If you’ve grown up in the UK then the chances are you’ve experienced Guy Fawkes Night, or Bonfire Night. It’s unavoidable with most councils putting on events in parks or neighbours letting a few fireworks off themselves. We cover Guy Fawkes night for those who are perhaps experiencing it for the first time, or for those who want to know the best way to prepare.
Photo by: mrallen/Fotolia
Who was Guy Fawkes?
Born in York in 1750, Fawkes’ Roman Catholic beliefs and activities were affected by the rulings put in place by the Protestant King James I. Already a plot had begun to form by Robert Catesby, a Catholic with the extreme view of removing the King from the throne. With a military background, Fawkes had the ability to secure and detonate gunpowder. He was the ideal person for Catesby to recruit into his group.
Catesby, Fawkes and 12 others finalised plans for planting 36 barrels of gunpowder in a cellar under the Houses of Parliament. This would coincide with the delayed state opening of parliament in 1605. Delays caused by the plague set the opening back from February to November 5th. Being the explosives expert, Fawkes had hidden with the gunpowder, ready to ignite the barrels.
A member of the group had sparked suspicions by warning someone not to attend parliament that day. Alarms were raised and Fawkes was caught before the deed was done. He withstood torture for two days before finally releasing the details of the others behind the plot. Catesby, the leader, had gone on the run and was eventually shot dead.
Why do we celebrate Bonfire Night?
Parliament declared the day a national holiday as a day of thanksgiving. In January 1606, the Observance of 5th November Act 1605 was passed which ordered sermons to be held annually on November 5th. It was in place until 1859. Throughout this period people made bonfires and rang church bells on November 5th.
It became custom for an effigy representing Fawkes, known as a ‘guy’, to be created from stuffing an old shirt and trousers with newspaper. This would be paraded along streets in a wheelbarrow or pushchair by children asking for ‘a penny for the guy’. The money would later go towards fireworks. The guy would be burnt atop the bonfire in the celebrations that night.
To those from outside the UK, the night may be a strange one to celebrate after so long. The meaning behind the night has diluted somewhat over 400 years. Some of the customs have changed but the night is still traditionally cause for celebration.
What is Bonfire Night?
The traditional element of building up a bonfire of wood and old furniture still exists. The firework displays have got bigger, better and, in some places, timed to music. The guys sometimes have a more professional look.
There are often smaller, quieter displays of fireworks early on in the night, more suitable for children. A larger, noisier display will follow later on. Larger events will have fairground rides for children and hot food stands. It’s one of the few nights where you can easily buy a toffee apple and play with sparklers (safely).
Much ceremony can be made from parading the guy through the streets before depositing him on the bonfire and setting it alight.
What should I wear for Bonfire Night?
November is usually chilly in the UK and sometimes wet. Be prepared with a thick coat to keep you warm. Take a woollen hat and gloves too. If it’s wet, wear waterproof shoes such as wellies or comfortable walking boots.
Photo by: Bikeworldtravel/Fotolia
Where are the best bonfire and firework displays?
The chances are someone on your road will be letting off fireworks. As November 5th falls on the weekend, it’s more likely that you’ll have a lot of events on the same day to pick from. Check with your local council to see if they’ve organised any displays. If you want to travel a little further afield perhaps in your hire car, here are some places well-known for their November 5th celebrations.
Midsummer Common, Cambridge– Enter the Common at 6pm to enjoy the pre-lighting festivities. See the fantastic fireworks from 7.30pm then experience the lighting of the bonfire. There’ll be a fun fair for younger members. The event is free to attend but donations are encouraged. This show attracts over 25,000 people each year.
Leeds Castle– See the castle lit up under different themed projections. There’ll be live music through the night and fireworks at 5.30pm. Previous years have seen fire-breathing and fire-juggling displays. At £20 per adult, there’s bound to be some high-quality entertainment.
Alexandra Palace, London– Running on 4th and 5th November, Alexandra Palace has something for everyone, not just fireworks. Sample different beers in their German Bier Festival. Alternatively, you can take to the ice rink. There’s also a Day of the Dead parade to watch. Different elements require tickets so be sure to book in advance.
Blists Hill, Ironbridge– Get a real taste of history at this Bonfire Night event. Visit the Victorian-themed town and speak to costumed residents about life in the late 1800s. See an iron casting demonstration before gathering for the firework display set to music.
Lewes Bonfire Celebrations– If you want to attend the largest, and arguably the best, Guy Fawkes night event, then plenty of planning is needed. This ticket-only event is one of a kind and has some incredibly traditional values. The area has a history for its bonfire celebrations getting a little out of hand, almost leading to riots in some years. Now, organised Bonfire Societies are established throughout separate regions of the town and they come together one day of the year for an unforgettable experience. See different processions, bonfires and displays from each Society. The event gets very busy and as such is unsuitable for children.
Although not specifically a celebration of foiling the Gunpowder Plot, the London Lord Mayor’s Show falls around the same time and is another cracking free event for fireworks. The day-long celebration starts with the new Lord Mayor in a river pageant. The show finishes with a large firework display.
Celebrate Bonfire Night with us
We’d love to know if you’re attending any firework displays this year. Do you live in the UK or are you visiting? Share your photos with us on our social media channels. Let us know in the comments below where you’ll be attending displays.
Want to know more about Bonfire Night? Read more in a previous article here.
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Written by Jessica Juby.
