Holmbury St Mary's Bonfire Night

Nestled in the Hills and surrounded by the largest area of common land in Surrey, lies a village called Holmbury St Mary. It's only a tiny village but boasts a large Victorian church, three pubs, three schools and is home to the UCL Department of Space and Climate Physics, Mullard Space Science Laboratory.

Every year the locals hold a firework display like no other. Each year has a theme and a pageant. The Bonfire Boys, as they are known, build firework structures which are set off to tell a story. This year was Jubilee Year and the Olympics. A blazing Queen made her entry first, Olympic rings of fire, rowing boats and a spectacular blazing man armed with a shot gun fired other fireworks from the sky. These amonst other scenes, totally built and wired together by the Bonfire Boys to provide an evening like no other.
I started by photographing the final preparations this morning and returned for the event this evening. The Guy on the huge bonfire was a work of art in itself.
In less than an hour, months of planning and hard work were set off and burnt for the appreciative crowd. My images are for the local community and I will be putting them on line over the next couple few days. I will link them as soon as they are ready. Unfortunately, I came home late so haven't gone through all the photos to find themed images.

The event is self funding. Programs and donations pay, not only for the fireworks for the next year, but the excess goes to help the elderly in the village and other local causes.

If you are ever in the area at this time of year, forget the excessive Brockham event. This is an unmissable show!