Bonfire Night In Chester
Before we discuss Bonfire Night in Chester in any detail, a quick history lesson. Bonfire Night is all about one guy and his associates who planned to assassinate King James I. Who would have thought that old Guy Fawkes would have left such a legacy all those years ago. In the unlikely event you don’t know who Guy Fawkes was, he was the ‘baddie’ who was behind the failed Gunpowder Plot. He was a member of a group of provincial English Catholics who planned the said failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605.
Born on 13th April 1570, Fawkes was born and educated in York. He was only 35 years of age when he was hung, drawn and quartered on 31st January 1606. Not the best way to be executed – if indeed there is a good way to be executed. As he was captured on 5th November, his memory lives on in the celebration every year of Bonfire Night.
How often have we all heard, “Penny for the Guy?” over the years? Enterprising youngsters every year all over the country make this request. Although a penny is requested, have you ever tried to get away with giving these youngsters only a penny!! Not a chance.
Traditionally, on the night of the 5th November these homemade effigies of Guy Fawkes are to be thrown onto the bonfire. Hence the terms Guy Fawkes and Bonfire Night being a regular event on our calendar ever since.
A Safety Warning
There are plenty of events going on this year to celebrate (if it is indeed a celebration) Bonfire Night in Chester. Before providing details of these events, it is well worth stressing the need for safety at this point. You should preferably consider attending a specially prepared, organised event. As opposed to an impromptu back garden get together. If you are attending the latter option, then ensure there is an appropriate adult present.
Is Bonfire Night Losing Its Sparkle?
It does seem that Bonfire Night is not as popular these days as it was “when I was a lad” When I was a nipper, the build up to Bonfire Night began in early to mid October. It was without doubt a big highlight of the year. With our parents permission (and sometimes without, if truth be told), we would systematically knock on neighbours doors and ask if they had anything for the annual “Bonny”
To their credit, the adults of the day played a part and made an effort to make a contribution. In the main we asked for wood. Bit by bit, we would build our “Bonny” at the bottom of our road on a piece of wasteland. All the kids in the neighbourhood seemed to be involved – both boys and girls. It was a sense of pride to see it build to a good size and to see it bulked out.
But then invariably a few days before the big day, disaster used to strike. Nearby neighbourhoods and rival “Bonny Builders” would come and sabotage our pride and joy. Mind you, it wasn’t all one way traffic. We gave as good as we got though. In our defence though we were only the retaliators and not the perpetrators. Honest we were, M’lud!!
Despite this we always seemed to resurrect the situation and still manage to have a quality built “Bonny” ready for the big night. Mainly because the adults rallied as they did not want to see our big night ruined.
On The Big Night
On the night itself there was great excitement as the whole street it seemed gathered at the end of the road. The big ‘light up’ was always around 7pm. In our house, me and my two sisters were allowed to light a sparkler each before heading off to the pyrotechnic extravaganza.
As the “Bonny” was kicking into life a wide variety of fireworks were then set off by the adults. A variety of “Wow’s, “Ooh’s” and “Aah’s” rang out as each firework was lit. The first Bonfire Night I can remember was also my first introduction to baked potatoes. Baking potatoes wrapped in silver foil were placed in the base of the “Bonny” as the flames subsided a bit. Tucking into a butter soaked (proper butter mind, none of this woosy margarine or health spreads malarkey in those days), baked ‘tatty’ was a treat well worth looking forward to.
The brilliant thing was everyone had a great time, adults and kids alike. And everyone acted responsibly. Everyone enjoyed the night immensely……apart from poor old Guy of course.
Bonfire Night In Chester
Bonfire Night In Chester
So, what does Bonfire Night in Chester hold for us? Rather than list them all individually, take a look at this link HERE as provided by the Chester Chronicle. This shows all the many events that are occurring over the weekend. One of the highlights as ever is the annual Chester Lions Club event on the Roodee.
Whatever event you go to, have a great night and above all else, be careful.
A Final Word On Our Pets
We all enjoy Bonfire Night. It is great fun. Let’s not forget our pets however. We have four moggies and they will all be under house arrest. In fact, I don’t think they will even consider trying to get out on the night when they hear the first bang. Make sure your pets are in and, if need be, comforted when needed.
To help you with your pets, take a look at this short video……
Things To Do In Chester
Attending a bonfire night event is always an enjoyable occasion – if you follow all the necessary rules and safety precautions. There are always many more things for you to do in Chester. For a few ideas, have a look HERE.
