Commemorating The Gunpowder Plot
November 5 is Guy Fawkes Night, also known as Bonfire Night. In 1605, a group of conspirators plotted to blow up King James I and his nobles during the State Opening of Parliament on November 5. The plot was foiled, and the English commemorate the anniversary every year by burning the ringleader in effigy. Bonfires are lit, the effigies are carried round the street by children begging "a penny for the guy", and the spoils used to buy fireworks, gingerbread and treacle toffee.
Families and communities still hold their own backyard bonfire parties, but town and city councils also put on public displays. London has many firework events, but why not try going further afield? A search on a town's website will provide details of upcoming local events, but here are a few ideas - displays located around an hour from London. Check out train times and plan your trip online. Be sure to check with the venue's website before confirming your trip, as plans and timings can change.
Lewes, Bonfire Capital of Southern England
The ancient Sussex town of Lewes has seven bonfire societies keeping 150 years of tradition alive. They hold their parades and bonfires on November 5, or November 4 if the anniversary falls on a Sunday. Costumes, floats and effigies are loaded with local significance or parody events of the day. The small town discourages outside visitors, especially with young children - this is very much a community celebration - but up to 80,000 people attend from all over Britain.
Fireworks in Historic Areas
St. Albans Cathedral in Hertfordshire is hosting a huge firework diplay in the city's Verulamium Park on November 1. Gates open at 6 pm with fireworks at 7.30. The cathedral city of Peterborough will host Firework Fiesta 2008 in Ferry Meadows on the same day, with bands and other attractions alongside the fireworks. Both are ticket-only events raising funds for charity.
Beachfront Fireworks
The resort of Southend-on-Sea, Essex, hosts free Seafront Firework Spectaculars on a barge off Jubilee Beach, 100 metres east of the Pier. You can join the fun at 8 pm every Saturday from October 4 until November 8.
Special Events in Bedfordshire
The Shuttleworth Collection of historic aircraft, near Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, is holding a fireworks spectacular and a tribute to the gallant men who flew those early planes on November 1. Gates open at 5 pm. The city of Bedford has a firework display lined up to dazzle those attending the switching-on ceremony for the Christmas lights on November 20, when the Bedford Festival of Fire and Light blazes on the Great Ouse river.
Kent and Surrey Bonfires
Cranleigh in Surrey hosts an exciting free display with a friendly village atmosphere. Children compete to make the best Guy, which then leads the procession through the streets to the Common where the bonfire and firework display takes place. This year the guys are judged at 3 pm on November 1, and the procession starts at 6.15, with fireworks and music at 8 pm. For more information see the Cranleigh Village Community Website.
Edenbridge in Kent hosts an annual parade of floats and entertainment before burning a 30ft high Celebrity Guy - previous Guys have included Tony Blair, Saddam Hussein and French president Jacques Chirac. Their excellent website is packed with history and information about Guy Fawkes Night, bonfire traditions and firework safety. This year's event is on November 8, parade from 6 pm and fireworks at 7.30.
If you need more ideas, or want to venture further afield, Fireworks magazine has a one-stop website listing firework events in many areas.
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