Having recently moved to Battle I was excited at the prospect of experiencing the Bonfire festivities for the first time, and my partner and I were really impressed with the spectacle, which obviously involved a tremendous amount of hard work by all involved. Unfortunately, it was ruined by the incredibly loud explosions throughout the duration of the procession by, it seemed, those actually participating in the parade. We did expect, of course, fireworks to be let off but not without any warning or notice, and at such close quarters. One such banger went off directly at my feet so unexpectedly, and at such volume, that it left me feeling tense and nervous and wanting to get away from the event as quickly as possible. The fear of more idiot behaviour at the bonfire site made us head for home at that point for the sake of our ear drums. We too witnessed others, including the very young, also similarly distressed. Unless the organisers can assure us, if in fact that is their wish, that these dangerously loud fireworks will be banned from the procession, we will not be returning. Donald Cole, St Mary’s Villas, Battle.