My initial comments drew the required response from you. Quite whether Lewes is for me or not seems the quandary, I've been there many times, I was there today as it happens. If you're referring to the fireworks, I've been to them too, I like fireworks, I like crowds of people having a good...
Whoooosh. I never use words like tinpot and cringeworthy in conversation, in fact I think this is probably only the second time I've ever typed them. That said, I do think it's all bit undignified and maybe a little childish the way they burn effigies and make out these events to be oh so...
The whole thing is a bit dated isn't it? Cringeworthy and tinpot IMO.
Get a few bangers, nail a Catherine wheel to next doors fence, burn your hands on some spaklers and bung some jacket spuds in a fire of leaves, old papers and a log or two.