Bonfire Night

Remember remember the fifth of November

Gunpowder, treason and plot.

I see no reason why gunpowder, treason

Should ever be forgot...

This past Friday was Guy Fawkes Day commemorating the anniversary of the foiled Gunpowder Plot to blow up Parliament.  In celebration, communities around the country gather for a bonfire and fireworks.  Some of my small group met to go the the Brockham display on Saturday night - it is touted as the largest bonfire and fireworks display in England.  We had a clear, crisp night for it, perfect for firework viewing, but COLD!!



 A picture of the top of the bonfire.  At this point the flames have not reached the very top where the effigy of Guy Fawkes is waiting to catch fire and make noise when the gunpowder it is laced with explodes.  Notice that the bonfire is basically as tall as the church.  That's a big bonfire!

 After the bonfire, it was time for the fireworks.  The show lasted for 13 minutes and cost £50,000.  That's $80,000!!  I had never before seen an $80,000 fireworks show.  Spectacular is about the only word for it.

At one point, the fireworks reminded me of what I think it would be like to look up at the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel - they were so big and it was like a dome over the entire crowd.  The bursts of color and light were almost too much to take in.  I hate to say it, but it made our little neighborhood firework competitions from my growing-up years look pretty pathetic.  Although, the memories are still cherished.