Skip to content
SQUIBBING

SQUIBBING

Although I appreciate that November 5th is a couple of months away as yet, in our world it is never too early to start thinking about Bonfire Night.

Immediately following the assassination attempt on King James I on 5th November 1605, he decreed that everyone should henceforth ‘celebrate deliverance from the conspiracy by lighting a bonfire each year on the date of Guy Fawkes treachery … lest we should forget’.

Epic Fireworks - Standard Fireworks Guy Fawkes

There are a number of Bonfire societies who can trace their origins back to the early 17th century but none more so than the Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival. The region was believed to be staunchly protestant (Church of England) which is probably the rational behind their dedication to ensuring that the practice of Bonfire lighting has continued. ‘Squibs’ were traditional, simple and straightforward to produce and looked like a candle but had a gerb/fountain effect but without the ‘shoots flaming balls’ effects. The squib was attached to a stout pole (like a brush stale) which is referred to as a Cosh and held aloft alongside other ‘squibbers’.

Old Standard Fireworks No Smoking Poster

The carnival is preceded at the beginning of October with a series of Carnival Concerts raising funds for the event and in support of local and national charities. There are processions and parades, street entertainment and food and drink concessions available and a huge ‘GUY’ is built and it is drawn through the town before being sat atop the Bonfire.

Today’s ‘Bridgwater Squibs’ are made today to a special formula by a leading manufacturer exclusively for the Bridgwater Carnival. Once they are all loaded into their respective ‘cosh’, at the end of the parade, the ‘squibbing display’ will take place on the High Street. Usually there are two rows of 150 people holding their squib’s aloft which once lit create a spectacular sight … which has been going on here for hundreds of years.

Old Benwell Firework Poster

The event aims to raise much needed funding for both local and national charitable organizations.

Entering its 410th year, long may the tradition continue, thanks to the dedicated support of the people of Bridgwater.

Standard Firework Posters

Related Posts

Get Ready for the 2024 Malta International Fireworks Festival
Get Ready for the 2024 Malta International Fireworks Festival
Get ready to witness the skies of Malta ablaze with the brilliance of fireworks as the 22nd edition of the Malta Inte...
Read More
Bournemouth Summer Fireworks 2024: A Guide to the Spectacular Seaside Displays
Bournemouth Summer Fireworks 2024: A Guide to the Spectacular Seaside Displays
As the summer months approach, Bournemouth prepares to light up the night sky with its renowned summer fireworks disp...
Read More
The Return of Red Arrows and Fireworks: Cleethorpes Armed Forces Weekend 2024
The Return of Red Arrows and Fireworks: Cleethorpes Armed Forces Weekend 2024
As summer approaches, the anticipation for the Cleethorpes Armed Forces Weekend (AFW) continues to build, promising a...
Read More
Previous article Firework Champions 2024: Belvoir Castle, Rutland

Leave a comment

Comments must be approved before appearing

* Required fields