BritWeek Orlando concludes with a British Bonfire in Kissimmee
Florida’s BIGGEST British Event, BritWeek Orlando concluded last night with British Bonfire Night in front of approximately 2,500 attendees in Kissimmee.
Last night’s event was based at Formosa Gardens on the west side of Kissimmee and comprised of family events, competitions, live music, a massive bonfire, impressive fireworks and British “everything,” from food to drink to music.
Guy Fawkes night or Bonfire Night, is celebrated in the United Kingdom every November 5th and that tradition emigrated to Florida in 2008 when the event was first held. It has grown every year since.
In case you aren’t aware, Guy Fawkes Night originates from the Gunpowder Plot of 1605, when a group of provincial English Catholics failed to assassinate the Protestant King James I of England and replace him with a Catholic head of state. Guy Fawkes and his conspirators were caught while guarding explosives the plotters had placed beneath the House of Lords. The conspirators plan was to blow up the House of Lords complete with King James I.
Celebrating the fact that King James I survived the attempt on his life, people lit bonfires around London, and months later the introduction of the Observance of 5th November Act enforced an annual public day of thanksgiving for the plot’s failure.
The Kissimmee event, part of BritWeek Orlando – an celebration of Anglo-America co-operation, saw judges vote on the best “Guy Fawkes” from over a dozen entries. The Guy Fawkes figures were then placed on the bonfire and Michael Harford, Osceola County Commissioner, David Prodger, Her Majesty’s Consul General and “D.T.” Minich, CEO of Experience Kissimmee, lit the flame. The bonfire was an impressive sight and equally impressive was a performance by “Off Kilter” on the stage.
Off Kilter, a Celtic rock band that for many years played at Epcot, Walt Disney World, rocked the audience with many popular hits such as “Irish Rover”, “Danny Boy” and “Dirty Old Town”. The night was then completed with an impressive fireworks display as the embers died down on the bonfire.
It was a great way to conclude BritWeek and the celebration of all things British.
More photographs at www.FloridaLeisurePhotography.com
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