Tomorrow night is bonfire night—and although I usually post on Sundays, last night I was at Battersea Park’s fireworks night, and I was there enjoying the show!

I was a little worried that the family-friendly night would be a little boring, but there was tons to do – at least 15 food trucks, a carnival-like amusement park, a live brass band playing jazz and pop hits, and of course, a fireworks show.

Guy Fawkes Night is traditionally November 5^th, but more and more commercial venues have been planning the celebration for the weekend before or after.

It’s a celebration that, when I first moved to London, I didn’t get—this is a celebration of the time that someone almost attacked parliament, but their attempt was foiled? We don’t really have anything similar in Canada, and the premise of being happy that something didn’t happen felt odd. Like celebrating waking up in the morning—of course, we’re never guaranteed that life will go the way we want it, but we assume (or maybe hope) that the worst things won’t happen. Is life continuing on as it normally does something to celebrate?

Well, yes—and it’s the closest thing I think that Brits have to patriotism. They have no independence day (in fact, most countries I’ve seen that celebrate their independence are celebrating being independent from the British). They have St. George’s day, but I’ve never seen anyone celebrate beyond enjoying the bank holiday. So instead, we have this; the day a terrorism attempt was foiled. Huzzah!

If you’re going out tomorrow night, I highly suggest:

Go early, to secure a good spot.

A warm coat is a must. I wore my between-seasons coat, and I underestimated how much of bonfire night is standing still, looking up at the sky…on a cold November night. Layers are a non-negotiable!

Stay away from teens with their own fireworks. Nothing ageist here—when I think back to playing with fireworks as a teen, I’m surprised no one lost an eye. Make sure you don’t either!

Don’t obsess over getting photos. (I know this is hypocritical, all my photos are here in the post!) Trust me when I say—you’ll never rewatch that footage, beyond your Instagram story. Take one or two for memories, of course; but remember to enjoy the show while it happens!

That’s it for me. Happy bonfire night, and as always, happy travels!