When Trish Horgan from Leeuwin Estate suggested a special bonfire night to help local schools fund-raise, the Margaret River Primary P&C Association immediately realised not only the potential for raising school funds, but the opportunity for a great P&C family fun night. In both expectations, the bonfire night has been literally a flaming success for Margaret River Primary School.

The Burning of the Vine Cuttings, an old European tradition which saw field workers enjoy an end-of-pruning bonfire, was a celebration which culminated in music, dance, song and wine, at the end of a hard season of toil. Guy Fawkes Night, or Bonfire Night, as many older Australians remember it, has been incorporated to celebrate the demise of a popular villain of the seventeenth century, Guido (Guy) Fawkes, who, accompanied by a band of co-conspirators, attempted to blow up the Houses of Parliament and assassinate King James the First.

Now in its tenth year, the BOTVC evening combines all the cameradie of ancient pruning celebrations with the fun of bonfire night, combining music, dance and fireworks, with good food and great wine.... and lots of additional fun for children. Fireworks and thousands of lightsticks and glowlights add to the mystique and festivity, as sparks fly from a huge bonfire created by Leeuwin fieldhands.

In addition to local rock band The Skifflebillys, this year there will be guest appearances by Hoozya Daddy, two local high school rock bands; and three primary school rock bands. Last year's event had the crowd on its feet..... and this year will be no exception! Food, wine and other drinks will be on sale from gate-opening at 5:30 pm.

Sponsored jointly by Leeuwin Estate, the Lester Group the ANZ Bank; W.A. Country Builders; Stocker Preston Real Estate; and the AMR Shire, this year's event is a must-do for families on Saturday 7th November. Margaret River Primary's P & C predicts an even larger turnout of families this year, including hundreds of visiting families who want to recapture the fun of bonfire night and enjoy the enduring magic of Leeuwin's beautiful estate.

Tickets are available from the ANZ Bank Margaret River, Margaret River Primary School (97-572-666), Leeuwin Estate Winery (97-590-000); and Stocker Preston Realty (97-579-777).