Bonfire Night – How To Celebrate

"Remember, remember the Fifth of November,
The Gunpowder Treason and Plot,
I know of no reason
Why the Gunpowder Treason
Should ever be forgot.
Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes, t'was his intent
To blow up the King and Parli'ment.
Three-score barrels of powder below
To prove old England's overthrow;
By God's providence he was catch'd
With a dark lantern and burning match.
Holla boys, Holla boys, let the bells ring.
Holloa boys, holloa boys, God save the King!
And what should we do with him? Burn him!"

This classic rhyme is one many of us know, because it summarises the event of November 5th 1605 when a group of Roman Catholics, including the infamous Guy Fawkes, were apprehended when they tried to blow up the Houses of Parliament with thirty-six barrels of gunpowder. Over the centuries this event has shaped history, and in modern times had transformed into a yearly tradition involving fireworks and delight – it’s also seen by many as the point where thoughts of Christmas start to stir. So here I’m going to outline a few fun ways you and your flatmates can celebrate Bonfire Night in Lincoln this year!

Lincoln Fireworks Display (Lincolnshire Showground, Lincoln, LN2 2NA)

On Friday 3rd November, down at the Lincolnshire Showground, organiser Autumn Lights has promised us Lincoln’s biggest fireworks display with a spectacular laser finale! From 4pm-9pm at the site there will also be a range of live music, a family funfair for people of all ages to enjoy, and plenty of well-stocked bars if you and your flatmates want to make this a night out to remember! There will also be a range of performers including some with glowing acts and live fire eating, and if you get peckish yourself there will be a range of street food for you to dig into! You can get full details about the event’s line-up here – https://autumnlights.co.uk/lincoln-firework-display/ – and you can buy your tickets too!

Thor’s Tipi (The Cornhill, Lincoln, LN5 7DP)

Something also appearing on November 3rd, lasting until January 1st 2024 in Lincoln’s Cornhill Quarter, will be Thor’s Tipi! This festive space will have all the cozy and fiery Viking vibes you could hope for with fire pits you can sit round, string lights galore, and food and drink to warm you up right to the core! So if you don’t fancy going far out of town this Bonfire Night then Thor’s will be a great option for you and your flatmates to enjoy, and if you want to get an advance look at their drinks menu then you can see it here at their website – https://thorstipi.com/winter/lincoln/ – and their social media links so you can see what they’re all about.

Throw Your Own Bash!

If you don’t really fancy going out however, then you and your flatmates can always plan something just for yourselves! If you know someone with a little garden space you can even set up your own little fireworks display with your own music and make some great memories! If you do decide to do this then please make sure you prioritise safety, and please have a close read of the information provided by the City of Lincoln Council on when/where fireworks can be set off, and how different fireworks/popper/sprinklers are classified. You can find all that information on their website here – https://www.lincoln.gov.uk/anti-social-behaviour/fireworks/2#:~:text=Unless%20part%20of%20an%20organised%20event%20by%20licensed,into%20any%20highway%2C%20street%2C%20thoroughfare%20or%20public%20space – but if you need more clarity then you can call them at 01522 881188.

Though the origins of Bonfire Night are a far cry from what we do to commemorate November 5th nowadays, it’s still a really great opportunity for you and your flatmates to go out and have fun, whether it be at a bigger event, something smaller and cosier, or something you’ve all set up yourselves – either way, use this day to celebrate your friends, and please make sure to stay safe!