10 replies to this topic

[David]

Does anyone still do their majority of fireworks on bonfire night?

I guess, as far as enthusiasts go, it's more of an all-year-round hobby- bonfire night can be fun, but perhaps isn't in itself THE special day.

Regarding the general public, it seems like (going off what I see and hear) more and more people are doing fireworks on the Saturday before or after, rather than on the night itself. Public displays seem to be typically scheduled for the Saturdays (which in mnay ways is understandable of course.)

I dunno though, bonfire night still seems special to me.

(That said, after this year we have bonfire night happening to fall on a Friday then Saturday, so this might mean more on-the-night fireworks!

Edited by David, 01 September 2009 - 10:46 PM.

[pyromaniac303]

Even if I have a display on a different night for family and friends, I always leave at least something to set off on the night, it just wouldn't seem right without lighting something on the 5th. In general though I try to have displays on the night, though this year could be awkward as I'm working for a display company.

As much as I like public displays, as long as I can remember I have always had a garden display too. Nothing really compares to lighting your own, no matter how small they were (when I started lighting my own from about 8 I was only allowed a small selection box).

[Mortartube]

Bonfire night is THE special night of the year for me. You can keep Christmas, new year etc. I am usually in Lewes from the night before. Bangs usually go off all day, starting with a few, but as night falls the the bangs and other fireworks increase in frequency.

In the day I often help with the electrics on one of Cliffe bonfire societies effigies. Back in the day I used to supply their fireworks.

About 6.30pm I let off some fireworks in the back garden, including a few endburner homebrewed rockets. My yearly indulgence. Then I am off to join the procession with the Cliffe bonfire society. Ending up at the firesite to watch the display.

Then I do the last processions with a beer or two, then home to fall wearily into bed after throwing my paraffin soaked costume (from the torches) into a bin bag for washing the next day.

And that has been my Nov 5th on and off (apart from when I ran a firework company, though I always got back to watch the display) for the last 22 years.

Perfect

[teaboy]

Just as it is, has been and always will be! Nulli Secundus! (You wash your costume? Heathan!)

[Mortartube]

There are times (like after falling in the ditch more tha once) where even a smugglers outfit needs the old Persil. Do you help with the fireworks on site Teaboy?

Edited by Mortartube, 02 September 2009 - 03:20 PM.

[teaboy]

There are times (like after falling in the ditch more tha once) where even a smugglers outfit needs the old Persil. Do you help with the fireworks on site Teaboy?

mmmm....firesite ditchwater....(!)

Currently not, although that may change in the near future...

[Prestonboi]

Bonfire night is THE special night of the year for me. You can keep Christmas, new year etc.

Same for me, always do my stuff on Nov 5th unless the weather is really bad, it's been great the past few years so hope it keeps up.

[phildunford]

Don't think there has ever been a Nov 5th, no matter how bad the weather, when I have not shot some fireworks - usually lots!

One of the major events of the year...

[David]

Will we see many guys this year? I doubt it.

[Bill Eastoe]

Only just found this forum, & it looks good so far. I agree with your comments, it has to be Lewes on the 5th. Visited for several years, joined Commercial Square last year, and got actively involved this year. Job got in the way of helping before, but became unemployed just in time for the 5th. Bad news but good timing.

[Floydman]

I like to keep to tradition where possible but unfortunately work gets in the way for most of my audience if the 5th falls on a week night so I have the main event on the nearest saturday.

Maybe we should campaign for a national holiday for the 5th !