With the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness living up to the most famous poetic description of autumn, it’s the perfect time for lighting a bonfire.
I suspect this weekend, that’s just what thousands of people across the UK are going to do.
Bonfires and fireworks will cut through the seasonal fog and shake the night to its foundations.
And perversely or not, it’s Carnival time in Somerset.
Not saved for the summer months, this celebration of Guy Fawkes’ downfall is truly local, truly community focussed and truly magnificent.
Billed as Europes’ largest illuminated Carnival, the show hits small towns all over the county with huge carts pulled by tractors up and down A-roads that criss-cross the area; its organisers and cast are all volunteers and proceeds go to charity.
If you’ve never ventured to a Somerset Carnival go to Bridgwater this Saturday; it’s free (except for charitable donations from the hundred thousand strong crowd that keep many local ventures up and running) and it’s spectacular.
Long may it continue!