You are invited, for the second year running, to spend an afternoon standing in a dark field in Norfolk.
The light goes early in November. By four o’clock the sky over Witton has turned the colour of old iron, the mist comes up off the marsh, and the Old Rectory looks a good deal worse than it does in daylight. This struck us as reason enough to light an enormous fire and invite everybody we know.
Spooks & Sparks is built for small children, which is to say it begins at a civilised hour and ends before anyone has to be carried out. Ours are three. We have a vested interest.
Everything is free. The pizza, the hot chocolate, the parking, all of it. You need only arrive.
The bonfire
There will be a very large fire. Larger, we suspect, than is strictly necessary.
Standing near it is the entire point of the afternoon. Dress for standing still, outdoors, in Norfolk, in November — the fire is generous, but it only warms one side of you at a time.
The fireworks
Mostly the quiet ones. Mostly.
A display of entirely silent fireworks is a melancholy thing, so a few of these have a bang in them — a little louder than last year. We are working upwards, year by year, towards the full and thunderous article, at whatever pace the children will allow.
It will be properly dark by the time they go up. Sunset is around half four, and the display comes after it. If you have a child who finds the noise difficult, the loud stretch is short and we will give you plenty of warning. Ear defenders are a very good idea for small ears regardless.
The food
A pizza truck, parked in the field, making actual pizza in an actual fire. Five flavours, and we ask you to choose in advance so they can get the dough right.
There are no gluten-free bases, the same as last year, so bring your own pizza along and we’ll cook it for you. Tick the box on your RSVP so we know to expect it. Little ones sharing with an adult is completely normal.
There’s also a hot drinks trailer doing tea, coffee and hot chocolate. The hot chocolate is the real reason most of the children attend.
Dressing up
Optional, but encouraged. Come as something that belongs in a dark field — a ghost, a witch, a small thing with too many teeth. Come as yourself if you’d rather. By five o’clock a good coat is its own costume.
Common questions
Tap a question to see the answer.
Is this suitable for very small children?
It is built for them. Ours are three. It begins in the afternoon, the fireworks are mostly the quiet sort, and nobody will think less of you for leaving after forty minutes because someone has had enough.
Are the fireworks loud?
Mostly not, though a little louder than last year — we are working upwards towards a proper display, at whatever pace the children will allow. There are a few with a bang in them towards the end and we will warn you before they start. Ear defenders are a very good idea for small ears regardless.
How dark will it be?
Properly dark. Sunset is around half past four and the fireworks come after it, so the whole second half of the afternoon happens by firelight. A torch is worth bringing.
What does it cost?
Nothing. Pizza, hot drinks and parking are all free. Please don't try to give us money.
Do I need to bring anything?
Warm clothes, and shoes you don't mind ruining. It's a field. Wellies and a brolly if the forecast is grim. A torch is handy for finding your car afterwards.
I'm gluten intolerant. Is there anything I can eat?
There are no gluten-free bases, the same as last year, so bring your own pizza along and we'll get it cooked for you. Tick the box on your RSVP so we know to expect it and can leave space in the oven. Hot drinks are all fine.
Can I bring my dog?
Best not. Bonfire, fireworks, and a field full of running toddlers.
Is there parking?
Yes, free, in the field. Details are on your invite page once you've said you're coming.
Are there toilets?
Yes, and a sink. Signposted on the day.
What if it rains?
We will be out there anyway. There is no marquee, so bring waterproofs and something to stand in — the fire is large and warm, and a bit of mist rather suits the occasion.
What if the weather is genuinely awful?
If we have to change anything, there will be a notice at the top of this website and we will message everyone directly. Check here before you set off.
Can I bring someone else?
There is a limit, and it is set by the pizza oven and the drinks trailer rather than by us. If there is someone you think ought to be there, suggest them when you RSVP and we will see what we can do — but we may well be full already.
When do you need to know by?
Sunday 25th October. After that the order is in and we can't easily change it.
Something's come up and we can't make it.
Completely fine, but please do tell us. It genuinely changes what we order.