I LOVE bonfire night! We only have to wait a couple more weeks- yaaay!
ink:
On the Saturday nearest to Bonfire Night (Guy Fawlkes Night- it's the same thing but strictly speaking the second is the correct name), which is the 5th of November, we go to a local firework display. There are refreshments, (the usual traditional stuff- soup & hot chocolate, etc) a barbecue area for hot dogs and burgers and the annual Guy competition.
The huge bonfire in the arena is lit and the winner of the guy competition announced. All the guys are then thrown onto the bonfire (by the stewards of course!) and once the blaze dies down a bit, the firework display to music begins. It really is fantastic!
We only go to this organised one- much safer and this one, although spectacular- is free! Fireworks are so expensive!
We're hoping to enter the Guy competition this year. For those who don't know, a guy is a figure made of old clothes, etc (a bit like a floppy scarecrow I suppose!). It represents (not surprisingly) Guy Fawlkes.
Around this time, some kids make guys and sit outside some shops or in public places with them and ask "Penny for the Guy." They are given money by passers by. I only give money if they've obviously made an effort- and only if it's at the right time. Some kids try their luck weeks early! I saw one pair of boys a couple of years back who took turns wearing a mask and sitting on the ground very still while the other asled for Penny for the Guy! Sneaky!
Know the rhyme?
Remember, remember the fifth of November
Gunpowder, treason and plot
I see no reason why gunpowder, treason
Should ever be forgot.
This is one of our favourite family outings each year- I love it!