The only time I went to Lewes I went as a member of the general public rather than part of the procession. I went to the Cliff bonfire as I had been told it was the best.
The public were herded like sheep by large 'bouncers', and kept behind lines. I was cold and wet. I knew I was near the bonfire but couldn't get near enough to get any warmth from it. The members of the public in front of me were taller than me so I saw nothing of the tableau. That night stands out in my memory as one of the most disappointing and miserable experiences ever.