I'm sure there are many UK Mudcatters who can recall how wild some of the Bonfire activities were during their childhoods. In my case, in Northampton, streets would organise their own 'bonnies', raiding rival areas for firewood, breaking up their stacks, etc. Some firework displays would be carefully organised, but wilful disregard generally took over, with bangers aimed at each other or let off in tin cans or even jam jars, and other acts of casual cruelty I won't even mention. The only music I can recall being involved was whatever people were singing at the time - variations of pop songs, advertising jingles, etc. The main thing that was passed on through the years was protection of territory and having a scrap.

This was probably little different from most other parts of the country and I'm sure it continues these days. A ritual or living folk tradition? Who knows what you'd call it. It probably gets defined (and recollected or studied in later years) once it gets written down.

The tv prog is great fun and very entertaining. One of the Unthanks did seem to get an eyeful of spark from a fire that looked like it caused her some discomfort. Little H&S considerations, for the most part!