5 Bizarre Bonfire Nights

Traditions of Weirdness

Living in Britain, it’s easy to forget how strange Bonfire Night actually is. Celebration was compulsory in the UK until 1859, and today it can also be seen in our former colonies of New Zealand and the Caribbean. If you're looking for something new, here are some of the best bonfire celebrations around Britain.

What: Tar Barrel Rolling
Where: Ottery St Mary, Devon

Not content with just setting huge piles of wood on fire, every year on November 5th flaming tar barrels are carried on backs through the picturesque streets of Ottery St Mary. The festival begins in the afternoon when children carry small barrels through the streets, culminating at midnight when the barrel size rises to 30kg. Also listen out at dawn, 1pm, and 4pm, when the streets are filled with locals firing ‘cannon’, hand held pieces of piping which are filled with gunpowder and fired to create a shocking flash and bang. For a break from the jostling crowds and the heat of the tar, in the fields surrounding the town there is a 30ft bonfire with a guy, as well as a fairground, and other entertainment.

http://www.otterytourism.org.uk/events.htm

What: Lewes Bonfire Night Celebrations
Where: Lewes, Sussex

A raucous night of flaming torches and ear-splitting bangers as seven chaotic drum-beating processions parade through the steep cobbled streets of this beautiful Sussex town. These parades jostle in fancy-dress, a town-wide competition fiercely fought amongst different factions, with an additional prize available for the best-dressed tourist. Whilst following the carnival, watch out for some groups dragging huge metal barrels full of burning tar down to the River Ouse, which are then ceremoniously thrown from the bridge. Finally, do save some energy for the end of the night and follow the crowd as it makes its way to the top of the surrounding hills for the bonfire, and a spectacular view of surrounding celebrations.

http://travelguides.lastminute.com/sisp/index.htm?fx=event&event_id=83559

What: Hatherleigh Carnival
Where: Hatherleigh, Devon

Torchlit processions through the ancient town, the mocking of effigies and a huge fancy dress shindig complete with crepe paper floats, Hatherleigh sells itself on being the biggest bonfire night event in Devon. It’s certainly the most unusual – not to say slightly reckless. Not content with simply carrying around flaming brands dipped in tar, the Hatherleigh Carnival also rolls large burning tar barrels through the high street, hotly followed by racing locals. And presumably a few firemen.

http://www.hatherleigh.net/carnival_index.asp

What: Battle Bonfire Night
Where: Battle, East Sussex

With a pedigree stretching back over 300 years, Battle’s version of Guy Fawkes is as outlandish a carnival as you’ll find this side of Rio. More than 30 bonfire societies link up for an enormous procession by torchlight through the quaint East Sussex town: expect to see as many pirates, matadors, Indians and Ghengis Khans as you will see 17th Century parliamentary terrorists. They’re more than happy for the public to join in too, so grab some fancy rags and get down.

battlebonfire.co.uk

What: Viking Fire Festival
Where: Tutbury Castle, Staffordshire

Unorthodox perhaps, but there may be some historical backing for Tutbury’s Viking themed bonfire night. Pagan Vikings would celebrate the beckoning winter with fires in every village to mock the harsh weather that was coming in their typically confrontational way: at Tutbury you can get more of the same, including a mock battle by Vikings, Nordic games – and fireworks, which we’re pretty sure were quite thin on the ground in tenth-century Norway.

01283 812129, tutburycastle.com