Bonfire Night Party Ideas & Bonfire Night Entertainment Ideas!

Remember, remember the fifth of November, Gunpowder, treason and plot, We see no reason, Why gunpowder treason, Should ever be forgot!

- (Old English Rhyme)

Bonfire Night - 5th November - A Brief History

In 1605, the Papist, Guy Fawkes and a group of conspirators attempted to blow up the Houses of Parliament intending to destroy the Royal lineage of the time and improve life for the persecuted Catholics. An ultimate act of treason now coined The Gunpowder Plot, the conspirators stored 36 barrels of gunpowder in a cellar under the House of Lords. Before they were able to ignite the powder kegs on November 5th they were caught, tortured and eventually executed.

In celebration of the fact that the plot had been foiled, people all over London lit bonfires (bone fires) and burned effigies of the Pope. Every year since then we have traditionally celebrated the failure of the gunpowder plot by holding outdoor parties with bonfires where the original burning of the Pope’s effigy soon became the burning of ‘the Guy’.

More about Guy Fawkes & the Gun Powder Plot >

Bonfire Night Party

In modern times firework displays accompany the traditional bonfire with venues competing for bigger and better shows each year.

Some people may wonder whether they are actually celebrating the plotter’s execution, or honouring his attempt to do away with the government!! Either way, Alive Network has all the solutions to ensure an explosive party that goes off with more than just a bang.

If you would like Alive Network to locate a fireworks company for you, or if you would like us to incorporate a Firework Display into a larger entertainment package, please call us on 01782 740 839 or speak with an Alive Network agent.

Otherwise, for DIY firework display packs AND professional display organisers, please visit the following company web sites.

www.dragonfire.co.uk
www.spectacularfireworks.co.uk
www.celebration-fireworks.co.uk
www.phoenixfireworks.co.uk
www.epicfireworks.com
www.fireworkscrazy.co.uk
www.starfireworks.co.uk

Bonfire Night Party Ideas

So we already know a bonfire and fireworks are going to play a big role in our party but what else can we add to make the party more interesting......

Party Games

Being so close to Halloween, games such as apple bobbing are a favourite with children, along with carefully supervised sparklers, face painting & fancy dress.

For adults, in keeping with the fire theme, why not also add a Fire Walk? If you're not that adventurous, and if you have the space, think about funfair stalls such as a traditional coconut shy, cork shooting, duck fishing or strength tests. 

Entertainment

It's got to be fire eaters, fire jugglers or any of our other outdoor street entertainers! Once the fireworks have finished and the bonfire is starting to wane, it's inside for dancing with a live band or DJ.

Winter Warmers

Cold nights are also a great excuse to bring out those winter warmer cocktails & liqueur coffees. Favourites include a Hot Toddy, Irish Coffee, Prairie Fire (Tabasco & Tequila) or a Rusty Nail (Scotch, Drambuie & a lemon twist). More cocktail recipes >

For food, think about toffee apples, stews, chili, soups and seasonal game. Candy floss is also a popular for outdoor parties. Bonfire Night food ideas >

Bonfire Safety - Follow The Fireworks Code

When buying fireworks, make sure they comply with BS 7114 and are clearly marked for their intended use "Indoor, Garden or Display"

• Keep fireworks in a sealed box or tin
• Use them one at a time, replacing the lid immediately
• NEVER put fireworks in your pocket
• Read the instructions carefully, using a torch or hand lamp NEVER use a naked flame
• Light fireworks at arms length using a taper or a firework lighter
• Stand well back and NEVER return to a firework after it has been lit, it could explode in your face
• Ensure that all children with fireworks are well supervised
• NEVER throw fireworks
• Keep all pets and animals indoors
• Take care of sparklers, wear gloves to hold them and dispose of sparklers in a bucket of water as soon as they are finished