Guy Fawkes In Gisborne

Small boys who just can't seem to remember the date King John signed the Magna Carta, or when King Alfred burnt the cakes, never seem to forget when Guy Fawke's Day is coming around.

And small boys there were aplenty when the Waikanae Beach Carnival Committee organised a sizzling celebration of the Gunpowder Plot that was in the best Gisborne tradition.

Thousands of citizens, young and old, lined the foreshore, and were rewarded with a display that was as colourful as it was noisy.

Giant bonfires illuminated the beach, and rockets traced sparkling patterns across the Gisborne sky.

Lindsay Davies seems a little awed by Roman Candle

Parking space near the beach was at a premium as citizens flocked to Waikanae for the display. Cars pictured here at the end of Grey Street are lit up by the, glow from bonfires and skyrockets.

In time–exposure picture, rockets trace pattern like Prince of Wales feathers.

The organised display was augmented by families who took their own fireworks to the beach. Small crackers like that pictured here at the height of its burst added colour to the general scene.

Where there are fireworks, there are always guys, and a special competition for children attracted big entries. John Dow, pictured left with his creation in football jersey, won the prize for the best guy on the beach.

Sandra Jonasen's pipe–smoking guy (above) won her first prize in the section for children under eight years.

Whoooosh! Eyes point skywards as blaze of rockets brightens scene

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The Gisborne Photo News

No 29 : November 15, 1956

Guy Fawkes In Gisborne