Bonfire Night in the UK
Remember, Remember the 5th of November...
For over 500 years, people in Great Britain have lit bonfires to celebrate the stopping of the Gunpowder Plot, an act of treason against the Monarchy instigated by Guy Fawkes.
Modern Bonfire Night celebrations include bonfires with an effigy of Guy Fawkes, fireworks, traditional food and songs.
Find out all about the UK traditions and celebrations held each year to commemorate this historical event.
Around the Bonfire on Guy Fawkes Night
On Bonfire Night in the UK everyone gathers around to watch as the bonfire is set alight. In the cool November air, the heat from the fire is welcomed. As the flames dance upwards, traditional food and drink such as hot dogs, toffee apples and warm mulled wine is enjoyed.
After the fire has burned for a while, its time for the firework display to begin. Young and old alike gasp in delighted "ooohs" and "ahhhs" as the colourful sparks and rockets light up the sky. The smell of sulphur fills the air as the screeches and bangs of the rockets ring out. Everyone joins in the fun writing their names in the black night sky with hand held sparklers and glowing torches.
Bonfire Night is a time honoured tradition in the UK, a night when the gunpowder and treason plot is remembered.
Bonfire Night on YouTube
The Gunpowder Plot
Remember, remember the Fifth of November,
The Gunpowder Treason and Plot,
I know of no reason
Why the Gunpowder Treason
Should ever be forgot.
Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes, t'was his intent
To blow up the King and Parli'ment.
Three-score barrels of powder below
To prove old England's overthrow;
By God's providence he was catch'd
With a dark lantern and burning match.
Holloa boys, holloa boys, let the bells ring.
Holloa boys, holloa boys, God save the King (or Queen)!
Author Unknown
Read more about the poem and its origins in English History here
Bonfire Night Colouring Pages
Bonfire Night Colouring Pages
Jamie Oliver's Toffee Apples for Bonfire Night
Jamie Oliver's Toffee Apple Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 Apples
- Cup of Sugar
- Drop of White Vinegar
- Half Cup of Water
- Drop of Red Food Colouring
What to Do
- Wash and dry the apples, insert a wooden skewer or lolly stick
- Mix water, sugar and vinegar in a pan and bring to boil
- Add food colouring and simmer for 20 minutes
- Remove from heat and dip each apple into the mixture
- Rotate the apple, drain for a few seconds, then place on greaseproof paper to set and harden
For more details about this recipe and other delicious treats click here to visit JamieOliver.Com
Bonfire Night Safety Tips on YouTube - Keep safe and follow the firework code!
Bonfire Night Information and Sources
- Guy Fawkes and Bonfire Night
The history about Guy Fawkes, the Gunpowder Plot, and why British people everywhere gather round bonfires every November 5th to burn effigies of Guy and watch fireworks. - Bonfire Night - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Wiki article about traditions of bonfire celebrations. - The UK's Bonfire Night
At the beginning of the 17th century there were a number of plots to overthrow King James I as a protest against some oppressive laws that were being introduced in Britain. The most notable of these plots was the 'Gunpowder Plot'. - Bonfire Night in Britain - Guy Fawkes
Information on the history about Guy Fawkes, the Gunpowder Plot, and why English people gather round bonfires every November 5th to burn Guys.