Firework Fun

Last year, I booked our tickets for the Toddler Fireworks at Barleylands in April (they always sell out) but then Alice had a cold, and I had to stay home with her, and I missed them altogether.

This year we didn’t book tickets as we felt Jessica was a bit old for them. Too late I discovered that the local display did not start until 8:00pm…and we were at a wedding anyway.

Fortunately, our local United Reformed Church put on a fireworks themed messy church on Sunday afternoon. It was just so, so lovely. It started at 4:00 and ended just after 6:00 so perfect for small children.

When we got there, there was tea and coffee for the adults to help themselves too, and lots of craft tables for the children. They could make jam jar lanterns, firework paintings, decorated biscuits, and much more.

Then we all sat at tables and had a lovely dinner…vegetable sticks and hoummous, hot dogs and crisps, then homemade muffins.

Last of all, they turned out the lights, and all the children (and adults!) lined up against the long glass windows to watch the fireworks in the garden. Safe in the warm and with no loud bangs, it was just perfect.

They were so beautiful! Fireworks always remind me of the first Lord of the Rings book, and of so many happy childhood memories. Firework night always felt so cold and late and dark and special. The showers of sparks lighting up the sky is magical. Just as magical though were the smiles and delighted shining eyes of the children watching the fireworks. They were transfixed!

I didn’t expect Alice to take much notice of the fireworks, but the windows are floor to ceiling, and she could see out easily. She stood and clapped her hands for sheer joy and wonder. So, so good to see.

Oh, and did I mention that all this was free? What generosity…and a wonderful way to end the half term holidays.