What is Bonfire Night?
Bonfire night is more commonly known as Guy Fawkes Day on the 5th November. You may remember this nursery rhyme from primary school:
“Remember, remember the Fifth of November, The Gunpowder Treason and Plot, I see no reason Why the Gunpowder Treason Should ever be forgot.”
So, on November 5th, 1605, Guy Fawkes and a group of radical English Catholics tried to assassinate King James I by blowing up Parliament’s House of Lords. This plot backfired, and all the conspirators were executed. Soon after, Brits began to celebrate Fawkes’ demise and the survival of their king by burning effigies, lighting bonfires and setting off fireworks—a tradition which has continued to this day.
Why Was There a Plot to Kill the King?
Under Elizabeth I’s reign many were persecuted for being Catholic. It was hoped that things would change when 
James came to power as his mother and wife were Catholics. Instead, he banished Catholic priests and believed Catholicism to be a conspiracy, making conditions worse for Catholics. In 1603 a few priests and laymen hatched the Bye Plot to kidnap James, only to be turned in by fellow Catholics. Later that year, another plot known as the Main Plot, sought to kill James and install his cousin on the throne. Then in May 1604, Guy Fawkes and crew met in a London inn to discuss and plot their infamous plan.
An event supposedly rooted in remembrance for the failed murder of a King could not be further removed from it. Today, the annual ritual is more festive and fun than religious and monarchical. Even Fawkes himself has taken on a new meaning, becoming best known around the world not as a would-be religious extremist and terrorist, but as a populist hero. His life has been romanticized in film, his legacy has been preserved in masks, and his legacy has morphed into an almost fabled tale of anti-government rebellion, anarchy, and subversion.
“Fun” Facts:
❖ Guy Fawkes was not the Gunpowder Plot’s ringleader 
❖ Guy Fawkes was Protestant by birth
❖ The Houses of Parliament are still searched once a year for conspirators
❖ It was once illegal not to celebrate Bonfire Night in Britain
❖ During the war, no one was allowed to set off fireworks or light bonfires, yet the night still had to be celebrated indoors
❖ St. Peters school in York is the only place in England that does not celebrate bonfire night as Guy Fawkes was a former pupil
❖ Guy Fawkes wasn’t hung, drawn and quartered, as he was supposed to be, instead he chose a quick death of jumping order to escape torture
❖ Lewes bonfire night festivities is known as the largest 5th of November extravaganza in the world
Where to Celebrate:
1st October – Bonfire carvery feast and fireworks The View Hotel – Eastbourne 18:30 – 22:00pm
15th October – Bonfire Procession Hastings – Fireworks along the route, Drumming, Bonfire, Effigy and Grand Finale, Firework Display on the beach, starting at first in, last out. 19:30 – 22:00pm
5th November – Bonfire society grand bonfire night Nevill Road – Hastings 20:00 – 23:30pm
5th November – Battle Bonfire High street – Battle 19:00 – 22:00pm
