The annual celebrations, on 5th November, date back to the 17th century and a failed attempt to blow up the Houses of Parliament in London. When the Protestant James I became King of England in 1603, a group of dissident Catholics, led by Robert Catesby, began plotting to end his reign.
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Gunpowder plot
It was Catesby's intention to kill James I and his followers, incite an uprising and restore a Catholic monarch to the throne. The plan was to place 36 barrels of gunpowder under the House of Lords to blow up the government and the king on Parliament's opening day on 5th November 1605.
The enlisted the services of explosives expert Guido "Guy" Fawkes, who was one of 13 men plotting the fiendish attack. However, someone sent an anonymous tip-off to avoid the state opening of Parliament, because those present would receive a "terrible blow".
The plot was uncovered, the king and MPs survived and Guy Fawkes was sentenced to death for treason. This led to the annual Bonfire Night celebrations, when fireworks and bonfires were lit to celebrate the king's survival.
Over the years, the event evolved and in the 18th century, children began walking round the streets with an effigy of Guy Fawkes, asking people for a "penny for the guy" - a tradition that's just as popular today. The guy was then burned on top of the bonfire.
How many people have a bonfire?
An estimated 20 million Brits celebrate Bonfire Night by attending either a public or private bonfire and fireworks display. While public bonfires are organised in many places such as parks, on the beach, or at sports clubs, many prefer to celebrate at home with a bonfire party in their back garden. Wherever you are, enjoy your fireworks to the max, but do so safely.
Research published by Gov UK reveals people at private firework displays are generally not concerned about the safety of the event. However, everyone’s welfare, including children and pets, is paramount. Enjoy the fireworks, but don't put anyone’s safety at risk.
Householders admit they seldom use the instructions that come with the fireworks, as they don't feel the need. However, be aware of the laws about keeping fireworks in your home, as they're put in place for your own safety.
Firework safety rules
Firework storage laws are covered by the Explosive Regulations 2014. It is an offence to sell fireworks to any person under 18 years of age in the UK.
You don't need a firework storage licence, as long as you keep within the weight and hazard type limits, as defined by the regulations. This means purchasers buying them for an average home display normally don't need a licence. However, you can't buy a bulk amount that exceeds the limits.
You should store fireworks in a sturdy heavy duty storage box for safety reasons. Keep them away from any source of heat or ignition such as heaters, an open fire, cigarette lighters and people smoking. Keep them in their original packaging, away from any flammable materials and put them in a locked cabinet or box if you have children or pets.
On Bonfire Night, never leave the box of fireworks open in between lighting them, as a stray firework, or spark from the fire, could ignite the whole box and set it alight. Put the lid back on the box until you need to get the next firework out.
Keep pets indoors
Remember, your pets are not fanatical about the whole event! Never leave your animals outdoors if you're having a bonfire party. Make sure they are comfortable indoors during this loud night, when the bangs of fireworks can cause them distress and anxiety. Make a safe haven for your pet using a large box containing a blanket and pillow that they can snuggle into.
Shut them in a room with the curtains or blinds closed and put the television or radio on for them to drown out the noise of the fireworks. Keep checking on them during the evening to make sure they're okay and never leave any doors or windows open, in case they bolt and run off.
Keep everything they need, such as food and a box of treats, in the same room, so they don't need to leave their safe place ‘til it's all over.
Before lighting the bonfire, check for any wild animals that may have made their home inside. In particular, look out for hibernating hedgehogs, as a pile of twigs, wood and dried leaves can look like a winter haven to them. Remove them to safety - if necessary consulting a wildlife charity - to avoid a Bonfire Night tragedy.
Treats and sweets
Usually, a mixture of sweets such as treacle toffee and toffee apples, cakes such as parkin and all kinds of hot food to keep out the winter chill as people watch the fireworks; people hosting a bonfire party at their home traditionally provide food.
Today, food such as burgers, sausages and hotdogs have largely replaced the traditional fare like jacket potatoes and mushy peas. Some hosts have a mixture of home-prepared snacks and takeaway food.
The golden rule of Bonfire Night is to keep your food in containers with a lid, so you don't end up with soot from the fire, bits of spent fireworks or insects in it.
Have a buffet laid out indoors, so people can pop into the kitchen to grab some food and drinks before the firework display.
Whatever you’re doing this Bonfire Night, have fun and stay safe!