It’s that time of year when the British sky crackles with light and smoke, and the smell of gunpowder drifts through the air — Bonfire Night is here.

From big-city firework festivals to little village bonfires where neighbours share jacket potatoes and roasted chestnuts, there’s something about this week that reminds us of home — warmth, togetherness, and a good fire at the heart of it all.

This issue’s a sparkler: a South African pyrotechnics legend lighting up UK skies, clever ways to stay warm without turning up the heat, and where to find the best free firework displays across the country.

So grab your scarf, pour something hot, and step outside for a moment. The night’s alive — and so, it seems, are we.

Energy prices still giving you the shivers? Here’s a clever fix that Brits swear by — and it costs next to nothing to run.

Pick up a plug-in heated throw (the UK’s best-kept winter secret). They warm up in minutes, cost roughly 3p an hour, and feel like being hugged by your gran’s electric blanket. Brands like Dreamland, Silentnight, and Lakeland make reliable ones that are machine-washable too.

It’s perfect for Bonfire Night — sit outside with cocoa, watch the fireworks, and keep your toes toasty while everyone else freezes.

Small switch, big comfort. You’ll wonder why you didn’t get one sooner.

🧣 Find a Heated Throw

Wherever you are, there’s a spark near you.
🎆 Alexandra Palace Fireworks Festival (London, 1–2 Nov) — lasers, live music, and food markets with skyline views.

🔥 Lewes Bonfire (East Sussex, 5 Nov) — the country’s wildest Bonfire Night; expect costumes, marching bands, and flaming torches.

🎇 Roundhay Park (Leeds, 5 Nov) — one of the biggest free displays in the north.

🐴 Durham Fire & Ice Festival (2–3 Nov) — family-friendly and full of magic.

And for the rugby fans among us:
🏉 The Springboks (South Africa) are back in the UK/Europe for their autumn internationals — including a massive clash: they take on Japan national rugby union team at Wembley Stadium in London on 1 November.

Also on the calendar: fixtures vs France national rugby union team, Italy national rugby union team, Ireland national rugby union team and Wales national rugby union team throughout November.

So whether you’ll be watching under fireworks or watching try-lines, there’s plenty to mark in your diary.

If you’ve ever gasped at a fireworks show that felt more like art than noise, you might’ve seen the work of Nick Mitri.

For over 30 years, this South African pyrotechnics maestro has been painting night skies across more than 30 countries — including right here in the UK. As founder of Fireworks for Africa, he’s lit up everything from the 2010 FIFA World Cup to international competitions in Italy, Belgium, Canada, and several UK wins that earned him global acclaim.

These days, his Johannesburg-based team is recognised as Africa’s most awarded fireworks company — but his flair for fusing precision with emotion has made him a standout on the world stage.

He’s proof that creativity knows no borders — just spark, colour, and a little African flair.

England are out — and South Africa are into their first ever Women’s ODI World Cup final after a thumping 125-run semi in Guwahati.

Captain Laura Wolvaardt smashed a breathtaking 169 (143), then Marizanne Kapp tore through England with 5–20. Class. Composure. History.

They’ll face India or Australia in Sunday’s final — and yes, we’re shouting for the Proteas. 💚 🏏

A round of applause for Mark, who wrote in asking us to add that beloved South African apricot jam to the SA Connect UK Shop. We heard you — and Koosie practically sprinted to get it on the shelf.

If you’ve been craving that familiar taste on toast, vetkoek, or straight off the spoon (no judgement here), you’ll find it waiting for you — proudly flying the flag among our growing range of SA comfort staples.

(And between us… we’ve also quietly added those heated throws everyone’s raving about. At this rate, the SA Shop’s becoming a full-on South African Survival Kit for UK living — one cosy, homesick-curing item at a time.)

Bonfire Night in the UK comes in every size imaginable — from grand displays at Blenheim Palace and London parks (think mulled wine, loaded chips, and fireworks choreographed to music) to tiny village bonfires where the whole community gathers for jacket potatoes, roasted chestnuts, and a few sparklers under woolly hats.

But honestly? You don’t have to go anywhere fancy. We’ve had some of our favourite nights right at home — friends gathered round the chiminea, Lidl fireworks stacked by the door, and a blowtorch standing in for a professional fuse.

Once the sky’s done its show, we roast marshmallows over the last glowing embers. The kids get sparklers, the grown-ups get cocoa or cider, and the dogs (mercifully) get to stay inside.

And yes — you can even order fireworks online now, delivered straight to your door. Aldi, Lidl, and a few specialist sites are all doing it this year. Big bangs, small gatherings — either way, Bonfire Night is pure magic when you make it your own.

If you’re lighting up the garden yourself, these trusted UK suppliers deliver fireworks straight to your door — all with solid safety ratings and nationwide delivery:

Stick to legal display hours, check local rules, and keep pets indoors. Then light up the night — safely and spectacularly.

Before you shell out for pricey tickets, check this: plenty of brilliant Bonfire Night displays across the UK are completely free.

From seaside shows to village greens, you’ll find hundreds of local events where the only thing you’ll spend is time with friends. The best round-up we’ve found comes from VisitEngland, which lists free and low-cost fireworks nights across the country — many with funfairs, live music, and food stalls serving toffee apples and hot chocolate.

It’s perfect for families, couples, or anyone wanting to soak up the glow without burning through the budget.

Bonfire Night always feels like the turning point — the first real breath of winter, the last outdoor gathering before gloves become essential.

So whether you’re wrapped up at a big display or lighting a few sparklers in your own garden, take a moment to enjoy that unmistakable mix of smoke, laughter, and wonder. It’s one of the few times we all look up together.

Next week we’ll share a few clever winter warm-up tricks and some festive surprises already sneaking into the calendar — proof that there’s plenty to look forward to, even as the nights draw in.

Until then, stay warm, stay connected, and keep that South African spark burning bright.

Troy & Sarah