Guy Fawkes Night

Guy Fawkes Night History

Bonfire Night, also known as Guy Fawkes Night, commemorates the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605. This is when Guy Fawkes and other plotters aimed to blow up the Houses of Parliament in England. The event is typically celebrated with fireworks, bonfires, and the burning of an effigy of Guy Fawkes.

The Gunpowder Plot was orchestrated by a group of English Catholics who sought to protest against the oppressive rule of Protestant King James I by blowing up the Houses of Parliament and assassinating him in the process. However, English authorities were tipped off, and the plot failed. Since then, Bonfire Night has evolved into a time of merriment that unifies people through the age-old tradition of gathering around a warm, crackling fire with friends and loved ones. In Australia, the occasion is an opportunity to celebrate unique British traditions, honour shared cultural roots, and revel in the excitement that stems from partaking in a spectacular fireworks display.

Bonfire Night is observed with a variety of community events, which often include fireworks, bonfire gatherings, and barbecues. Families and friends come together to enjoy the colourful displays and bask in the warmth of the bonfire tradition, which weaves a nostalgic tapestry of shared heritage and vibrant community that brings people closer together. Bonfire Night officially takes place on November 5th, in homage to the anniversary of the foiled plot.

Guy Fawkes Night Facts

• Guy Fawkes smuggled in 36 barrels of gunpowder to the rented house next to the House of Parliament. According to physicists, the 2,500kg of gun powder would've destroyed 500m of the surrounding area.
• A common tradition is to search the cellars of the House of Parliament before the state opening each year. The Yeomen of the Guard perform a ceremonial check as a reference to the gunpowder plot 400 years ago.
• Due to the risk of bushfires, many states in Australia passed legislation to ban the sale and use of fireworks by the general public.
• Bonfire Night began to decline in popularity in Australia due to increasing concerns over fire safety, risk of injuries, and even rivalries between neighbors that led to dangerous and destructive competitions.

In the News and Trending in Australia for Guy Fawkes Night

Guy Fawkes Night Top Events and Things to Do

• Attend a parade. There are usually firework displays to celebrate the day. The fireworks represent the explosives that were never used by the culprits.
• Attend a bonfire. A common tradition is to toss straw dummies onto bonfires as they represent Guy Fawkes.
• Watch The Gunpowder Plot: Exploding the Legend (2005). The documentary explores the history behind the Gunpowder Plot and the subsequent tradition of celebrating Guy Fawkes Night.
• In Adelaide, the city zoo hosts a bonfire night with activities such as toasting marshmallows, wildlife encounters, food trucks, and entertainment.