Bonfire Night!1 min read

REMEMBER, REMEMBER THE FIFTH OF NOVEMBER WITH GUNPOWDER, TREASON, AND PLOT! IT’S BONFIRE NIGHT!

You’ll find the streets filling up as masses pile out their homes, wrapped in their woolies, to the nearest open fields or sitting by their windows, all grasping a hot drink as they set their sights on the vibrant display of fireworks.

This tradition spans back to the 17th century, marking the anniversary of Guy Fawkes and his gang of Catholic rebels’ failed attempt to blow up the Houses of Parliament. To which King James the First had Parliament officially declare November 5th as a day of thanksgiving to celebrate the monarch’s survival. The public marks the occasion by igniting gunpowder to represent the explosives that were never used in Guy Fawkes’ failed plot, a tradition that carries on today with our colourful firework displays. The tradition of lighting bonfires that lends November 5th its name, dates back to the very first celebrations too.

To this day, children still make life-size scarecrows of Guy Fawkes to burn at bonfire night.

In recent years, with Halloween becoming a bigger event, it’s no longer celebrated as much as it used to be. But it hasn’t been forgotten and with the history behind it all, it’s unlikely to be forgotten for a while.

So grab your coats or find a window with a view, and prepare for a spectacular show!

By Jannat Rashad and Kate Creasey

Image Credit: Alex Jones