Remember The 5th of November: The Story of Guy Fawkes

Bonfire Night is one of the most anticipated evenings in the UK calendar. Every 5th of November, communities gather around bonfires, watch fireworks paint the sky, and remember the Gunpowder Plot of 1605. But behind the celebrations lies a fascinating history of intrigue, betrayal, and a plot that could have changed the course of British history.

The Gunpowder Plot: What actually happened?

In 1605, a group of English Catholics led by Robert Catesby planned to blow up the Houses of Parliament during the State Opening, killing King James I and the Protestant aristocracy. Guy Fawkes, a veteran soldier, was tasked with guarding the 36 barrels of gunpowder placed beneath the House of Lords.

The plot was foiled when an anonymous letter warned Lord Monteagle to avoid Parliament. A search of the cellars on the night of 4th November revealed Fawkes and the gunpowder. He was arrested, tortured, and eventually executed along with his co-conspirators.

How Bonfire Night became a tradition

In January 1606, Parliament passed the Observance of 5th November Act, making it a legal requirement to commemorate the foiling of the plot with church services and bonfires. The act remained in force until 1859, but the tradition had already taken root.

Over the centuries, the celebrations evolved. Effigies of Guy Fawkes (and later, unpopular politicians) were burned on bonfires. Fireworks were added to represent the gunpowder that never exploded. The rhyme “Remember, remember, the 5th of November” became a nursery staple.

Modern Bonfire Night celebrations

Today, Bonfire Night is celebrated across the UK with:

• Organised displays – Councils, clubs, and communities host large public shows. Bonfire Night fireworks category has everything you need.
• Back garden displays – Families host their own shows with selection boxes, cakes, and rockets.
• Bonfire societies – Especially in Sussex and Kent, traditional societies parade with torches and burning effigies.

Fireworks for your own Bonfire Night

If you’re hosting a back garden display, Big Shotter Fireworks has everything you need:

• Selection boxes – Easy, curated mixes. Selection boxes
• Barrages & cakes – Multi-shot centrepieces. Barrages & cakes
• Rockets – For height and drama. Rockets
• Sparklers & fountains – For the kids. Sparklers / Fountains
• Silent fireworks – For pets and neighbours. Silent fireworks

Safety first

• Only buy fireworks marked BS 7114 or EN 15947
• Keep fireworks in a closed box until use
• Light at arm’s length with a portfire
• Stand well back (check the safety distance on each label)
• Never return to a lit firework
• Keep a bucket of water or sand nearby
• Supervise children at all times – sparklers burn at 2000°C

Where to buy

Big Shotter Fireworks supplies everything for Bonfire Night, from selection boxes and barrages & cakes to rockets, sparklers, and silent fireworks. Free UK delivery over £290, click & collect from Bradford, year-round availability.

Order early to avoid the November rush. Remember, remember, the 5th of November – and stay safe.