"Remember, remember the fifth of November...

"Remember, remember the fifth of November, gunpowder, treason and plot."

It's Guy Fawkes day, or Bonfire night, and that is what we would chant as children, waving our sparkler in gloved hand. Over 400 hundred years ago Guy Fawkes was part of an unsuccessful plot to blow up the Houses of Parliament (or was that Houses of Lords?) and kill King James, and it's still a custom to celebrate the King's escape from death on that November 5th night in 1605.

It's not celebrated or acknowledged here in Australia...at least I haven't seen or heard anything in my part of the woods. November 5th symbolised the real start of Winter for me when we lived in the UK. As kids we would alternate between bonfire parties and fire works at home and a visit to an organised event where we would ooh and aahh watching the rockets, catherine wheels and jumping jacks. We would be wrapped up in umpteen layers, wellingtons on our feet, listening to the whistles, crackles and hissing of the fireworks. Then the bonfire would be lit and we would be treated to a toffee apple whilst gazing at the amazing glow of the fire for what seemed like hours. Fireworks seemed to be exclusive to November 5th when I was younger which made the night even more special and memorable.

photo credit Nic Suzer

Here is Brisbane the fireworks are out in their splendour for Riverfire which is held in September as part of the Brisbane Festival. About half a million people line the banks of the Brisbane river to watch the spectacular display of fireworks and to see the F-111 jets zoom past. We watched it this year at home on TV and ran outside to see the jets thunder past and light up the sky - what a sight...and noise!

Keep safe those who are out with the bonfires and fireworks, and light a sparkler for me! x