Your 7 essentials for Bonfire Night

Remember, remember… the 5th of November is Bonfire Night, when the dark sky crackles and glows in a rainbow of colour. If you’re hosting a party or heading to an event in celebration of the occasion, here’s our list of seven essentials to make sure the evening goes off with a bang.

1. Fireworks

If you’re putting on a display of your own, fireworks should always be purchased from licensed suppliers and you must make sure your garden is up for the job. For instance, there should be a minimum of 25 metres between spectators and fireworks, and they need to be set off on a flat surface free from obstacles, such as overhanging trees and overhead cables.

2. Sparklers

Sparklers are a staple of any Bonfire Night, especially for the little ones, who’ll have fun drawing pictures and writing words mid-air with their glowing sticks. But they can be dangerous, so kids must be supervised by adults and wear thick gloves.

3. Bonfire

A Bonfire Night party would be incomplete without a bonfire! As well as keeping you warm through the night, the bonfire can be used to toast marshmallows – try them sandwiched between chocolate digestives for a unique take on American S’mores.

4. Torch

Whether you’re loading up logs for the fire, lining up the next firework, or walking to and from the display, you’ll need to be equipped with a trusty torch. Make sure you have a spare set of batteries ready to go by using the GP PowerBank Charger U241.

Can’t find your torch? The GP Discovery Flashlight – LOE404 features a durable, rainproof casing and a long-lasting CREE LED light, with a runtime of up to 100,000 hours. It also has a strap, so you can loop it around your wrist whilst carrying those hot dogs!

5. A tasty tipple

If you’re putting on a party, you’ll want to please your guests on arrival with an aperitif - so why not prepare a batch of mulled wine or cider? Heat the alcohol in a large pan with cloves, star anise, cinnamon and slices of orange, and serve in a cup garnished with a cinnamon stick. For kids and non-drinkers, sub the cider or wine for apple juice to make a tipple that’s equally as tongue-tantalising!

6. Food to feed a crowd

If you’re planning to feed your guests, choose a one-pot dish you can prepare earlier in the day; you want minimal fuss, as you’ll be busy mingling. Rustle up something hearty and warming like an autumn stew, to serve with thick, crusty bread. If you have any leftover pumpkin from Halloween, throw it in!

7. Camera

Make sure you have a camera ready to capture the firework display. The GP PowerBank Mobile Charger 3C15A is a portable charger that can be used to boost your smartphone or digital camera. As you won’t be tied to a socket, you can power up safe in the knowledge that you won’t miss a single firework.

If you’re using a camera, play around with the long exposure when the kids are using the sparklers, as it will capture the shapes they draw. Just make sure that the camera’s light sensitivity (ISO) is turned right down and flash is off.

Once you’ve stocked up on these essentials, all that’s left to do is wrap up in your woollies and get ready to “ooh” and “ahh”!