Guy Fawkes, called Bonfire Night, is a unique British festival that combines the commemoration of a historic (and somewhat controversial) event with bonfire celebrations dating back to the Celtic harvest festival of Samhain.
Although not a UK national holiday, Bonfire Night is a deeply ingrained tradition and is punctuated by public and private fireworks and large public bonfires across the UK. In fact, many people say that November 5, Bonfire Night, is the smoothest night in the kingdom.
Remember, remember, November 5
The historical origins of Guy Fawkes can be traced back to the conflict between practically outlawed Catholics and the Protestant establishment of the 16th and early 17th centuries. On November 5, 1605, Guy Fawkes (York’s most infamous son) and a group of Catholic conspirators were caught in the act of blowing up Parliament (when Protestant King James I was present) with barrels of gunpowder. The Gunpowder Plot, sometimes controversially known as “The Papish Plot,” was foiled. Some believe the whole episode was a seam, but it served to inflame anti-Catholic sentiments in Britain for at least a century.
The fire festivals
The date of the Gunpowder Plot coincided with the end of the English harvest season, traditionally marked with festivals. The fireworks that are now a firm part of Guy Fawkes are undoubtedly an ironic reminder of the powder kegs, but the huge bonfires, some with flames leaping 12 meters (40 feet) high, probably reflect old seasonal traditions. that were once part of Samhain (pronounced sow-in).
Guy Fawkes traditions
Many of the traditions of the celebration have changed with the times. The sectarian element, for the most part, has faded. The “boy,” an effigy of Guy Fawkes, is still thrown at the stake, but rarely is a seventeenth-century effigy of the Pope. In modern times, people of all stripes chase the fun of huge public fireworks displays and the overriding thrill of seeing a huge bonfire.
Just 20 years ago, groups of children, with their stuffed “boys” begging “A penny for the boy?” They were a common sight on many corners. The pennies were meant to buy fire crackers. As children can no longer buy fireworks in most venues and private fireworks displays are generally on the decline, this is now rare.
People used to put sausages on sticks in the fire and roast potatoes on the hot coals. Today, people are more aware of health and safety, which is why barriers at most public events prevent you from getting this close to large bonfires. But hot dogs and potatoes or hot dogs and mash are still a popular Guy Fawkes dinner, and stall owners sell them at most public events.
Where to watch Guy Fawkes events
In at least two places, ancient Guy Fawkes traditions persist:
- Lewes near Brighton is well known for its dark and fiery traditions. Bonfire Societies of Bonfire Boys (who, as Ulster’s apprentices are not boys) parade through the streets disguised with torches. There is usually a papal effigy next to the “boy.” Between 1555 and 1557, during the reign of Mary Tudor, known as the Bloody Mary, 17 Protestant martyrs were burned on Lewes High Street. In commemoration of this event, 17 burning crosses parade through the city. As if to underline the dark and violent nature of Lewes celebrations, the city has a Bonfire Council that sets rules and publishes a health and safety advisory on its website: “While a lot of effort goes into the safety aspects Bonfire Night, fire and fireworks are still potentially dangerous. All persons should be aware that attending Lewes at Bonfire Night will constitute an unfit vouria , that is, you will be deemed to have accepted any risk of injury or damage, and no claim in this regard shall be made against the organizers. The event is held on November 5, except when that date falls on a Sunday.
- In the Devon town of Ottery St Mary, daring young men run through crowded streets carrying burning barrels of tar. The reason is lost in antiquity, but it is certainly linked to the British love of fire festivals. The day begins with juvenile barrels, which turn into a giant barrel at midnight. All this takes place before a gigantic bonfire and surrounded by a fair.
Where to see fireworks and bonfires
Most communities have some type of public fireworks or bonfires (usually both) around November 5 and run through the weekends before and after that date. If you’re in the UK at that time of year, ask a local about Bonfire Night or look for the orange glow in the sky and follow your nose to the smell of smoke and cordite. These are some of the biggest shows on Bonfire Night:
- London, The Lord Mayors Fireworks Display – A spectacular fireworks display usually marks the end of the Lord Mayors Show. There will be no fireworks in 2018, however there are new family festival zones with street theater, art installations and live music on November 10, 2018.
- Birmingham: In 2018, a large fireworks display will take place at Edgbaston Stadium on Saturday 3rd November. Doors open at 5:30 pm with fireworks and a laser light show starting at 7:30 pm This is a ticketed event. Wolverhampton Racecourse is the setting on Saturday night. And there are bonfire fireworks scheduled for West Bromwich, Reddich, Solihull, Walsall, Sutton Coldfield and Tamworth. Book your dinner at the Marco Pierre White restaurant on top of the Hotel Indigo and you should see the fireworks in all directions.
- Carlisle – This event features one of the top 10 fire festivals in the country. At least 35,000 people watch as 2,000 fireworks explode and a 40-foot-tall bonfire is lit near the castle walls. It usually involves a bonfire and a “Fireshow Funday” fair in the city center. It’s a free event, but charity bucket collectors will circulate through the crowd.
- Leeds Castle – Tickets are pricey for the two-night festival at Leeds Castle’s iconic Kent, but they offer a world-famous show with many different elements, usually around one theme. In 2018, the event will run from November 2-3 with a variety of British artists. Tickets go fast for this one. The festivities begin at 2 p.m. and include live music, a falconry display, a maze, and food stalls. The fireworks build begins around 5:30 pm
- Liverpool – Wirral: Liverpool and Wirral join forces again in 2018 to create a mega fireworks show ‘River of Light’ at the Mersey on 4 November along with street theater, food stalls and plenty of family entertainment. This event is free.
- Manchester: Bonfires and fireworks events take place everywhere (and throughout Manchester). The Manchester Evening News publishes an annual summary listing dozens of them, worth checking here.
- Rye in Sussex – This event has a bonfire (usually lit by a celebrity), a fireworks display, and a torchlight parade. It’s Saturday, November 10, 2018, and in addition to being a week later than most, the fireworks are too. The torchlight procession begins at 7:30 pm, the bonfire is lit by “Rye Fawkes” at 8:45 pm, and the fireworks begin at 9 pm.
- Glasgow – In 2018, Glasgow’s largest free fireworks event will take place on Glasgow Green on 5 November. There will be food stalls and a fun fair starting at 5 pm and the fireworks will begin at 7:30 pm
- Edinburgh – There are fireworks throughout the Scottish capital from November 2-5, 2018. For a free way to see the fireworks all around you, bundle up and climb Calton Hill or Arthur’s Seat at around 7pm for great views.
- Cardiff: “Sparks in the Park,” a ticketed event at Coopers Field, starts at 4:30 pm on November 3, 2018. Children’s fireworks are at 5:45 pm with the main show at 7pm No entry without tickets at night so look here to find out how to book.
- Bristol: Canford Park Charity Fireworks Fiesta is November 10, 2018, sponsored by the Bristol Roundtable and the Rotary Club of Clifton. Doors open at 5:30 pm and display begins at 7 pm Tickets are available through the website.
- Poole Quay Grand Fireworks Display – A free annual event takes place on November 5. Here, there is street entertainment, live music and children’s events starting at 4:30 pm, with the main fireworks show at 8 pm
