Guy Fawkes Night, otherwise known as Bonfire Night, is a British tradition dating back to the Gunpowder Plot of 1605.
Guy (Guido) Fawkes and his fellow conspirators were fed up with the persecution of Catholics that followed the reign of Elizabeth 1 so they decided to assassinate King James I and blow up the Houses of Parliament during its state opening. The plot was foiled, and Guy Fawkes was tortured for two days to give up the names of the people who were in on the act. He was condemned to a gruesome end – to be hanged, drawn, and quartered. For the sensitive souls, you may not want to look that up. Somehow, he managed to escape the gallows and broke his neck, even though his body was dismembered afterwards. Despite the fact that the ringleader was, in fact, Robert Catesby, Guy Fawkes was the one they caught about to ignite the explosives.
Where to go this weekend…
Somehow, Bonfire Night seemed to be eclipsed by Halloween, which seems to be increasingly popular each year! If you haven’t planned where to go this weekend, here are 3 places to go every evening this weekend.
Friday: Alexandra Palace
If you have ever been to the fireworks display in Alexandra Palace, you will have been blown away by the incredible views of London and the amazing fireworks display. It is an unforgettable experience, and this year they will also have a laser show.
Top Tip: wrap up warm tonight and take an umbrella. Be prepared for long queues, so make sure you leave plenty of time to get there for when the fireworks display starts.
Tickets are sold out for Saturday. However, tickets are still available for tonight. The laser show starts at 8:35 pm and the Fireworks display at 9 pm.
Adult tickets are priced at £11, which is not bad considering.
Saturday: Crystal Palace
Enjoy the traditional double-bill of firework shows as Crystal Palace celebrates Bonfire Night at Crystal Palace Park.
Gates open at 6pm, ready for an evening of family fun at one of London’s longest-running firework shows. The night kicks off with a kid-friendly display at 7pm, promising a magical show with less noise for little ones, followed by the main display at 8.30pm. There’s also plenty of warming food and drink available. Gates close at 8:15 pm, so make sure you have plenty of time.
Sparklers, alcohol, and dogs are not permitted at the event, so drink before you go (responsibly, of course). Book your tickets here.
Sunday: Victoria Park
The Great Fire of London Fireworks Display will be FREE OF CHARGE!
Hosted by the Mayor of Tower Hamlets, this year’s free fireworks display commemorates 350 years since the Great Fire of London. Keep warm with a variety of food and drink from 6pm, before the dazzling fireworks display kicks off at 7pm.
The display will start at 7pm, but food and beverages will be available to purchase from 6pm, when the gate opens. You’d best give yourselves plenty of time to actually make your way through to where you can see the fireworks. It will be busy, so be prepared!
For more info, check out the Tower Hamlets website.
Remember, remember the fifth of November,
Gunpowder treason and plot.
