How to Plan a Bonfire Night Party

Bonfire Night (also called Guy Fawkes night) is a celebration of a foiled attempt to blow up the Houses of Parliament in 1605. Nowadays, many people host their own fireworks displays and have bonfires on the 5th November each year.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Plan who to invite. Send invitations two to three weeks before the big day. Always over-invite, as some people will almost certainly have other plans already.
2. Assess your space. Is your garden large enough to arrange a very large bonfire safely? If not, scale things down accordingly. If you do have the space, plan an area for a bonfire, an area (a safe distance away from the flames) for fireworks and an area for food and drink.
3. Think about how many fireworks you will need (or if you need them at all). Many supermarkets in the UK sell cheap box sets, which include all the main varieties of firework such as Catherine Wheels, Rockets and Sparklers. Make sure any fireworks you buy have the kite mark of safety.
4. Plan a menu for the evening. Why not have a buffet set up so that guests can help themselves to snacks whilst you set up the fire and fireworks?
5. Make sure you can keep all pets in safety on the night. If you can, it might be best to keep your pets inside, locked in a room with a litter tray and enough food and water.
6. Create your own Guy Fawkes doll. Use straw for stuffing and children’s trousers and jackets for clothes. Be sure to affix a villainous-looking head with a brightly coloured mask and top it off with a tall, conical, 17th century hat!
7. Construct a safe, moderately sized bonfire on the day using different sized lengths of wood. Never use lighter fluid or petrol to get a fire going and never let children help you.
8. Open the area to your friends or family. Make sure children are kept away from the fire and do not let anyone under 18 light fireworks. Place your guy on top of your bonfire and watch him burn!
9. Use the smouldering embers to roast food. Wrap food (chicken wings, baking potatoes and garlic dipped in oil all cook well) in silver foil and place inside, but towards the edge, of the fire. Use fire tongs to remove the food later on.
10. Use sticks to toast marshmallows and chestnuts.
11. Schedule a time to set off the fireworks and let everyone know when this is so they can be ready. Ensure children put on safety goggles when you are letting off the fireworks. Take time lighting fireworks and take care!

Tips & Warnings

• Fireworks bought in the UK should have a B.S. 7114 safety mark.
• Instructions on each of the fireworks should be followed at all times, and the remaining fireworks kept in a closed box away from the bonfire and other fireworks – inside, if possible.
• Remain in a safe position away from the fireworks and bonfire and don’t leave a bonfire unattended.
• Ensure children are supervised at all times and are wearing goggles and gloves, if handling sparklers. Never let children under five handle anything lit (even sparklers and matches).
• Stay away from fireworks that have not immediately gone off, as they may still explode. Never throw a used, dud or new firework into the fire! It could still explode.
• Keep a hosepipe or a bucket of water nearby for safety.
• Site the bonfire well away from fences, hedges, garden structures and buildings.

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