Bonfire night is fast approaching and if you’re wondering what Bonfire Night 2022 essentials you should have to hand before the 5th of November, this is your ultimate list. Grab the kids or invite over some mates and throw a fabulous Bonfire Night party.
What is Bonfire Night?
Bonfire Night is where the straw effigies of Guy Fawkes are burned on a large pyre to celebrate the failure of his plot to blow up the houses of parliament in 1605. Often, kids would carry these dolls down the road before the 5th and ask people for pennies. And there are popular rhymes associated with this tradition including, according to Britannica,
“Remember, remember, the fifth of November
Gunpowder treason and plot
We see no reason
Why Gunpowder treason
Should ever be forgot….”
So, while it’s all a little bit gruesome, it’s still a fun tradition to participate in simply for the community spirit that often comes with it.
What you’ll need
There are a number of Bonfire Night 2022 essentials that you’ll want to gather beforehand:
A guy doll
You may have your kids make their own straw doll to burn or participate as a block to make one together. You’ll need (of course) straw, old clothes and something to round out the head with like a papier-mâché balloon. Children really enjoy customising these figures leading up to the big day.
Some fireworks
While the big bonfire is the main event, it’s typical to set off a range of fireworks as well. Just remember to always practice fireworks safety and never let children hold or play with fireworks ever. If you have sparklers or poppers, teach them how to use them safely and discard them properly.
The food
You’ll want a mix of warm, holdable food like baked spuds, hot dogs and bangers. Plus, you’ll want vino for the adults and hot cups of tea or non-alcoholic cider for the little ones. Lastly, you’ll want a few nibbles laid out for people to munch on while they watch the fireworks. We love our picnic baskets for this. They’re full of great goodies and convenient to transport too. Oh, and don’t forget some marshmallows to toast on the bonfire later. It’s a classic treat!
The fire
There are many local bonfires you could travel to and that’s probably your easiest option. But, if you want to make a bonfire at home, first, clear a space in your back garden that you can walk completely around and that has no overhang. Fill several buckets of water nearby, just in case. Make your fire out of dry wood – pallets are great and often free to get a hold of. And before you light the fire, use a torch to make sure there are no children or animals hiding inside of the pyre. When it’s going, help your partygoers to toss the straw doll onto the flames. Never leave the fire unattended and don’t let kids play in it. Fully douse it with the hosepipe before going to bed and check it once more just to ensure there have been no flare-ups.
And that’s it! You’ll have a fabulous party on Guy Fawkes Night with these tips. And if you want a unique basket for your Bonfire Night 2022 essentials party list, talk to our team about your needs here.
