Bonfires, Fireworks and a Guy from York

Bonfire Night is a favourite with everyone at Little Trekkers. Wrapped up snugly in hats, scarves and gloves, giggling around the bonfire, watching fireworks and getting through jaw aching amounts of Nana Starky’s bonfire toffee. What could be better?

Ever since that Guy from York was discovered on 5th November 1605 with his stash of gunpowder, we have celebrated the failed plot to blow up the Houses of Parliament.

Now you could argue New Year’s Eve has stolen the limelight from Bonfire Night in the UK as the big firework night of the year with spectacular annual displays, particularly in London and Edinburgh. For us though, November the 5th is where it’s at. A special night when it doesn’t matter how chilly it is, all the family can’t wait to get outside and enjoy the party.

Whether you go to a local organised display or you have a few fireworks and sparklers in your back garden, here are some of our ideas on how to make bonfire night go with a big bang!!

Best Food to Eat around the Bonfire

• Roasted chestnuts – official food of Bonfire Night.
• Baked potatoes – wrapped in foil and cooked on the bonfire.
• Hot dogs – No, not those horrible plastic things out of a tin, we mean proper bangers
• Bonfire toffee – all that chewing will take your mind off how cold it is, Nana Starky’s is the best ever!
• Cinder toffee
• Parkin cake - we're very partial to Joanne's recipe especially as it makes two loaves!
• Toffee apples – part of your five a day!?!
• Toasted marshmallows dipped in chocolate
• Proper hot chocolate, with even more marshmallows

Best Locations for a Firework Display

Battle, East Sussex

If any one knows about how to hold a firework display it’s these guys. Celebrations have been held here for over 300 years. Take part in a torchlight procession through the town and best of all fancy dress is encouraged!!!

Penrhos Beach, Anglesey

Watch the fireworks light up Holyhead Bay and enjoy a beach barbecue!

Bristol Zoo

For little ones (and maybe some adults) who don’t like loud bangs or too much noise, Bristol Zoo has a quiet firework display using noiseless fireworks, the animals love it!

.. And Slightly Off Tangent

The Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis), Norway

Mother Nature’s own firework display. Northern Norway within the Artic Circle is a popular spot to witness this incredible phenomenon. The lights are at their most frequent during late autumn and winter/early spring.

The Moon

OK, pretty unlikely but just imagine looking up into the night sky and seeing millions of sparklers glowing on the surface of the moon…suppose the cheese might melt though!

Did You Know

• Fireworks were invented by the Chinese in the 7th Century.
• The largest firework display included 66,326 fireworks and took place on the island of Madeira, Portugal. Must have got through quite a few boxes of matches lighting all of them!!
• The biggest Catherine Wheel measured a massive 32 metres and was built in Malta in June 2011.

Remember, Remember

• Keep pets indoors.
• If you are preparing a bonfire please check for hibernating hedgehogs before you light it.
• Always follow the firework safety guidelines.