Guy Fawkes night

A DigitalNZ Story by Courtney Johnston

I grew up on a farm on a long straight road that led from almost the heart of New Plymouth to a gravelled turn-around at the foot of the Taranaki Ranges. Across the road from our house was the Mangorei Cricket Club. Every Guy Fawkes, farmer dads would cart loads of lumber offcuts and fallen trees and the odd piece of unwanted furniture to the club grounds, and an enormous bonfire would be assembled. Come Guy Fawkes night, the whole road would gather. Parents stood round and gossiped, kids ran about with sparklers or - the older ones - double-happies. Catherine wheels were nailed to a post and set off; someone's dad would always stuff up a few rockets, sending them bouncing along the grass instead of into the air. Deep blue sky overhead, long cold grass under your feet, the crackling smoking heat of the bonfire, the joy of inscribing your name in space with a stick of sparkling light - Guy Fawkes was magic.

Image: Guy Fawkes night II

Guy Fawkes night II

Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki

Image: Guy Fawkes at Wakefield

Guy Fawkes at Wakefield

Nelson Photo News

Image: Guy Fawkes Remembered

Guy Fawkes Remembered

Nelson Photo News

Image: Guy Fawkes Day

Guy Fawkes Day

Nelson Photo News

Image: Guy Fawkes Remembered

Guy Fawkes Remembered

Nelson Photo News

Image: Evans Bay & Fireworks

Evans Bay & Fireworks

Kete Horowhenua

Image: Evans Bay & Fireworks

Evans Bay & Fireworks

Kete Horowhenua

Image: Naval fireworks in Greece

Naval fireworks in Greece

Auckland Libraries