England's Calendar of Events | November
Bridgewater Guy Fawkes Carnival
November 4, 2006
The tradition of a winter carnival in Bridgewater dates back more than 100 years. This year's event features a spectacular, illuminated carnival parade through the centre of town, street entertainment galore, live bands, stalls, crafts, antiques and kids' entertainment.
The parade itself consists of over 75 floats, takes two hours to pass the entire route and is an unforgettable display that has taken a year to plan. Once it has finished, there is a "squibbing" display that is unique to the town - the small fireworks are set off on the high street to much excitement.
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Burning Barrels
November 5, 2006
A tradition which evolved in the 17th century to rid the streets of evil spirits is revived once more as children, then women, then generations of men run through the streets of Ottery St Mary carrying barrels which have been soaked in tar and set ablaze.
Flames ten feet high lick the sky as sweating locals stagger beneath their weight. As one man tires, his brother, father or even grandfather steps in and takes over the burning load. And so it continues until past midnight.
This is a truly exhilarating event - running away requires considerable mobility and provides a thrill unlike any other, as a seemingly impenetrable sea of people miraculously parts to allow the burning barrels through. The streets of the village are completely overrun for the event and flames can be terrifying to young children, so it is definitely a bad idea to take any pushchairs/strollers or people in wheelchairs along.
One can only wonder how this spectacular festival must have caught the imagination of poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge, who was born in the town in October 1772. Perhaps it was a nascent memory of the great poet's which led him to write this refrain in The Rime of the Ancient Mariner:
About, about, in reel and rout
The death-fires danced at night;
The water, like a witch's oils,
Burnt green, and blue and white.
www.whatsonwhen.com
Southport Weekender
November 3-5, 2006
One of the UK's longest-running music extravaganzas, the Southport Weekender attracts a 5000 capacity crowd to the Pontins holiday complex in Southport, north-west England.
The Southport Weekenders have their roots back in October 1987, before the start of the current House scene and before the "Superclub" had been invented. Moving with the times, the Weekenders have set trends in fashion, showcased new and up-and-coming music and proved their staying power. With the emphasis on quality music, these events have always attracted a crowd who not only want to party hard for a whole weekend in a holiday camp, but who really care about what they are dancing to.
The holiday centre has excellent facilities including a go-cart track, restaurant, shops, heated indoor swimming pool, basketball courts, games rooms and, of course, fully-licensed bars serving the best booze 24 hours a day. Accommodation is in modern self-catering apartments, which are likely to host various alternative gatherings, parties and general tomfoolery. The entry price includes all accommodation and entertainment.
Music ranges from R&B, soul and hip-hop in The Funkbase and floor-filling dance sounds in The Powerhouse to the soul aficionado's Connoisseur's Corner and the eclectic styles of the B-Bar. The Southport crew treat you to a feast of world class DJ talent.
You might have grown up with the Weekenders, or this could be your first time. Either way you're sure to have an excellent time - and one that's far removed from the traditional Pontins experience.
www.whatsonwhen.com
November Dates of Note
November, 1969 - First colour TV advertisement aired in the UK for Birds Eye.
November 1 - All Saints Day
November 2 - All Souls Day
November 2, 1896 - First motor insurance policies were issued in Britain. They excluded damage caused by frightened horses.
November 4, 1922 - English explorers Lord Carnarvon and Howard Carter discovered the Tomb of King Tutankhamen in Egypt.
November 5 - Guy Fawkes Day
November 6, 1942 - The Church of England relaxes its rule that women must wear hats in church.
November 7, 1783 - Last public hanging in England - forger John Austin is hanged at Tyburn.
November 8, 1974 - The world famous fruit and vegetable market at Covent Garden in London closes after existing for more than 300 years.
November 11 - Martinmas
November 13, 1896 - The speed limit for horseless carriages in Britain was raised from 4 m.p.h. to 14 m.p.h.
November 20, 1992 - Windsor Castle is badly damaged by fire.
November 27, 1914 - Britain's first policewoman goes on duty at Gratham in Lincolnshire.
November 30 - St. Andrew's Day. Patron Saint of Scotland.
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