Smiles and (Free) S’mores at 2022’s Bonfire Night

On Friday, March 11, Pulse organized their annual Bonfire Night to bring together the community and raise money for the upcoming 2022 prom.

The event happened in the plaza after 4:50pm, meaning that students attended their normal practices, rehearsals or club meetings before attending Bonfire Night. Students and the teacher chaperones sat on the big staircase, looking down at the stage. As the afternoon slowly progressed into the evening, performers took turns performing to around 80 audience members.

Senior Sunny K. attended the event as both an audience member and a performer. She enjoyed the “vibe” of the evening, explaining how it was very good because of “the breeze, sunset, music, a fireplace on the side, and with how everyone was snuggled in beanbags”.

This year, there were 9 signed-up performances and some extra open-mic performances. Overall, there was singing, rapping, and a guitar solo.

Pulse member Choi Yan L. says: “[my] favorite thing about the event was how people were enthusiastic for the open mic and everyone was engaged.”

The bonfire aspect of Bonfire Night came at around 6:00pm, when performances paused while audience members were invited to circle around the mini-bonfires and roast marshmallows. This year, although audience members were expected to order waimai dinner as normal, Pulse provided free popcorn and marshmallows.

Sunny recalls that: “Some people were just pros at roasting marshmallows… I was jealous”.

The event ended around 7:30pm and students helped gather beanbags at the bottom of the stairs.

Overall, from Pulse’s perspective, Choi Yan says: “I’m satisfied with how the event turned out. We had more people than expected and profited from the event.” The planning process for Bonfire Night had been delayed due to weather conditions and COVID regulations, but the final event took place successfully.

Looking ahead, Pulse would like to remind students to get their prom tickets, as they need to get enough signups to go ahead with planning. Tickets bought before the end of March are 495 RMB, which is 55 RMB cheaper than the normal price at 550 RMB.