Since 2006, Dulwich College Beijing has brought the English tradition of “Bonfire Night” to the community. Once again, tickets are on sale for this year’s November 5 festivities, from 5:30-7:30pm at their Legend Garden Campus.
But what is Bonfire Night? From Dulwich:
In 1605 in England, a group of 13 men decided that they did not agree with King James I and his leadership. They plotted to blow up the Houses of Parliament, hoping to kill the King, the Prince of Wales and the Members of Parliament. The conspirators collected 36 barrels of gunpowder and lay them in the cellars beneath the House of Lords.As the group worked on the plot, some of them realized that many innocent people would be hurt and had second thoughts. They leaked the plans to the authorities.
Guy Fawkes was in the cellar with the 36 barrels of gunpowder when the authorities stormed it. He was captured and executed.
Bonfires were set alight to celebrate the safety of the King. Since then, November 5 has become known as “Guy Fawkes” or “Bonfire Night.” The occasion is commemorated every year with bonfires and fireworks.
This event (sponsored by Beijing Aier-Intech Eye Hospital) is for the entire community to come and enjoy a relaxed evening, as well as to remember their old traditions or learn new ones. But it’s also a time to remember those who need our support. The school parent association, Friends of Dulwich, will donate all profits made to Dian Tian Yi, a 14-year-old orphan boy from China Little Flower Projects who desperately needs heart surgery.
Tickets for “Bonfire Night” are available for the community until Monday, October 31. Cost is RMB 120 for adults and RMB 80 for children, which include the evening meal, drink, and bonfire celebration. They can be purchased from Dulwich Campus Reception or by e-mailing Joanne Ross at Joanne.Ross@dulwich-beijing.cn. Bus service from the Sanlitun area is available.
Please note that the originally scheduled concert by The Beijing Youth Orchestra immediately following at 7:45pm has been postponed until January.
