Bonfire Night 

How to Celebrate Bonfire Night

Wondering about the best ways to join in on the fun of celebrating Gunpowder Day? Consider some of these ideas for getting involved the day:

Join a Bonfire Night Celebration

Those who are living in the UK should certainly be able to find a way to join others in celebrating this day! On this day, families or groups of people in communities will often construct an effigy of Guy Fawkes to be burned on a bonfire in the evening.

Fireworks may also be set off to add to the festive feeling of the celebration. Public displays may also be organized in communities all over England.

Host a Guy Fawkes Party

Those who don’t live in an area where this event is celebrated might want to take matters into their own hands and host a party in honor of Bonfire Night.

Of course, the most important activity would be to have a safe bonfire, where possible, but a smaller campfire style one would also do in a pinch. Play some games together as a group or host some relay races just for fun while waiting for the fire portion of the evening to begin.

Don’t forget to set off some firecrackers or spin some sparklers, whatever is legal and safe based on the location.

No matter what activities are included, the best part about it is getting friends and family together to share in some food, fun and the joy of the day!

Attend the Largest Bonfire Night Celebrations

The biggest celebration of Bonfire Night takes place each year in Lewes in East Sussex, England. During this time, Several different bonfire societies host their own fireworks displays and gargantuan bonfires.

After sunset, a large procession of all of the societies moves through Lewes. Many members carry flame torches and a river of fire can be seen flowing through the town during the evening.

It’s a perfect way to spend celebrating and enjoying this day!

Enjoy Some Traditional Foods

Over the years, throughout England, Scotland and Wales (but especially England!), different traditions for celebrating Gunpowder Day have developed, including eating foods such as hot soups with grilled or baked potatoes, as well as Parkin cake, which is a sticky type of dessert that is made with oatmeal, ginger, syrup and molasses.

Toffee apples are another favorite treat for this day, often in the northern parts of England. Other traditional foods that might be served could be sausages or hot dogs and marshmallows that are grilled or toasted over the open flames of a fire.

Chant the Guy Fawkes Nursery Rhyme

Those who have spent their lives in the UK probably know it already, but Bonfire Night is a perfect time to learn it or brush up on it, just for fun.

This little poem likely has roots dating back to the 18th century when children would make small Guy Fawkes effigies and carry them through the town while chanting the rhyme. They might have even seen an opportunity and tried to sell the effigies for a few pence!

Check out the first parts of the rhyme here:

And of course, the rhyme ends with: God save the King!

Make Some Bonfire Night Cocktails

Some folks who identify as mixologists might want to come up with some special cocktails in honor of the day. For the adults in the crowd, get creative with some of your own mixes or consider some of these ideas:

• Hot Gin Toddy. This one uses gin instead of whiskey, so it’s a more British version. Use gin, honey, a cinnamon stick and hot water.
• Boozy Hot Chocolate. Hot cocoa, but adult style! This one can be made in a variety of ways, by adding peppermint liqueur, cinnamon whiskey, or even pink marshmallow flavored moonshine. Don’t forget the whipping cream on top!
• Mulled Gin. Almost like mulled wine but a bit more unique. And it still leaves the bartender free to do other things. Try adding gin with elderflower and mulling spices, warmed in a saucepan on the stove.
• White Wine Spiced Apple and Pear Punch. Another fun version of what might be similar to a cider or mulled wine, this one is a unique take. Use a bottle of fruity white wine, then add thin slices of apple and pear. Make a simple syrup with sugar, water, lemon peel and cinnamon stick and mix together.