Bonfire Night in Australia, celebrated in July, offers a unique twist to the traditional Guy Fawkes Night celebrated in November in the UK.
Celebrations in the UK involve the burning of an effigy to represent Guy Fawkes. The burning of ‘the Guy’ on a bonfire is a central part of the festivities, symbolising the punishment of Fawkes and his co-conspirators. The event is accompanied by fireworks displays, bonfires, and entertainment.
The celebration was brought to Australia by British colonists. Known here as Guy Fawkes Night, Bonfire Night or Cracker Night, it was widely observed until the late 1970s when public fireworks sales were banned due to safety concerns and the risk of bushfires.
Much of Australia didn’t observe Guy Fawkes Night on November 5th. Most states instead celebrated Cracker Night on the Queen’s Birthday weekend in June, and earlier generations lit their fireworks and bonfires in May, on what was known as Empire Day. That was mostly down to the climate as you might set a bushfire raging if you lit a bonfire in November.
Cracker Night continues to be celebrated in the Northern Territory. It evolved into Territory Day celebrations on 1st July, commemorating the territory achieving self-government in 1978. The holiday has been commemorated with fireworks since the early 1980s. Popularly still known as Cracker Night, Territorians are provided five hours to legally blow up fireworks without needing a permit or special training, the only instance of its kind in Australia.
Guy Fawkes Night was cancelled in Queensland in the 1970s after a string of serious burn injuries. In 2013, the Young Liberal National Party raised the idea of bringing back Cracker Night in Queensland. But it was ruled out by the government of the day. Minister Andrew Cripps said: “There were always incidents that occurred on Cracker Night or Guy Fawkes Night, which sometimes left people with permanent serious injuries and disabilities.” But in recent years, Bonfire Night has been revived in various forms in Queensland, particularly during July.
For instance, the Sandstone Point Hotel hosts an annual Bonfire Night in early July. This event has become a family-friendly celebration featuring food trucks, fire twirlers, marshmallow roasting, fire combat performers, kids’ rides, campfire singalongs, and live entertainment. The night concludes with a spectacular fireworks display and the lighting of two large bonfires.
Sandstone Point Hotel’s Bonfire Night on July 13th, promises an exciting evening with live music, delicious food, drinks, and a variety of family-friendly activities. The event will feature fireworks, fire twirlers, and a spectacular bonfire to light up the night. Guests can enjoy food from numerous stalls, sip on beverages from pop-up bars, and groove to live performances by popular bands. The event typically attracts a large crowd and offers a lively atmosphere for all ages.
Killarney, a town in Queensland, also celebrates Bonfire Night as part of its Jumpers and Jazz in July festival. The Killarney Bonfire Night is set for July 20th at the Killarney Showgrounds. This annual event is a highlight in the Southern Downs, featuring unique fire pit designs from metal artists, live music, fire twirlers, and a grand fireworks display. The event will include a Fire Drum Competition, where participants can showcase their creative fire pit designs, ranging from functional family ‘spot-fire’ drums to intricate artistic pieces. The evening begins with the lighting of smaller fire pits, followed by the main bonfire and various performances. Local food trucks and community groups will provide a variety of food and drink options, including mulled wine to keep guests warm.
In New South Wales, Georges River FC in Oyster Bay hosts an annual Cracker Night where Oyster Bay Oval comes alive with a fireworks extravaganza. Cracker Night, which will take place on Saturday, 17th August, is a major fundraising event for their football team. As well as the fireworks, plans for the night included a glow bar, popcorn, mulled wine, hot chocolate, fairy floss and BBQ. For details, go to Facebook.com/GeorgesRiverFC.
In Tasmania, the tradition still holds strong, with celebrations including fireworks and bonfires. Tasmania celebrates Cracker Night on May 24th, and it continues to delight many locals with displays of pyrotechnics and community festivities.
Hobart’s Cracker Night fireworks had to be cancelled this year due to predicted wet weather. However, Cracker Night was celebrated with the Geneva Bonfire and Fireworks in Latrobe, the Glen Derwent Tea Rooms Cracker Night in New Norfolk and the Redbanks Cracker Night in Nugent.
Willie Smith’s Mid-Winter Festival, also known as the Huon Valley Mid-Winter Festival, is a beloved event in Tasmania, held annually in July at Willie Smith’s Apple Shed in the Huon Valley. Highlights include the burning of the effigy of Big Willie, as well as performances by folk and punk bands, Morris dancers leading the wassail, a bonfire, costume competitions, apple pie eating contests, and roving performances.
The festival, scheduled for July 12th and 13th, will mark its final installment, bringing together a vibrant mix of music, storytelling, and communal rituals. This festival has become a cornerstone of winter celebrations in Tasmania, drawing locals and visitors alike to enjoy a blend of traditions and contemporary festivities, all while sipping on warm spiced cider.
Every year, Guy Fawkes Night is celebrated on November 5th at The Fox and Hounds in Mount Tamborine, Queensland. Celebrations will include a bonfire, fireworks and feasting. Be welcomed by Morris Dancers before dining, then witness the fireworks and see what happens to Guy. Come dressed in period dress, or even as Guy Fawkes himself!
Anglo&Celtic 