Bonfire night. Some people love it, some people hate it and some people really couldn’t care less. I’m firmly in the first category and would even go so far as to say that it is pretty much my favourite night of the year.
There are so many reasons that I love Bonfire Night but here are my top five:
1. The cold, crisp air and everyone getting all bundled up in coats, hats and scarves.
I don’t particularly feel the cold and so it is often one of the first times in the year that I really pile on the layers. It’s the perfect night to wear that massive fluffy hat that feels a bit too excessive for everyday wear and the best night to wear your chunkiest knits and your thickest and warmest socks under your boots.
2. The atmosphere.
There’s nothing quite like the atmosphere that you get on Bonfire Night. It is rare to have such a large group of people all together for such a positive and uplifting event. You get people from all walks of life, young and old, groups of friends and families. Everyone is just there to look at the fireworks and have a good time. It feels almost like a pre-Christmas event, as everyone is all warm and cosy and enjoying themselves. It’s the first festive event of the year for me.
3. The food and drink.
Whether you are after a mulled wine or a hot chocolate, a burger or some candyfloss, the chances are that you will find it. It’s a night for throwing the diet out the window and just having whatever you fancy while you enjoy time with friends or family and watch the fireworks.
4. The fireworks.
I couldn’t really write this list without mentioning the main event, could I? I think that fireworks are absolutely beautiful and they amaze me every year, despite having seen them a million times before. I’m so excited for Darcie to see her first firework display because I just know she will be absolutely transfixed. I also always enjoy the cheesy selection of music that they set the displays too and the year that Katy Perry doesn’t feature will come as a shock to all of us.
5. Sparklers and fire torches.
I think we all have an inner pyromaniac that is let loose on Bonfire Night. You don’t always see Sparklers at Firework Nights these days but when you can get your hands on them, there is something about them that is so magical and who doesn’t love attempting to get that perfect sparkler photo?! The firework event that we go to each year starts with a parade where you can buy your own fire torch to take part and it is always a great start to the evening. It’s not everyday you get thousands of people all walking the streets carrying fire torches and in a world that has gone mad with health and safety it’s nice that these traditions are still around.
Bonus point: When I was younger I used to love taking part in Guy Fawkes competitions too. I enjoyed creating him out of old clothes and filling him with straw and then seeing all of the other Guys before they all went up in flames on the Bonfire.
Do you love Bonfire Night too?