Bonfire Night

Bonfire Night is celebrated on November 5 in the United Kingdom. It is also called Guy Fawkes Night. People light big bonfires and enjoy dazzling fireworks. It is one of the most exciting nights of the year in Britain.

The Story of Guy Fawkes

In 1605, a group of men planned to blow up the Houses of Parliament in London. They were angry about how the government treated them. Guy Fawkes was caught guarding barrels of gunpowder hidden in the cellar. The plot was stopped before anyone was hurt. People celebrated by lighting bonfires, and the tradition has continued ever since.

How People Celebrate

Communities build big bonfires and set off fireworks. Some people make a stuffed figure called a 'guy' and put it on top of the bonfire. Families enjoy warm treats like toffee apples, parkin cake, and jacket potatoes. Many towns hold organized fireworks displays that thousands of people attend. Children sometimes recite the rhyme 'Remember, remember, the fifth of November.'

Fun Facts

• Guy Fawkes and his group hid 36 barrels of gunpowder under the Parliament building.
• The tradition of Bonfire Night has been going on for over 400 years.
• Sparklers, which are handheld fireworks, are one of the most popular items on Bonfire Night.

Did You Know?

Every year before the State Opening of Parliament, guards search the cellars of the building. This tradition started because of the Gunpowder Plot of 1605.