Bonfire Night 2008

Friday, 7th November was a night to remember. Our annual Bonfire Night excelled all previous years. People arrived to the sound of a Scottish bagpiper as the tempting smell of the barbeque drifted across the illuminated school grounds. A man on stilts greeted them as they entered the gates.

Many activities were on offer: pony rides, face painting and a bouncy castle kept the children occupied while their parents and friends could enjoy a cup of glühwein and sample the food that was available. Bratwurst, burgers and chicken from the barbecue as well as cakes, crepes and waffles for those with a sweet tooth.

A brief welcome speech was made by Mrs. Preus and Mrs. Arthur explaining the tradition behind Bonfire Night: it celebrates the unsuccessful attempt by a man named Guy Fawkes to blow up the House of Parliament in London in 1605.

The traditional lantern walk was led by Mrs. Preus through the woods, each child carrying the lantern they had made the previous week.

Of course, no Bonfire Night is complete without a bonfire and ours was no exception. Crowds gathered round to warm themselves against the cold November air.

Two of our students, Yilsu and Oliver, put on two magic shows in our music studio. They have been practising together for a number of months and their performances have become quite popular at our regular events.

A professional magician and fire eater was also on the programme, and after giving some insider tips to Oliver and Yilsu, he stunned his audience with his show of Magic Fire.

Local Irish band Midnight Court were performing at regular intervals, entertaining visitors as they sat in the covered seating area enjoying their freshly cooked food and drinks.

At the end of the night, the spectacular firework display started, perfectly synchronised with the accompanying music. The audience was spellbound for the 15 minute duration of the show.

As the fireworks finished, the happy crowd started to disperse and a few stayed by the dying fire to bake fresh bread in the glowing embers.