4. PRACTICAL TIPS

1. Get there early

This is not a last-minute event.

We started walking to the basin around 8:30 and got there just before 9pm.

It is also the perfect place to take pictures with amazing mountain background while there was still light.

Parking was also getting full around the same time - if you can walk from the town!

2. Eat dinner BEFORE the bonfire starts

You'll want to eat dinner beforehand.

Options:

• Sit-down dinner in town (book ahead though there are limited options!)

• Casual takeaway + picnic

• Snacks + drinks at your viewpoint

3. Bring your own setup

Bring a picnic blanket or camping chairs, snacks and drinks. Bring a thermos if you want a hot drink as it's cold at night.

4. Dress warmer than expected

Temperature drops fast after sunset (around 9:30pm). Bring a jacket or blanket

5. Expect a slow build

Fires don’t all light at once — be patient. The magic is in the progression of seeing the symbols light up one by one

If you get bored easily, pack some card games.

6. Stay after peak time

Fewer people + better atmosphere

7. Don’t stress about crowds

The basin is huge - you’ll find space to have your own set up

8. Charge everything

Photos + videos drain battery quickly.

Bring a tripod, pictures are better using night mode on your phone camera and it is best with a tripod.

9. Walk back slowly

Bring a torch or use your phone - paths are dark

10. Practice taking photos in the dark

This is one of the hardest things to capture properly. Here are some Photo tips ( iPhone + Camera)

iPhone Tips:

• Use Night Mode

• Keep your phone steady (or use a tripod, we use this tripod)

• Slightly lower exposure

Camera Tips:

• Use a tripod

• Longer exposure (but not too long)

• Shoot during early fire lighting for best contrast