Rockets and roaring flames as Stratford gets ready for bonfire night at the rugby club

2 hours ago

The Bonfire Night at Stratford Rugby Club consistently captivates huge crowds, who flock to the event to soak in the festive vibe, watch the crackling bonfire, and admire a sky illuminated by shimmering fireworks in various shapes, sizes, and colors.

Preparing for the big night begins soon after last year's event wraps up and requires more than 80 volunteers.

Tom Stowe is one of the dedicated volunteers who also coaches the mini and junior teams at the rugby club. He appeared to be the perfect person to talk to about what’s involved in organizing one of the most exciting events in the area, which is happening again this Sunday, November 3rd, starting at 5 PM.

"The bonfire and fireworks event at Stratford Rugby Club originated in the late 1960s and has become an essential fundraiser for the volunteer-operated amateur sports club. Every penny earned goes toward maintaining the facilities, purchasing training gear, and supporting volunteer training. Last year, some of the funds raised were used to install a new defibrillator and cabinet in partnership with the Community Heartbeat Trust," Tom Stowe shared with the Herald.

Naturally, the highlight of the evening is the spectacular 20-minute fireworks show that wraps things up. However, as Tom points out, there are many activities and attractions to enjoy before the first firework lights up the sky.

"There will be plenty of activities for kids, including different carnival rides, the lighting of the bonfire, a fire-breathing performance, delicious hot meals and mulled wine for the grown-ups, and to top it all off, a grand finale of fireworks and live music," Tom mentioned.

Thoughtful organization plays a crucial role in getting the bonfire ready. The days of just tossing an old mattress onto the heap are behind us. Now, the materials come from a single, regulated source, thanks to a local farmer who helps gather everything, and volunteers are diligent in ensuring that wildlife is safe. The bonfire display itself is once again overseen by Pyro2000, a company that has collaborated with the rugby club for about 15 years.

There’s plenty of food and drinks to choose from, including barbecue and hog roast, wild venison burgers, fries, fish and chips, Portuguese-style chicken with loaded fries, as well as a selection of wine, cider, beer, tea, and coffee.

With the bonfire celebration just around the corner, Tom expressed his gratitude: “We want to extend our thanks to the people of Stratford and the surrounding community for backing our event, and we can’t wait to see you all on Sunday.”

Stratford's Bonfire Night will take place on Sunday, November 3rd.

Gates will open at 5 PM, with the bonfire starting at 6 PM and fireworks scheduled for 7 PM. Ticket prices are as follows: Adults: £6.50, children under 15: £3.50, and kids under three can enter for free.

Join us for the Alcester Rugby Club Bonfire Night Festival on Friday, November 1st, starting at 6 PM.

Enjoy live performances by Pat from the Texan Peacocks, a wide array of delicious hot food, a dazzling fireworks display set to music, family-friendly activities, and exciting fairground rides.

Birmingham Road in Kings Coughton, Alcester

Join us on Friday, November 1st for the Shipston Sports Club's yearly bonfire and fireworks event!

Gates will open at 5 PM, the bonfire will be started at 6:30 PM, and the fireworks show is set for 7 PM.

Delicious eats, tunes, a full bar, treats, spiced wine, raffle draws, carnival games, and plenty more.

Shipston Sports and Social Club, located at 21 London Road, CV36 4EP.

Admission prices are £5.04 for adults, £3.41 for children, and youngsters under the age of five can enter for free.

Kineton - Saturday, November 2nd

The entrance opens at 5:30 PM, the bonfire will be started at 6:00 PM, and the fireworks display is set for 6:30 PM.

Grill, lounge area, and light-up toys.

Kineton Primary School, located at CV35 OHS.

Admission prices are £6.50 for adults, £4.50 for kids, and free for children under five years old.

Southam Rugby Club is hosting a Halloween and Bonfire Night celebration on Saturday, November 2nd, starting at 6 PM.