Remember, remember...

If you’ve ever had to explain Bonfire Night to someone from another country, then you’ll be familiar with the bewildered expression that can accompany the description of how children are encouraged to make and burn effigies of a Catholic man who failed to blow up parliament over 400 years ago. Mention other related rituals, such as asking for ‘a penny for the guy’, eating toffee apples and setting off fireworks, and it gets even more bemusing. 

Like many traditions, our modern day customs are the result of decades of evolution and bear little connection to the events of 1605 that sparked them. The vast majority of people waving sparklers and tucking into baked potatoes are more concerned about whether it’s going to rain than about the religious tensions of 17th century Britain that prompted Guy Fawkes and his co-conspirators to plan an attack on James I’s government. 

So, to celebrate this uniquely British festival and indulge in everything a modern Bonfire Night has to offer, take the family to Egbaston Stadium on Thursday 5th November. Doors open around 5pm for an evening of live entertainment, face painting, glitter tattoos and a fairground, before the firework display later in the evening. It’s a very popular event so the organisers recommend buying tickets in advance.

Or, if you’d rather wait until the weekend, head to Kings Heath Cricket Club on Sunday 8th November. Gates open at 5pm and it’ll cost £5 for adults and £2.50 for children. There’ll be a fun fair, face painting, glow sticks and a range of food and drink to keep kids and adults entertained until the fireworks start at around 7pm.

Unlike the original Gunpowder Plot, the 2015 celebrations are sure to go with a bang!

Published in My Moseley and Kings Heath, October 2015.