There’s something magical about Bonfire Night in Reeth — that mix of firelight, cold air, and excitement that seems to bring the whole village together. This year’s celebration was no exception. As the afternoon faded into evening, a buzz began to build around the green, with people arriving wrapped up in scarves and hats, drawn by the smell of woodsmoke and the promise of a spectacular show.
I decided to photograph the evening from Low Common, a favourite spot of mine that offers a sweeping view across the green and up to the surrounding hills. From there, I could see everything unfold — the crowd gathering, the bonfire being prepared, and later, the fireworks bursting high above the rooftops. And I have to say, this year’s display was easily the best I’ve seen in many years.
The bonfire was huge — a roaring, crackling blaze that threw out waves of heat even from a distance. Flames danced against the dark sky, sending a shower of sparks twisting upward into the November air. The reflections of the firelight played across the faces of the crowd, and that warm orange glow felt almost alive as it flickered across the damp cobbles and stone walls. The atmosphere was wonderful: laughter, the smell of toffee and smoke, and that unmistakable feeling of shared excitement that only happens on nights like this.
Then came the fireworks.
The first few bursts lit up the sky in quick succession — silver, gold, and deep red, their echoes rumbling around the valley. From my vantage point, I could see them bloom above the village and shimmer in the reflections of puddles on the green. Photographing fireworks is always unpredictable, but every shot seemed to offer something spectacular — wide bursts of colour hanging in the air, sparkling trails fading into darkness, and the silhouettes of onlookers frozen in wonder.
Between the bursts of light, I turned my lens toward the people who helped make the evening safe and smooth. The Reeth firefighters were on hand throughout, keeping a close watch on the bonfire and crowd. I managed to capture a few shots of them at work — standing in the glow of the firelight, silhouettes outlined against the flames, calm and focused as ever. Their quiet presence made all the difference; they’re the sort of reassuring figures you almost take for granted until you stop to think how essential they are to community events like this.
The mix of fire and fireworks made for an incredible display, and the atmosphere down on the green was one of pure enjoyment. Families huddled together, children waved sparklers, and neighbours exchanged smiles as the colours exploded overhead. Every few moments, the crowd would erupt in applause as another perfectly timed burst lit up the whole valley. It was one of those nights where you could feel everyone around you sharing the same simple joy — and in a place like Reeth, that sense of togetherness is something special.
Looking back at the photographs, I’m certain this was the best Bonfire Night Reeth has seen in years. The display was superb, the setting perfect, and the community spirit unmistakable. From the first spark to the final ember, it was a night that lit up more than just the sky — it reminded everyone what makes life in the Dales so special.
