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SEN friendly Bonfire night celebration

BONFIRE NIGHT WITHOUT BANGS

Bonfire Night can be daunting to those who don’t like all the noise, so we have created a SEN friendly plan for the family to enjoy all that Bonfire night celebrations bring, without those big scary bangs…

 Garden Glow Night – Bonfire Fun Without the Bangs

🎯 Theme

A cosy, light-filled evening celebrating the spirit of Bonfire Night — all sparkle, no scares! Perfect for families, little ones, and furry friends.

🕖 Suggested Schedule (approx. 3 hours)

5:30 PM — Welcome & Warm-Up

  • Play gentle background music or a kids’ playlist.
  • Offer warm drinks and nibbles (hot chocolate,  warm juice, toffee apples, etc).
  • Let kids decorate their own LED lanterns or glow jars.

6:00 PM — Garden Glow Parade

  • Switch on fairy lights and lanterns.
  • Do a small walk around the garden or driveway “parade route” with LED lanterns and glow sticks.
  • Optional: play “walking music” or sing along to a fun tune.

6:30 PM — Firepit & Storytime Circle

  • Gather around a small firepit or chiminea (if safe), or use a fake LED fire bowl if you prefer no flame.
  • Tell a short, friendly version of the Guy Fawkes Gunpowder Plot story, or read a themed picture book (e.g. about bravery or light).
  • Toast marshmallows or make s’mores.

7:15 PM — Light & Shadow Play

  • Kids can play with glow sticks, torches, or coloured LED balloons.
  • Project gentle “firework” visuals on a wall or sheet — YouTube has silent fireworks or slow light shows.
  • Optional craft: make tissue-paper “firework art” (dip in glue and glitter for sparkly fun).

8:00 PM — Hot Chocolate Finale

  • Hand out warm drinks and snacks (popcorn, cookies).
  • Play a calm song or family singalong.
  • End with a group “thank you” and switch off lights together for a 10-second “night sparkle” countdown with everyone waving glow sticks. 🌈

🧺 Setup Checklist

✅ Fairy lights & battery lanterns
✅ Glow sticks / LED wands
✅ Firepit or LED “fake fire”
✅ Marshmallows, skewers, cookies, chocolate
✅ Hot chocolate or warm apple/ orange juice station
✅ Storybook or short script
✅ Blankets & cushions
✅ Speaker for soft music
✅ Pet treats and a quiet corner

🐶 Pet-Friendly Tips

  • Keep a quiet indoor area open with soft music and familiar smells.
  • Avoid crackling wood or sparklers near animals.
  • Encourage guests to arrive quietly and not bring fireworks of their own.

Here’s hoping your Bonfire Night goes great without the Bangs!

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