Bonfire Night is a UK autumn staple. It’s a reason for us all to get cosied up around a fire, eat treats and watch the sparkling lights – it’s a good time. But with the pandemic still on the go, some of us might still be apprehensive in and around large crowds. So, an at-home get together might be a better option?
Check out these Bonfire Night at home ideas to help make your at-home 5th November weekend one to remember…
Bonfire Night explained
Bonfire Night is traditionally held on the 5th of November every year. It has everything from bonfires to fireworks, classic Bonfire Night food like Candy floss and toffee apples and loads of fun and games.
The original name for it is Guy Fawkes Night. It was created by the UK government as a national day of thanksgiving after a failed gunpowder explosion plot on Parliament revealed Guy Fawkes and his conspirators in the 1600s. That’s why there is sometimes a straw ‘Guy’ on the bonfire to represent the rejection of terrorism and hatred. In recent years, people have taken to using straw representations of controversial figures as well.
Ideas for Bonfire Night at home
Hosting a Bonfire Night at home is a great way to stay safe from the crowds and spend more time with your family and friends. There will be less waiting around to get out of the car park at the end of the night, more food for everyone, and there will be more space around the fire to keep warm. Plus, you’re not beholden to the 5th of November, you can choose the closest weekend to host your event instead!
Here are some tips to help you create your at-home Bonfire Night:
- The bonfire
Certain local councils have rules and regulations around when you can burn things in residential areas. It’s all to do with pollution and not disturbing your neighbours. Some more acceptable alternatives include fire pits and fire bowls where the flames are contained, easily controlled and easy to put out using a fire pit cover.
Also, if you find there’s a lot of people coming over, it might be worth investing in a patio heater to keep everyone snug.
- The Straw Guy
Typically, the straw guy represents a rejection of fear and hate, so why not use the straw guy as a way for your kids and family to overcome their fears? If they hate spiders, make a spider ‘Guy’ and let them burn it on the fire. If Ghosts aren’t their thing, make a ghoul up and make it disappear in the flames.
The alternative is to not burn the guy at all, as it can be a bit gruesome. Perhaps you make one and christen it as the Bonfire Night weekend mascot. You can give it pride of place in the garden and even use it to collect money for a local charity? To be extra frugal, you could use leftover pumpkins, costumes, and decorations from Halloween to make yours.
- The fireworks
Most supermarkets sell fireworks for a specific time around the big day, so they’re readily available. Just make sure you follow the rules and regulations stated on the packaging – they are technically explosives after all. It’s also a good idea to let your neighbours with young children or pets know in advance if you’re setting them off.
Other options are to go for a walk up to a local hilltop and watch the big council-ran display from afar, or just play at home with sparklers instead.
Sparklers are super fun and super safe as they naturally burn out on their own. Plus, you can make loads of fun time-delayed pictures with them if you have a camera with an adjustable shutter speed or a specially made app.
- The food
Some might call Bonfire Night food the best part of the whole thing – when else can you enjoy sugary delicacies like cinder toffee, toffee apples and more in abundance? Here are some favourites to throw together that are easy to eat on the go:
- Cinder Toffee or honeycomb
- Toffee Apples
- Hot Dogs
- Chilli
- Pulled Chicken or Pork burgers
- Pumpkin or butternut squash soup
- The fun and games
Sometimes, local big Bonfire Nights have fairground games and rides alongside the display, so why not do something similar at home? You can choose games your family and friends like and customise them to your talents.
Garden games like giant Jenga or Twister are excellent group activities
Put on a Scavenger Hunt around the garden – the winner gets a special prize!
Play with glowsticks and Sparklers to create videos and pictures
Set up an outdoor cinema with a sheet, a projector, and some festive films.
Bonfire Night at home can be just (if not more) fun than the big local event. You can customise it, stay clear of any big anxiety-inducing crowds and have a great time with those nearest and dearest to you.