Best Bonfire Night Traditions

There’s something uniquely British about Bonfire Night. The smell of woodsmoke, the cold seeping into your socks, and someone shouting “Wheee!” every time a firework goes up. It’s not just about Guy Fawkes – although he does still make a slightly creepy appearance on top of a few burning effigies. It’s about community, nostalgia, and the shared joy of watching the sky erupt in colour.

At Anfield Fireworks, we take Bonfire Night seriously. Very seriously. So we’ve pulled together some of the best traditions to help you celebrate the fifth of November in style – safely, of course.

Fireworks (Obviously)

Let’s start with the obvious one. You can’t have Bonfire Night without fireworks. They’re the whole point, really. And while public displays are brilliant (we’ve got a whole post about the best fireworks displays around the UK if you’re interested), there’s something extra special about a private show.

Planning your own display? You don’t need to overthink it. Just check out our ready-to-go firework sets. We’ve done the hard part for you.

Building the Bonfire

A proper Bonfire Night needs, well… a bonfire. Simple, right? Pile up some wood, make sure it’s safe, and light it as the sun goes down. It warms the fingers, lights the faces, and sets the tone for the night.

We always recommend following safety guidelines (obviously), and never using accelerants. Also, triple check that no wildlife has crawled in for a nap. It’s happened before, and no one wants to be that person.

Guy Fawkes Effigies

This one’s… odd, when you really think about it. But it’s tradition.

Making a Guy is something kids used to do with old clothes, stuffing them with newspaper or straw. Some still do it, especially in smaller towns or at school events. There’s often a strange pride in making the most horrifying Guy possible. The more melted he looks by the end of the night, the better.

We’re not saying it’s normal. Just that it’s time-honoured.

Toffee Apples (and the Other Food Stuff)

Toffee apples are a bit of a trap. You bite into one thinking you’re getting a sweet treat, and suddenly you’re in a battle for your dental health. Still, they’re iconic. It wouldn’t be Bonfire Night without someone crunching awkwardly through one.

Other classics? Hot dogs, jacket potatoes wrapped in foil, treacle toffee, and mugs of something warm. And in Liverpool you can’t forget to add a big pan of scouse for your guests! 

Sparklers in the Garden

Sparklers are the gateway firework. Perfect for kids (with gloves) and adults who just want a nostalgic moment. There’s something meditative about writing your name in the air.

Just keep a bucket of water nearby, and don’t be the one waving it two inches from someone’s face.

The Bonfire Night Playlist

Underrated but essential. Whether you’re setting fireworks to music or just need a vibe while people are arriving, a good playlist makes everything better.

You can go thematic (anything with “fire” in the title), or just build a mix of dramatic movie scores, 80s power ballads, and spooky tunes. One year we heard someone use the Gladiator soundtrack for their fireworks. It worked.

Fancy Dress (Yes, Really)

It might not be Halloween, but Bonfire Night has its own costume vibes. Think witches’ cloaks recycled from the week before, big scarves, knitted hats, and fingerless gloves. If you show up in anything resembling a Guy Fawkes mask, people will either think you’re political or late to the party. Possibly both.

Writing Your Name in the Air (Or Attempting To)

It deserves its own mention. Sparklers aren’t just sparklers – they’re an art form. You’ve probably tried to write your name, taken a blurry photo, and sworn it looked better in person.

We still do it. No shame.

Talking About the Weather

Not technically a tradition, but come on. It’s the UK. You can’t have an outdoor celebration in November without at least five conversations about the weather.

“Not as cold as last year.”

“Was supposed to rain, but it held off.”

“You should’ve brought a thicker coat.”

That sort of thing.

Leaving With One Glove

A quiet little ritual. You arrive with both gloves, somehow leave with just one. No one ever finds the missing one. It’s a mystery as old as time. If this happens to you, congratulations – you’ve celebrated Bonfire Night properly.

Keep the Spirit, Lose the Chaos

We love tradition. We really do. But we’re also big fans of safety, common sense, and knowing when to call it a night. Bonfire Night doesn’t have to be total chaos. A bit of planning goes a long way.

Whether you’re heading to a big community event or lighting a few rockets in your own garden, we’ve got what you need. Anfield Fireworks is here for it all – big bangs, little pops, and everything in between.

Happy Bonfire Night. Stay warm. Keep both gloves on. Try not to eat the whole bag of treacle toffee in one go.