Error message

The requested page could not be retrieved. Please try again

THE BEST BONFIRE NIGHT TRADITIONS IN THE UK

Remember, remember the 5th November, gunpowder treason and plot

Guy Fawkes

 

Of all the many strange and peculiar traditions of Britain, none can quite hold a candle to that which takes place on the 5th November every year. The creation – and then the incineration – of homemade Guy Fawkes is both macabre and amusing. It is, it is fair to say, slightly odd to commemorate Fawkes’ failure to blow up parliament and King James I, by setting off loads of fireworks and creating towering infernos. Still, it is one of the great traditions of English life – and we are here for it.

From burning barrels in Lewes to turning the devil’s stone in Devon, we bring you the best bonfire night traditions from around the country. Just remember to wrap up warm.

WHAT TO WEAR

Battle, Sussex

Ever since St Mary’s Church allocated two shillings and six pence to commemorate the King’s deliverance, Bonfire night has been a big deal in Battle. Since 1646, various bonfire societies have battled it out – sometimes quite literally – to put on the best show. As well as a huge bonfire on Abbey Green, on which a topical hate figure is immolated, there are vast burning torch-lit processions through the town. This is all done in Saxon-style fancy dress, for reasons which escape us. Still, at least the Battel [SIC] Bonfire Boyes have given up the tradition of having a good fight on the night itself.

Otter St Mary, Devon

Why it is the tradition in Otter St Mary to carry burning tar barrels through the streets, no one can quite say. Some say it is to cleanse the streets of evil; some say it was just so the local chaps could show off. Either way, it is quite the sight. Each of the local pubs in the town centre sponsor a barrel and locals cover themselves in sack cloth and see how long they can keep hold of it before it gets too hot. Bonkers, surely; marvelous, definitely.

WRAP UP WARM

Here are some jolly British fragrances to keep you cosy this Bonfire Night.

BABYLON EDP 100ML VA

BABYLON

Lo, mystery and majesty! A city fragrant with warm vanilla, cedar and saffron.

£215
CONSTANTINOPLE EDP 100ML

CONSTANTINOPLE

A scent of the Queen of Cities. Florals meet earth, and worlds collide.

£215

Shebbear, Devon

One of the oddest Bonfire night customs in the country is to be found in the tiny village of Shebbear. It goes something like this: the church bells ring out a deliberately discordant peel, the vicar comes out and tells the legend of St Michael dropping a stone on the devil in the churchyard, and then everyone goes to the one-ton stone in front of the church and turns it around. The legend goes that if it is not turned then bad luck will befall the country. How they have shoe-horned Guy Fawkes into the thing we don’t quite understand, but they have and, well, why not.

Lewes, East Sussex

Lewes, East SussexShops are boarded up; pubs close down and the five Lewes bonfire societies march around the town in various ludicrous outfits – ranging from armour to the black and white striped tops beloved of burglars in cartoons – swinging burning torches. Admittedly, it sounds a little threatening – but in actual fact it is one of the funniest, family friendly events in the South.

 

SHOP ON

Further Reading

Ah, Halfeti – the jewel in Turkey’s crown. With its wonderful mix of Byzantine, Armenian, Egyptian and Ottoman heritage. And a town well-versed in trading with the world, too. Spices and so...

Read this article

It goes without saying that we are partial to a good cup of tea here at Penhaligon’s. But where did the British obsession with tea begin? We invited the founder of the Rare Tea Company, Henrietta Love...

Read this article

Just as wild animals mark their territory, a person’s fragrance extends the personal space they inhabit. Indeed, perfumes smell different depending on the wearer, so one must choose a fragrance tha...

Read this article

It’s been a few years since the esteemed Portraits family took permanent residence in Penhaligon’s stores around the world. The ever-growing Portraits fragrance collection continues to offer something...

Read this article

Have you ever paused to take in the scent of a fresh rose and felt instantly uplifted? This is no mere coincidence. Floral scents are scientifically proven to make one feel happier. A fragrance ca...

Read this article

An intoxicating smell as one enters. Unrivalled care and attention from fragrance experts. Every one of our boutiques has its hallmarks, but there is nothing more distinctly Penhaligon’s than our icon...

Read this article

Back in William’s day, any self-respecting London dandy could be found bouncing around between Jermyn Street and St. James's Street. Here, a gentleman’s every tailoring and grooming need could be tend...

Read this article

London’s Most Romantic Spots: Approved by Penhaligon’s Faint heart never won fair lady (or fair gentleman). This Valentine’s Day, it’s time to buck up your ideas and take your sweetheart on an outi...

Read this article

What a crying shame it would be to omit the telling of a tale such as this. A tale of the Prince of Perfumery. Call him William Penhaligon. He embarked on aplethora ofperegrinations. Some involved the...

Read this article

Penhaligon's is proud to introduce THE FAVOURITE The stage is set, the setting is Blenheim. The story concerns the mother of this majestic Palace. Her scent fills the Royal Quarters as gol...

Read this article