One Million Years of Fire

Name: One Million Years of Fire
Start: 2026-04-23T18:00:00+01:00
End: 2026-04-23T19:30:00+01:00
Location: Ilsham Road, TQ1 2JF Torquay, United Kingdom

Schedule

Thu Apr 23 2026 at 06:00 pm to 07:30 pm

UTC+01:00

Location

Ilsham Road, TQ1 2JF Torquay, United Kingdom | Torquay, EN

The evening includes an engaging talk supported by projected visuals and a series of live demonstrations that reveal how different materials behave, how embers glow and how fire could be transported safely over distance. You will see firemaking techniques in action with close up demonstrations of sparks and luminescence.
This is a chance to experience expert knowledge brought to life in the unique setting of Kents Cavern. It is ideal for anyone curious about early human survival, ancient skills or the science behind flame and ember.
There will be time to ask questions and discuss the findings in the cafe before the event concludes.
What Can I Expect?
Welcome refreshment of tea or coffee
45 minute talk, presentation and Q&A about fire in the meso-neolithic
Opportunity to see live demonstrations of fire making
Final Q&A in the final chamber

What Do I Need To Know
Dress warm and comfortably with sensible footwear. This event takes place inside the caves where it is a constant 15C. This event is open to those 18yrs+ only

About Jonny
Jonny Crockett, a Level 5 Bushcraft Instructor, established Survival School in 1997 to provide a place of learning for those who wanted to know more about bushcraft and the wilderness. Jonny Crockett still runs most of the courses himself. It is his personal attention to detail and his enthusiasm for the subject that has helped to make Survival School what it is – A place of good fun and good learning.
Jonny graduated from the University of Exeter with a Masters Degree in Experimental Archaeology. His dissertation was on Ötzi the Iceman’s curation and transportation of fire, in which he scientifically disproved a key theory. He is now continuing his research for a PhD at the University of Exeter, specialising in Fire Lighting, Curation and Maintenance.
Jonny went on his first survival course when he was 14 years old and has been learning ever since. He has frequently been invited to work with the Royal Marines, the Royal Navy, the Army and the Royal Air Force. However, his style is not military and he teaches with a common sense, logic and down to earth style that is not found in most Survival Schools in the UK. A lot of his techniques he has learnt from around the world where the skills are still used as a way of life. Jonny is a broadcaster, columnist for magazines and author, as well as appearing on television on a regular basis.