Decades ago, the lead-up to November 5th was defined by weeks of community hustle – local kids wheeling old sofas to the neighborhood waste ground and fiercely guarding their timber stash from rival streets.
From the massive crowds at Berry Hill Park to the tight-knit fires in the Ashfield pit villages, Bonfire Night was a time of itchy woolen mittens, foil-wrapped spuds, and a sky lit entirely by community magic.
Rekindle those memories and take a look back at our archive of old photos from bonfire night’s past.
1. Sparks of nostalgia
Sisters Jessica and Geri Wooff, aged 13 and seven, pictured at the 2006 Portland College bonfire and fireworks display in Mansfield Photo: Iconic Media Group
2. Ready for a whirl
Rob and Miley Allsop alongside Jessica and Stephanie Ball, pictured ready to ride the Waltzer back in 2017 Photo: Iconic Media Group
3. Turning up the heat
Miss Mansfield was on hand to help kick off the festivities at Portland College's packed bonfire night back in 2006 Photo: Iconic Media Group
4. Bright eyes and bright lights
11-month-old Josephine Taylor, from Mansfield Woodhouse, is mesmerised by her toy light ball at a Mansfield bonfire display back in 2006 Photo: Iconic Media Group