Bonfire Night begins with bang!

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Christopher Mesnard
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  For Americans visiting the U.K., there are many opportunities to enjoy local traditions. The time is upon us to take part in one of the more extravagant celebrations - Bonfire Night.

Also known as Guy Fawkes Night, or just simply the 5th of November, the annual tradition celebrates a foiled plot meant to destroy the House of Parliament during a session, which would have killed members of Parliament and King James I.

The night is now celebrated throughout England. RAF Mildenhall and RAF Lakenheath are in prime locations for their active-duty personnel and families to take part in this British tradition.

Many of these celebrations host bonfire lightings and fireworks displays, in addition to various other activities at each specific event.

As with any festivity, it is important to observe the local customs both safely and legally. Here are a few tips to help you and your loved ones celebrate.

1. Keep your pets safe: The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals recommends keeping animals indoors during Bonfire Night. More tips on this topic can be found at www.rspca.org.uk PhobiaCouldBeAThingOfThePastForYourDog.

2. Know the law: When and where you can shoot off fireworks in the U.K. differs from the U.S. The key points to remember: midnight is the cutoff for fireworks on Bonfire Night, and do not set them off in the street or public places. More rules can be found at www.gov.uk/fireworks-the-law.

3. Fire safety: It's important to follow all safety guidelines, especially when attending events which involve bonfires and fireworks. If you decide to host your own Bonfire Night event, review the laws before lighting that match. Find safety guidelines for bonfires at www.twfire.gov.uk/community-safety/prevention/campaigns/fireworks/advice/.

Though people are able to host their own Bonfire Night celebration, various communities and organizations are planning to host events on or around Nov. 5, some with professional displays sure to wow! Below is a list of some of the scheduled events located practically in RAF Mildenhall and RAF Lakenheath's back yard.

Nov. 1

Bury St. Edmunds:
Bury Rugby Club on Rougham Road. Gates open at 5:30 p.m., and the fireworks display starts at 7:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.bserufc.co.uk/location/.

Long Melford:
Big Night Out at Melford Hall Park. Gates open at 5:30 p.m.; a fire-walk begins at 6:15 p.m.; a bonfire, decorated with "Guys" made by local children, will be lit at 7:30 p.m. and a fireworks display starts at 8 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.longmelford.co.uk/Big%20Night%20Out/.

Stonham Aspal:
Stonham Barns on Pettaugh Road. Gates open at 4 p.m., and the fireworks display starts at 7:30 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.stonhambarnscomplex.co.uk/.

Nov. 2

Bury St. Edmunds:
Round Table Spectacular at the Abbey Gardens. Gates open at 6 p.m., and the fireworks display starts at 7:30 p.m. For more information, email chairman@buryroundtable.co.uk or call commercial at 01284 757490.

Hartest:
Hartest Preschool Bonfire and Fireworks at The Row. Gates open 5:30 p.m. For more information, email Yvonne Hamilton at info@hartestpreschool.co.uk.

Stanton:
Stanton Parish Council's Firework Spectacular at the Recreation Ground. Gates open at 6 p.m., the bonfire will be lit at 6:45 p.m., and the fireworks display starts at 7 p.m. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/pages/Stanton-Firework-Display/190574510994078.

Stowmarket:
Museum of East Anglian Life, on Iliffe Way, in Stowmarket. Gates open at 5:30 p.m., the bonfire will be lit at 7 p.m., and the fireworks display starts at 7:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.eastanglianlife.org.uk/whats-on/2013/11/02/bonfire-night-celebrations.html.

Nov. 5

Cambridge:
Midsummer Common, in Cambridge. Gates open at 6 p.m., and the fireworks display and bonfire start at 7:30 p.m. Allow plenty of time to arrive, due to the numbers expected and local road closures. Additionally, the River Cam will be closed to boats. For more information, visit www.cambridge.gov.uk/fireworks.

Beck Row:
Aspal Close in Beck Row. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and the fireworks display is at 6:30 p.m.

Nov. 8

Mildenhall:
Mildenhall Town Football Club, behind the Sainsbury in Mildenhall. Event begins at 7 p.m. and will include a fireworks display and bonfire. For more information, visit www.pitchero.com/clubs/mildenhalltown/calendar/fireworks-and-bonfire-140738.

Fordham:
Fordham Friends of Fordham School, market field on Collins Hill. Gates open at 7 p.m. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/friendsoffordham.

Nov. 9

Ely:
Ely XT Firework Spectacular between Barton Square and Board Street. Gates open at 5:30 p.m., the bonfire display starts at 6:15 p.m. and the fireworks display begins at 6:45 p.m. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/ely.xtillo#!/ElyXt/info.

Brettenham:
Brettenham Village Association's Fireworks in the Park at Old Buckenham School Hall. Gates open at 5:45 p.m., the bonfire will be lit at 6 p.m., and the fireworks display starts at 7 p.m. For more information, visit www.obh.co.uk/.