Remember, remember 5th November…

Happy Guy Fawkes and Bonfire Night everyone!

Ever since Guy Fawkes attempted and miserably failed to blow up the House of Lords in 1605, there has been a tradition to celebrate the Bonfire Night on November 5th.

Actually, the celebrations used to be compulsory. The government was so relieved after capturing Guy and preventing the disaster of the Houses of the Parliament blowing up, that they passed a law compelling people to celebrate 5th November. It was not until 1859 before the law was repealed.

There is no longer any government edict in force. However, the celebrations are still very popular throughout the country. In 1910 firework manufacturers rebranded the event as fireworks night. These days both the fireworks and bonfires are both popular ways to celebrate.

In addition to watching fireworks and burning effigies of Guy on bonfires, dancing and roasting potatoes are popular ways to celebrate.

There are magnificent events with fireworks and bonfires around the UK tonight. If you are in Scotland, you can find some the events here.