Bonfire Night....sparks & thoughts

Tonight, the skies will light up with colour, crowds will gather, sparks will dance, noise and fun-filled chaos all around. For many, it’s a night of joy and tradition. But for others, it’s something quite different. The noise and unpredictability can stir anxiety, trauma, or painful memories. If that’s you, you’re not alone. It’s perfectly okay to close the curtains, keep the lights low, and protect your peace. Safety and calm are precious things.

Bonfire Night also carries an unsettling history. We remember Guy Fawkes as a villain, yet beneath that story lies betrayal, mistrust, and politics. He was part of a plot but not its leader, and over time, his name became a symbol of blame. The truth was reshaped to fit the narrative of power.

And we are still seeing that happen today....

After the tragic Doncaster train stabbings, grief quickly turned into anger and hate, especially toward immigrants and Muslims, long before any facts were known. When fear takes hold, truth becomes distorted, and innocent people bear the weight of that distortion. It’s a pattern we’ve seen across history, and it hurts us all.

Maybe tonight when staring into the fire🔥 we can feel the warmth and connection that a bonfire can bring🌑 but have compassion for those who find safety in the quiet, or who live with the consequences of being misunderstood.

Take care of yourself and each other tonight, however you choose to spend it.

“Does Bonfire Night bring you cheer or does it press your anxiety button?”