I thought I'd write this because Bonfire Night 2013 is imminent.
I don't know what possessed me last year to go off to Brockwell Park and watch the fireworks. To say I on't like fireworks is an understatement - largely stemming from being hit by a firework ten years ago.
I think I was tempted by the announcement that Brockwell Park fireworks were done by the same team that did the Olympic Fireworks. And there was to be mulled Chucklehead Cider on sale.
The funfair was cancelled because the Parks department felt that after an exceptionally wet spring and summer, and significant autumn rainfall, the fair would damage the grass too much. They are planning a children's funfair this year.
Tens of thousands of people flocked to Brockwell Park. There were strict rules on not taking personal fireworks, including sparklers, into the park. There were plenty of stewards and a low key police presence. Kids could buy light sabres or neon tiaras. The cider was excellent, the doughnuts not so. And at 8 pm the Mayor of Lambeth announced the start of the firework display. 23 minutes of whoosh and bang with a pop music soundtrack. Some people living in flats overlooking the park complained, but I feel - it's 23 minutes of loud whoosh and bang, and somewhat dodgy pop music. 23 minutes. For 362 days of the year, you live in a flat overlooking a gorgeous park.
And I took some photos. Looking back, I see that I set my camera at its smallest aperture, and set the ISO to 200. Most of the exposure times seem to be about 1 second - I'm surprised they weren't more affected by camera shake. Quite a few people posted their applephone pictures on Twitter. Don't use an applephone to photograph fireworks!
Many more photos in Brockwell Park album
