It's a pleasure to bring you a picture special this week of Weymouth's traditional Guy Fawkes Day celebrations.
Those of us who have memories of the 1950s and 1960s will remember the approach to November 5 – Bonfire Night - on Weymouth Esplanade.
Helping build the bonfire in 1959
Large piles of inflammable detritus- anything that would burn well – would be transported by youths on to the sands and bonfires built.
Gaining some height with the bonfire in 1960
Sometimes they would be set fire to by rival gangs before 5th November.
Mattresses are piled up to create a grand bonfire in 1959
Bonfire Night on the Esplanade was special – yes, fireworks were let off at random and the sound of a “jumping jack” squib going off in the underground toilets would long be remembered!
Building the foundations of the bonfire in 1960
A few youths would be arrested for various offences and would appear in the Magistrates’ Court the following day.
Scaling a mountainous bonfire on Weymouth beach in 1960
However, it was all a lot of fun and part of the local scene. The photos date from 1959/60.
Cheeky youngsters building the bonfire in 1960
Many thanks to Geoffrey Pritchard for sharing these pictures with us.
Tell us your bonfire memories
Tell us here
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