British Billy explains Bonfire Night, Nov. 5

  • Published
  • By British Billy
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  Although I am quite the party animal, I'm not a huge fan of fireworks. Those of us in the animal kingdom blessed with acute auditory gifts will not thank you if we have to endure startling explosions and high pitched squeals. As Bonfire Night approaches here in the U.K., I plan to spend the next few evenings indoors, furry paws over my delicate ears.

In spite of these reservations, I regard Bonfire Night as a great British tradition. As neighbourhoods and communities build bonfires in gardens and playing fields, they are commemorating the survival of King James I after the foiling of a plot to blow up the Houses of Parliament in 1605. Bonfires will be aflame and fireworks aglow, whizzing and exploding across the November skies.

Four hundred years ago, Guy Fawkes and a group of other plotters attempted to blow up the Houses of Parliament in London by hiding barrels of gunpowder in the cellars. It was Guy Fawkes' job to watch over the barrels and light the fuse, and, as the one discovered by the soldiers, it is his name that has gone down in history.

As well as the fireworks, it's traditional to make a 'guy' to burn on top of the bonfire, usually made out old clothes stuffed with straw or paper with a hat and a mask on to add to the realism. Most towns and villages will have a large, organized bonfire and fireworks display which often raise money for local charities, so keep your eyes peeled for posters and adverts.

As you can see, being disgruntled with the powers-that-be is not a recent phenomenon. There is a lot more to the story, as you can imagine, but most people aren't very worried about the history, just cheering themselves up as the nights draw in ever earlier, with the heat of the bonfire, the fun of the fireworks and filling their tums with baked potatoes, toffee apples and the like.

Personally, as the finely tuned, highly sensitive creature that I am, I will be staying in with a mousey take-away. You would be wise to keep all your beloved pets inside on Bonfire Night. Loud noises don't agree with us. Keep us indoors and turn up the television.

As for you, I suggest you put on your warm mittens, a wooly hat and gloves and go and out and join the locals for some good old British fun. 

                                        "Remember, remember the fifth of November 
                                         Gunpowder, treason and plot. 
                                         I see no reason, why gunpowder treason 
                                         Should ever be forgot."

                                        ***********************************

Here are a few safety points to bear in mind if you decide to join your neighbours and community this Bonfire Night:

· Remember to keep your pets indoors on Bonfire Night as the noise and lights can distress them.
· It is illegal for persons under 18 to purchase or possess fireworks in a public place.
· Never let fireworks off in areas where there is danger to people or property.
· Billy's advice: Go to an organised display. Fireworks are expensive to buy and these displays can be spectacular for a reasonable admission fee. Safety is also strictly maintained.

A Small Selection of Displays in the Local Area:

- Lakenheath Village annual fireworks display , Nov. 4 at the football club at Back Street, Lakenheath. The gates open at 6:30 p.m. and fireworks to begin at 7:30 p.m. http://www.suffolktouristguide.com/Suffolk-Fireworks-Displays-for-Bonfire-Night.asp

- Brandon Hall, Nov. 5, 6 p.m. Gates open 5.30 p.m. Bonfire, fireworks and food. http://www.brandonsuffolk.com/events.asp

- Nov. 5. Cambridge. Dubbed 'the Largest Free Firework Display in East Anglia,' the fairgrounds at Midsummer Common, Cambridge, will host a festival and firework display. Rides are open from 6 to 10 p.m., and the fireworks are scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
http://www.cambridge.gov.uk/ccm/content/leisure-and-entertainment/festivals-and-events/fireworks.en

- Nov. 5 Norwich is scheduled to host 'Sparks in the Park' in Norwich on. A fireworks show catered toward children is slated to begin at 6:30 p.m. with a burning of an effigy of Guy Fawkes at 6:45 p.m. A full fireworks show will begin at 8 p.m.
http://www.norwich.gov.uk/Pages/Home.aspx



*No federal endorsement is intended nor implied.