One of the Northern Rivers’ most cherished community events is set to return on May 30, with Rous Public School’s Bonfire Night marking an impressive 45 years.
The long-running fundraiser has become a staple on the local calendar, drawing families from across the region for a relaxed evening of food, entertainment and, of course, a spectacular bonfire and fireworks display.
“It is one of those things that it’s been going for so long, and it’s run on the same sort of thing each time,” Rous Public School P&C President Melissa Towner said.
“There’s the fireworks, there’s a bonfire, there’s barbecue… people just go, that’s what we love.
“It’s people coming back generationally as well.”
This year’s event will be held on Saturday, May 30 from 5 pm to 8.30 pm, with a mix of returning favourites and new attractions set to keep crowds entertained.
Organisers are introducing several fresh elements in 2026, including a brand-new Trail of Horrors replacing the traditional tractor ride, and a tombola taking the place of the gumboot toss. A new line-up of rides will also feature, including a “wipeout” attraction.
“We try to spice it up a little bit each year,” Ms Towner said.
Alongside the entertainment, food remains a major highlight, with the school serving up barbecue staples, soups and curries, as well as new additions like pizza and nachos.
“We always like to have hot chips on the night, hot chips, hot dogs—the crowd favourites,” she said.
A major raffle will also be drawn on the night, with tickets available both online and at the gate, alongside event merchandise including popular Bonfire Night T-shirts.
Importantly, the event continues to serve as the school’s biggest annual fundraiser, with proceeds going directly back into supporting students and improving facilities.
“The money that we raise from Bonfire goes towards our kids’ – things like technology, if there’s anything that needs updating at the school,” Ms Towner said.
“We always have a major project running… last year it was our nature-based playground, and this year we’re looking at possibly upgrading our netball courts.”
Despite its popularity, organisers remain committed to keeping the event affordable, with entry priced at $5 per person or $15 per family.
“We want people to come in, we don’t want to make it overly expensive for them,” Ms Towner said.
“We want them to find something nice to eat and enjoy the fire and the fireworks.”
While the event continues to attract visitors from outside the area, it’s the strong sense of community that keeps people coming back year after year.
“We have people year to year who come back… and word of mouth is always good,” she said.
“People who’ve been many years in a row tell others, ‘you need to come out and do bonfire night.’”
For Ms Towner, the event also holds a special personal significance.
“I remember bringing my eldest son when he was 10 days old,” she said.
“Now he’s almost 18… that time’s just gone.”
Tickets will be available at the gate on the night, with families encouraged to rug up and enjoy a classic community evening under the stars.
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