The witch hunts were by the Protestants - King James was very keen on getting rid of them, and they also happened during the commonwealth when there was no king. "Witches", who were probably simply single old women, possibly learned in herb lore, or in a few cases murderers who used poison, were hung, not burned. As in Salem, personal quarrels or property issues may also have been contributory to accusations. The Catholics had been responsible for burning Protestants - hence the Pope-burning at Lewes, a site of a martyr burning. also the carrying of burning crosses there, one for each martyr, and a real shock to the system if you didn't expect it. Pagans were not involved, and there is no evidence for anything but eccentric versions of Christianity. Since there is evidence from the trials of witches of what people believed the witches were doing, ie devil worship, and what the witches believed they were doing, it's unlikely.
Incidentally, it is possible, by keeping west of the river and avoiding the procession of Cliffe Bonfire Society to the War Memorial, to have a good time at Lewes without feeling offended by the no pot-pourri theme. There are four other firegrounds which do not have the religious aspect to their effigies, and do not have the Bonfire Prayers. And have brilliant fireworks. You have to advance book to be really offended, anyway.
It's a bit like a maths problem. There are five societies, some of which will join with others to process, some which will not join with particular others (it appears to me). Each society has additions from local villages, and the lengths vary. Each procession must at some time during the evening visit both the bridge on the High Street and the War Memorial. There are two bridges where the river may be crossed. How can the processions move successfully around the town? It must look fascinating from up on the hills.
Oh, and Catholics do belong to some societies, and Ian Paisley (back before he softened) totally failed to find any support there.
Penny