Brits have celebrated the 5th of November, or Bonfire Night, for over 400 years. Each year, in memory of Guy Fawkes failed attempt to blow up the House of Lords, bonfires are lit and impressive fireworks displays are organised. Throughout the UK, thousands of revellers wrap up warm and brave the wintery temperatures of November evenings in order to take part in this national tradition.
At most celebrations you can expect to see a burning effigy of Guy Fawkes sat atop a bonfire throne, sparklers and fancy fireworks. In some parts of the UK, bonfire traditions verge on the bizarre. For a November 5th you definitely will remember why not take part in one of these explosives celebrations.
1. Tar Barrel Running in Ottery St Mary, East Devon
This is certainly not a festival for the fainthearted. On the other hand, everyone should witness the madness of this village tradition.
Tar barrel rolling has been an annual tradition that has taken place on bonfire night in Ottery St Mary for hundreds of years. Today it is irrevocably linked with the burning of Guy Fawkes on a bonfire. However, its origins are thought to date back to the practice of Pagan burning rituals that warded of evil spirits and kept the village safe for the year to come.
In short, the festivities consist of locals running through the streets of Ottery St Mary rolling or even carrying burning barrels of tar! There are 17 barrel runs, each one beginning at one of the town’s pubs. The barrels gradually increase in size as runners vie with one another to carry their flaming cargo the farthest or run with it for the longest.
Crowds of thousands turn up to participate in this spectacle each year. This ultimately adds more strain to the scant health and safety regulations but creates an electric atmosphere nonetheless. Onlookers, stay vigilant and be prepared to dodge out the way as the barrel passes you by within scorching distance!
The night ends around midnight with a classic bonfire and fireworks display on St Saviours Green.
2. Lewes Firework Festival
This bonfire bonanza has a bit more order but that makes it no less of an impressive spectacle.
Each year in Lewes a series of torch lit processions march through the town dragging an effigy of Guy Fawkes or Pope Paul V. Each procession is garbed in a particular traditional costume. These range from Tudor dress to Mongol Warriors.
Each procession represents a different bonfire society, most of which have been established since the 1700s! Marchers carry burning crosses, and all manner of flaming torches in memory of the protestant martyrs who were burned at the stake by catholic prosecutors during the 16th century.
Participants of all ages are encouraged to take part in the festivities and attend the firework display at the end of the night. This event is so popular it is organised by no less than 7 bonfire societies!
3. Tutbury Castle, Staffordshire
At Tutbury Castle the Guy Fawkes celebrations adopt a rather unconventional interpretation.
This bonfire display takes the form of a torch lit Viking battle! Besides the exciting battle to the death, there will be demonstrations of Viking games, a living history camp, fairground rides and of course a booming firework display.
After all the action, join in the victory celebrations with the Vikings that survived the slaughter and warm up with a tasty bite from the barbeque.
4. Bristol Zoo
A zoo likely seems an unusual choice of venue for a bonfire night party and firework display. The noisy whiz, pop and bang of this usually cacophonous night is well known to frighten and distress animals. However, at Bristol Zoo organisers have come up with a special silent firework show! All the sparkle without the bang also makes this Guy Fawkes spectacular perfect for young children too.
A traditional bonfire and professional fire performances wow audiences on ground level, whilst beautiful fireworks light up the sky.
5. Glasgow Green, Scotland
The Guy Fawkes celebrations that take place on Glasgow Green are considered Scotland’s biggest. Lasting all day and into the night, people travel from all over to join the party!
Browse the variety of delicious food and drinks stalls and keep warm with a traditional treat. Enjoy yourself at the funfair, take a stroll through the beautiful winter gardens and choose a prime spot for the city’s biggest firework display! Each year organisers add a new surprise to the show ensuring this is a night to remember.
What makes this firework festival just little bit more special? Everything is completely free!
If you have been or are planning to attend one of these bonfire night bonanzas be sure to let us know! Tweet or post pics of your Guy Fawkes celebrations on our Facebook page!
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