We recently discovered a remarkable piece of black-and-white footage, shared via @BBCArchive and @YouTube, titled “Bristol’s Bonfire Boys.”
Filmed in 1962, the short documentary follows a group of local boys competing to build the tallest bonfire. Their rivalry is both spirited and mischievous, with each group occasionally setting fire to the others’ unfinished structures, forcing everyone to start again from the beginning. The film captures the ingenuity, creativity, and daring spirit of youth, showing how children found joy and camaraderie in simple, hands-on challenges.
The documentary also reveals the extraordinary lengths these boys went to in protecting their creations, including sleeping inside the bonfire structures themselves. They talk, laugh, and drink tea by candlelight—completely unfazed by what would today be considered highly unsafe behaviour in a far more risk-averse society. This highlights the stark contrast between the freedoms of childhood then and the highly regulated environment children experience today.
The narrative then shifts to the heartfelt story of a young refugee who arrived in Bristol with his family. His reflections are honest and deeply moving, offering a sincere glimpse into the challenges, resilience, and hopes of starting anew in a different country. It underscores how children from different backgrounds can come together, adapt, and build community in shared spaces, even amidst uncertainty.
Beyond the children’s playful antics, the film provides a compelling glimpse into the city itself during a period of transition. War-damaged houses were still being demolished, and steam trains could be seen chugging through stretches of open land. These images evoke both nostalgia and a sense of historical change, showing how Bristol was rebuilding and evolving in the decades following the Second World War. Learn more about Bristol’s local history to explore additional stories from this period.
Overall, “Bristol’s Bonfire Boys” offers a window into a more carefree, technology-free era—one defined by community spirit, youthful determination, and creativity. It reminds viewers of the simple pleasures of childhood, the value of friendship, and the resilience required to adapt to change. At the same time, it highlights the inevitable march of time, as the city and its residents moved forward into a new chapter of modern life.
If you recognise anyone featured in this film, we would be delighted to hear from you. Learning what became of the individuals involved would add an invaluable human connection to this unique historical record. Sharing memories and stories related to the film helps preserve not only the history of Bristol but also the spirit of its communities and the adventures of its younger generations. For more inspiring stories, check out our community news.
