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.
5. Ringing in the fun
Four-year-old Lucy Hitchcock and one-year-old Aimee Brudzinska from Mansfield take turns ringing the bell on a fairground ride at the 2006 Portland College bonfire display Photo: Iconic Media Group
6. Hold on tight
Families enjoy the bright lights and fairground rides at the 2006 Portland College bonfire and fireworks display in Mansfield Photo: Iconic Media Group
7. Big smiles on a chilly night
Jennifer Corner and Kerry Barksby wrap up warm to enjoy the 2010 Bonfire Night festivities at the Mansfield Woodhouse Millennium Green, organized by Mansfield CVS Photo: Iconic Media Group
8. Sparkling times
Eight-year-old Ashton Buttery lights up the night as he waves a sparkler during the 2016 fireworks display at Debdale Lane Sports Ground Photo: Iconic Media Group