, the bonfire societies will burn their paintings and set off fireworks in their respective fields.