On the 5th of November every year we come together as a nation to celebrate the fact that on the 5th of November 1605 a man called Guy Fawkes and other members of the ‘Gunpowder Plot‘ did NOT blow up parliament. This is a relief to all of us as without parliament (and also the King/Queen) there would be no government and thus there would be anarchy. And no one loves anarchists. Therefore we feel compelled to express this relief every year on this day (or within a week either side of this day… people are gradually becoming more and more flexible, sometimes you even hear fireworks in OCTOBER now. I know, disgusting, isn’t it.)You may also find this day being referred to as ‘Fireworks Night’ or ‘Bonfire Night’. The reasons for these names will become clear, but if you are feeling impatient I will give you one hint: The Answer is in the Name.
I will now outline the steps that must be undertaken if you wish to attend such an event.
Step One: Choose between a Free Event or a Non Free Event.
A Free Event is one which you do not have to pay to enter, though you may wish to give a donation (though as it is free, any amount will be gratefully accepted). This leaves you with more money available to spend at the stalls that usually accompany such events. For example, you may wish to purchase a toffee apple (these are apples covered in toffee, if you were wondering). However, due to lack of funding, you may find the display less spectacular.
A Non Free Event is one where you do have to pay to enter, I believe it may be something such as three pounds (though I am just making that up, it could really be any amount). This may mean that the display is of better quality than a Free Event, however, this is not guaranteed and you may find that it is no better at all – this is a disappointment. You will also have less money available to spend at the stalls and rides, for example you may find that you must spend a further pound on a toffee apple, having already spent three on getting in to the event. This is annoying.
Note: You will usually find these events are organised by groups of people in your city/town/village and will take place somewhere with a field. Unless you are one of the organisers you will not usually need to provide anything other than yourself. However if you wish you can purchase fireworks from a local shop and if you can find a safe space you are free to create your own celebration.
Step Two: Find such an event near you (you can find one that is not near to you, but be warned: this will involve more traveling). Searching on Google may help you to find these (you may wish to search ‘Fireworks events near __(insert chosen place name here)___). You will often see boards alongside many local roads displaying information on these events and you may also wish to speak to people that you know as they may know of events that you did not.
Step Three: Decide who is going with you, how you will get there, and if you are driving where you will park. As a person who does not possess the skill of driving, I do not personally have to worry about this, but I believe it is a definite concern for those who do drive.
Step Four: Plan your outfit. I recommend one that gives the appearance of warmness and if possible actually creates warmness. This is because it is quite often cold, and if it is not, it is a good idea to pretend that it is as it contributes to the enjoyment of the event.
I suggest one such as this (you do not have to use your hands to create a boxlike formation around your face, though it it does make you look cooler)…
Step Five: Go to the event using your preplanned method of traveling. Do so on the date of the event and around the time it is due to commence.
Step Six: Find yourself a space where you can see both the bonfire and the fireworks clearly but without having to stand too close to strangers.
Step Seven: Enjoy! Feel free to wander around before or after the fireworks display. You may wish to purchase a Toffee Apple.
Bonfire: You will usually find that there is a bonfire in the field/area that the event is taking place. You can create a bonfire by collecting burnable items such as pieces of tree or unwanted furniture. This is then piled up neatly and set fire to. (Note: you must be a very careful sort of person if you are to be the Lighter of the Fire. Fire can be dangerous.)
You may also notice something such as this burning on the fire….
Do not be alarmed, this is not a real person. We like to burn an effigy of Guy Fawkes on the bonfire. It makes us feel good.
The primary aspect of the event is the Fireworks. These will be placed securely on the field at a safe distance from the observers. They will then be lit by a a highly trained man. You will notice that they zoom up into the air where they usually make a BANG sort of noise, though occasionally it will be more like a WHEEEEE. Once in the sky they will create colourful patterns. On seeing these it is acceptable to make noises such as ‘oooooo, aaahhhh’ to express your delight. Using the modern technology of today you may wish to take photographs with your camera or mobile telephone to remember the colourful patterns.
You may also wish to attempt to take a photo of yourself with the person/people that you are with. This can be difficult as it is dark and it involves stretching your arm in such a way that you and the person/people you are with are in the shot. If you achieve it it may look something like this (though hopefully with your faces rather than mine and my Husband’s)
Now that you have a full understanding the joy that is Guy Fawkes Night, you may wish to come to England and find such an event. I assure you it will be worth your while. If only for the toffee apples.
Disclaimer: If at any point you felt patronised by my tone of writing, I assure you, this was not my intention. It is meant to amuse rather than patronise. If you do not feel at all amused I suggest you find a humorous video on YouTube to aid with this (I am told there are many. For example you may wish to watch a video of a kitten doing humorous tricks)
