If you’re looking to avoid the crowds at your local fireworks display on November 5th, then why not host a private Bonfire Night from the comfort of your own garden? Before you gather your friends, family, and neighbours for an evening of entertainment, you’ll want to make sure you have everything prepared, so here's our helpful guide.
No bonfire night is complete without a fire to gather around. If you don’t have an outdoor space large enough to construct a proper bonfire, fire pits are great alternatives. Coming in a variety of styles from bowls to cages, a fire pit will set the right atmosphere for the night and give you somewhere to burn your homemade Guy Fawkes.
The main spectacle of the night, fireworks are what everyone looks forward to. In recent years, sparklers have also joined the list of bonfire night traditions alongside glow sticks or glowing bracelets, headbands, or swords, providing plenty of fun for children.
Give your legs a rest with outdoor chairs and be sure there are enough for all your guests. If the weather isn’t looking brilliant, it may be a good idea to assemble the gazebo or pop up the parasol to prevent brief showers from dampening the mood. If you want to add a magical touch to the evening, invest in some outdoor lighting and drape them over fences, decking, or bushes to create an enchanting atmosphere before the big show.
If the traditional sweet-tooth treats like toffee apples and sticky ginger cake aren’t enough, make use of the fire by roasting marshmallows on skewers. For something more savoury, sausages are always a winner. If your fire pit comes with a grill or you can hang a tripod grill on top, then wrap potatoes in foil and place them above the flames for tasty jackets or go for a full BBQ with burgers and buns. Cut a slice down the length of a banana (with the peel still on), place cubes of chocolate inside, then wrap it in foil and cook it for a couple of minutes on each side for a yummy banana split.
Safety should be a priority when planning your bonfire night to keep everything running smoothly and everyone having fun. Position your fire pit away from shrubbery or tall grass and ensure flammable objects are kept away. If you’re using fireworks, read all of the safety instructions and make sure your guests are standing at a safe distance when you light them. Children should be supervised at all times around the fire and with sparklers. For more advice, read our article on how to stay safe on Bonfire Night.
Our furry companions might not be comfortable with all the loud noises and excitement. Make sure you think about your pets when planning your evening of fun. There are various treats, spot-ons, sprays, and more, all designed to help combat anxiety within your pet to help soothe and keep them calm during your's or your neighbour's firework display.
Another thing you must be aware of before lighting up your bonfire is any wildlife that may have crawled inside as you're building it or waiting to start your evening. Many small animals, especially hedgehogs, make their homes in piles of logs, and so mistake your bonfire for somewhere warm and safe to sleep for the night. Before lighting your bonfire, make sure you lift the base up and listen for any noise that may indicate something living inside. If possible, you should ideally move and shift the entire pile, disturbing logs and creating noise that will wake up small critters. You can use a broom handle to lift logs from the base of the pile and make sure you use a torch to shine inside and carefully check for any signs of life. When lighting your bonfire, you should always light it from one side only, providing an escape route for hedgehogs or other animals, also that you might have missed. Learn more about The Range's Rewilding efforts here to find out how you can further protect wildlife.
Enjoy a fantastic night of sparling fireworks, warm flames and delicious food in your own garden with our Bonfire Night essentials - creating a night that you’re sure to remember, remember on the next 5th of November.
