BARNEY’S bonfire night organisers are putting Guy Fawkes in the spotlight at this year’s event.
The gunpowder plotter, played by Castle Players’ actor Ben Pearson (pictured), will take to a stage on the upper Demesnes before the bonfire is lit as part of a little extra entertainment at the popular event on Friday, November 3.
Roger Peat, from the Barney Christmas Lights Group, which organises the event, said: “We’ve got a stage set up for the first time and there will be a little bit of back and forth between Guy Fawkes and MC Andrew Nicholson.
Mr Peat added: “There may be a vote to see whether Guy Fawkes gets put on the bonfire and if people think he was doing the right thing blowing up the houses of parliament – or should someone else be thrown on the bonfire.”
Ahead of the al-fresco theatrics, Guy Fawkes will meet and greet spectators, in full 17th century garb, as they arrive through the atmospheric corridor of light along Parson’s Lonnen.
“Tickets are beginning to sell,” Mr Peat added. “But we still need a couple of thousand to make it work.”
Charity fundraising group The Clique will once again be helping to steward the event.
Catering outlets will be at the event with the Barista Sisters and the Lady Grey providing a warming selection of drinks and Yums the World and Carousel Catering offering food.
Advance tickets are now available for sale from the Teesdale Mercury Shop, Galgate News and through the Witham box office, priced £6 for adults, £4 for children. A family ticket (two children, two adults) £15.
Prices on the night will be £10 for adults, children £5 and a family ticket £20.
Gates open at 6pm on Friday, November 3, with the bonfire being lit at 6.30pm.
The spectacular fireworks display is scheduled to start at 7pm.
