Picture this: a towering effigy of the UK's Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, set to be the star of the bonfire at Edenbridge's annual Bonfire Night festivities. It's a spectacle that blends tradition, humor, and a dash of political satire, sparking debates about where fun ends and criticism begins. But what makes this year's choice particularly intriguing is the way it reflects public sentiment – and the potential backlash. Keep reading to uncover the story behind this fiery tribute, and you might just find yourself questioning the line between playful roasting and pointed protest.
Image source, Phil Harrison/BBC
By Sofia Akin
South East
Updated 5 minutes ago
In a tradition that's as much about community spirit as it is about cheeky commentary, the Edenbridge Bonfire Society has revealed that Sir Keir Starmer will be the figure burned in effigy during their Saturday celebration. The group, which has been playfully targeting well-known figures for over three decades, selected the current Prime Minister after he garnered the highest number of votes in their public poll.
For those new to this British custom, Bonfire Night commemorates the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605, where Guy Fawkes tried to blow up Parliament. It's celebrated with fireworks, bonfires, and often, the burning of an effigy – a stuffed dummy representing the plot's ringleader, Guy Fawkes. But in Edenbridge, they take it a step further by choosing modern personalities to 'hold to account' through humor. Previous 'victims' have included Donald Trump, Boris Johnson, Ticketmaster executives, and the Gallagher brothers, showing how they've poked fun at politicians, celebrities, and even corporate giants.
The Prime Minister's office has been reached out to for their thoughts on the matter.
BBC South East got a special behind-the-scenes look at how the effigy was decided and constructed, offering a glimpse into the society's creative process.
It all began with a public vote where Sir Keir competed against other notable names like Andrew Mountbatten Windsor and Angela Rayner. Laura Lawrence from the Edenbridge Bonfire Society explained the choice: 'Our effigy this year features a Guy Fawkes-style ruff for the first time, and he's sporting a hat, symbolizing how Starmer seems to be stirring up Parliament all on his own these days.'
She added that the sausages circling his head playfully reference that memorable slip-up when he mistakenly said 'sausages' instead of 'hostages' during a speech. And to honor the local farming scene, they've pinned a 'Starmer the farmer harmer' badge on him, alluding to how his inheritance tax policies have reportedly upset many in the agricultural community.
Image source, Phil Harrison/BBC
Andrea Deans, the talented artist and co-chair of the society who's been shaping these effigies since 2016, shared insights into the challenges. 'The main hurdle is the sheer size of the creation,' she noted. 'Over the last decade, the basic design and framework haven't evolved much – it's the subjects and added details that keep it fresh.'
She pointed out that each year brings a bit more edge to the process. 'It gets increasingly tricky to figure out what's crossing the line and what kind of reaction we'll face,' she admitted.
Bill Cummings, the society's chair, emphasized their impartial approach: 'No one is off-limits – we'll roast anyone, regardless of their status. A few years back, when we torched Liz Truss's effigy, the lettuce perched on her shoulder refused to catch fire, so now we have a person carrying it proudly at the front of our parade.'
This non-profit group has been lighting up Bonfire Night for almost a century, turning a historical event into a lively, community-driven affair.
On Saturday, the 11-meter-tall likeness of Sir Keir will command the spotlight, sharing the stage with a massive Guy Fawkes figure.
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But here's where it gets controversial: Is this just harmless fun, a way to keep leaders in check through laughter, or does it border on disrespect that could fuel division? Some might argue it's a vital outlet for public frustration, especially in polarized times, while others see it as crossing into mockery that undermines authority. What do you think – should political figures be fair game for such traditions, or is there a risk of it going too far? Share your views in the comments below; we'd love to hear if you agree this keeps democracy lively or if it might backfire!
