Scientology claim “3,500 people” attended Saint Hill bonfire night celebrations, but photos tell a different story

Yesterday the Church of Scientology hosted an annual bonfire night celebration at their UK headquarters near East Grinstead, claiming an attendance of 3,500 parishioners and local residents, but photos released of the event paint a different picture.

Every November people across the United Kingdom come together for the annual celebration of bonfire night, a tradition dating back to Guy Fawkes’ foiled attempt to assassinate King James I by blowing up the Houses of Parliament in 1605. Community events are hosted in towns and villages throughout the country and often include fireworks, large bonfires and kids’ activities… something the Church of Scientology are all too willing to capitalise on.

Just a week after the annual gathering of their membership body, the International Association of Scientologists (IAS), Saint Hill yesterday hosted their annual bonfire night celebration in a desperate attempt to win over residents after facing backlash for the major disruption caused by last weekend’s event.

The world’s press have been reporting over the weekend that traffic congestion, construction noise and Tom Cruise flying in on his helicopter caused “chaos” and disruption in East Grinstead as a result of thousands of parishioners flocking to the area to hear reclusive leader David Miscavige speak at a weekend-long gala held 31st October – 2nd November. The event took place in a mammoth 45,000 square foot marquee erected without planning permission, and saw Scientology breach the conditions of Planting and Hoarding licences granted by West Sussex County Council in order to disrupt protestors, who gathered outside the gates over the weekend.

And now, just a week later, residents are once again up in arms after fireworks set off as part of the Saint Hill Bonfire Night celebration “terrified” pets in the area.

In a post shared by the Church on social media, it claims “3,500” people attended the event, but their pictures tell a very different story. An overhead drone photo of the car park shows approximately 300 vehicles on the property, and pictures of the crowd reveals a poor turnout. Our estimates based on these photos suggest the event drew in a crowd of just 500 people.

A small selection of food traders and children’s activities can be seen at Saint Hill, as well as tents promoting Scientology front groups such as Truth About Drugs (Foundation for a Drug Free World), The Way to Happiness and Volunteer Ministers.

In 1984, High Court Judge Lord Justice Latey ruled that Scientology is “corrupt, sinister and dangerous”, going on to say the organisation “is out to capture people, especially children and impressionable young people.”

This, in conjunction with growing resentment among the people of East Grinstead in recent weeks, suggests the event suffered it’s poorest turnout in several years.

One local resident commented on social media “Glad you enjoyed it. My dog (and I’m sure other animals) was terrified!” with another confirming “My dog was petrified. Try doing it on the 5th November next time!”

It is unclear whether Scientology submitted any plans to West Sussex County Council’s child protection services in order to minimise potential harm to children. Photographs show Scientology volunteers handing out ‘Truth About Drugs’ leaflets to kids, despite being produced internally by the Church with no scientific evidence or expertise to back up their claims.