IT'S that time of year again - Bonfire Night is upon us once more.
With events more or less entirely called off due to covid last year, 2021 is a chance for families up and down the country to make up for lost time.
So whether you're looking for the best fireworks displays in your area, the latest weather forecasts or if you're simply hoping to bag some great Guy Fawkes-themed supermarket deals, we have you covered.
This live blog will cover absolutely everything Bonfire Night related so make it your one-stop shop for making plans and grabbing a bargain this year.
Read our Bonfire Night live blog below for the very latest updates...
Milica Cosic 11 minutes ago
Why is Bonfire Night on November 5?
Every year, Bonfire Night falls on November 5!
The famous rhyme: "Remember, remember the fifth of November," relates to the celebration as it marks the anniversary of the foiled Gunpowder Plot on November 5, 1605.
The plot revolved around a group of Catholic revolutionaries who wanted revenge for the persecution of their faith in England.
By renting a house near the Houses of Parliament, one of the plotters, Guy "Guido" Fawkes, managed to smuggle 36 barrels of gunpowder under the building - ready to blow it sky high.
Guy and his group wanted to kill the king, and timed their attack for the state opening of Parliament.
But an anonymous tip-off led the police to uncover the plot, and explosives expert Guy Fawkes was caught red-handed, before being tortured into revealing the details of the plot.
Typically, treasonous plotters like Guy Fawkes would have been hung, drawn and quartered, but Guy's death was a little different.
The rest of his band were subject to the barbaric killing, but Guy fell from his hanging platform and broke his neck, dying instantly.
Milica Cosic 27 minutes ago
The best bonfires in London and the South East
Alexandra Palace Fireworks Festival 2021 – November 6 & 7
Battersea Park Fireworks Show – November 6 & 7
Musical Fireworks Display, Wimbledon Park – November 5 & 6
Lewes Bonfire Celebrations – November 5
Leeds Castle Firework Spectacular, Maidstone – November 6 & 7
Hatch Warren Firework Display Extravaganza, Basingstoke – November 6
Milica Cosic 42 minutes ago
Best bonfires in SW England
Arno’s Vale Bonfire Night, Bristol – November 5
Fireworks to Music at Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park, Bristol – November 5-7
Truro Bonfire Night, Cornwall – November 5
Ottery St Mary, Devon, November 5
Kenilworth Castle, Warwickshire, 3 November
Milica Cosic 56 minutes ago
Who was Guy Fawkes?
Far from being the plot's ringleader Guy "Guido" Fawkes was merely the trigger man drafted in to set the fuse.
Born in York he converted to Catholicism following the death of his father and left to become Mercenary fighting for the Spanish against the Protestant Dutch.
Given his expertise in explosives he was charged with setting and lighting the fuse to the gunpowder.
He was caught red-handed by the King's men beneath the palace and was tortured for two days at the Tower of London until he gave up his co-conspirators.
The traditional death for traitors in 17th-century England was to be hanged, drawn and quartered in public. Fawkes would have been forced to watch as his testicles were cut off and his innards ripped out.
But as he awaited his punishment on the gallows, Fawkes, 35, leapt from the platform and broke his neck.
He was still hanged and the four parts of his body sent around the country to warn others.
November 5 was later declared a national holiday and people began burning effigies of Fawkes - called guys - and later setting off fireworks representing the gunpowder.
Milica Cosic Today, 17:15
Explained: What was the Gunpowder Plot?
The revolutionaries had hoped for better treatment from the new monarch James I after 45 years of hounding under the reign of Elizabeth I, and decided on drastic measures when things did not improve under his reign.
Warwickshire-born Catholic Robert Catesby and his friends planned to kill the King, his ministers and scores of nobles by blowing up the Palace of Westminster during the State Opening of Parliament on November 5, 1605.
The plotters rented a house nearby and managed to smuggle 36 barrels of gunpowder - around 2.5 tons - into a cellar under the palace ready to blow it sky high.
The explosives were discovered with hours to spare after an anonymous tip-off warning one peer to stay away.
To this day the cellars under the Houses of Parliament are ceremonially searched before the annual State Opening.
A depiction of Guy Fawkes' execution from 1606
Milica Cosic Today, 17:00
What are the words to Remember, Remember The Fifth of November?
There are many versions of the rhyme that have survived in different parts of England since the 17th century.
Most begin with the same or very similar words. This is the basic form:
Remember, remember, the Fifth of November
Gunpowder treason and plot
I see no reason why gunpowder treason
Should ever be forgot
After that there are very different verses that may be included. One goes:
Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes, 'twas his intent
To blow up the King and the Parliament
Three score barrels of powder below
Poor old England to overthrow
By God's providence he was catch'd
With a dark lantern and burning match
Holler boys, holler boys, let the bells ring
Holler boys, holler boys, God save the King!
Milica Cosic Today, 16:45
Remember remember the 5th of November
"REMEMBER, remember the Fifth of November, gunpowder, treason and plot," goes the traditional rhyme.
The plot was centred around a group of Roman Catholic revolutionaries furious at the persecution of their faith in England.
Milica Cosic Today, 16:30
For the animals...
It’s not just the animals in your home that can be scared of fireworks – horses can be too. If you’re a horse owner:
Know in advance – check to see if there are going to be any firework displays in your area. Talk to the organisers – where possible, tell the organisers of firework displays that there are horses nearby and ask them to set off their fireworks in the opposite direction. Get BHS advice – for top tips on keeping your horse safe and secure during the firework season, please follow the advice from the British Horse Society.
Milica Cosic Today, 16:15
Explained: Why is Bonfire Night celebrated with fireworks?
Bonfire Night is celebrated in the UK by lighting bonfires, burning “Guys”, which are effigies styled after the plotter and setting off fireworks.
People first started lighting bonfires as a celebration that the king hadn’t been killed, and the tradition has persisted to this day.
Fireworks are also set off throughout the country as they are powered by gunpowder, representing the explosives that were never used.
And yeoman of the guard still search the cellars of the Houses of Parliament before the state opening in November.
However, it is a ceremonial gesture rather than an actual terrorist hunt, even using old lanterns.
Funnily enough, and despite being the most famous member of the group, Guy Fawkes didn’t lead the plot, he just ended up being caught in Parliament’s cellars with a shed load of gunpowder.
caroline.mortimer@thesun.co.uk Today, 16:00
Explained: which fireworks are legal to buy?
In law, all fireworks are divided into four different categories:
Category 1s are fireworks which can be handled by children with adult supervision. Examples can include everything from party poppers and Christmas crackers to sparklers. Category 2 or 3 fireworks are the standard fireworks you would see in displays such as standard rockets. It is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to buy, handle or set up category 2 or 3 fireworks. Category 4s are the dangerous types which can only be used by the professionals. These are banned for sale to the general public and can only be bought from specialist retailers.
caroline.mortimer@thesun.co.uk Today, 15:45
Every little DOES help
Tesco has finally confirmed that it will be selling fireworks this year.
Last year, it didn’t sell any big boxes of bangers, offering low-noise ones instead.
But this year the supermarket is offering a whole range of fireworks.
These include Titanium Sparklers for ￡1, low-noise options like the Carnival Selection Box from ￡7, and a whopping ten different selection boxes in the Firework Party Kit for ￡110.
Clubcard holders can also get two “Northern Lights” selection box for ￡20.
You can check where your nearest Tesco store is – and if they’re selling fireworks – using the supermarket’s store locator tool.
caroline.mortimer@thesun.co.uk Today, 15:30
Explained: Who was Gunpowder Plot leader?
Despite being less famous than Guy Fawkes, Robert Catesby was actually the mastermind behind the gunpowder plot.
He was born around 1572 in Warwickshire to a Catholic family in newly-Protestant England.
He was said to be charismatic and made friends easily – many of whom remained fiercely loyal to him.
Catesby became deeply religious as he matured after what was said to be a wild youth.
He wanted to bring England back to the Catholic faith and is understood to have colluded with the Spanish government in 1602 about instigating a rebellion to achieve that goal.
caroline.mortimer@thesun.co.uk Today, 15:15
Sainsbury’s will NOT stock fireworks for third year running
Brits will be looking forward to cracking out the sparklers this Friday – but won’t be able to buy their bangers from some supermarkets.
Sainsbury’s has once again banned the sale of fireworks from all of its stores.
The supermarket stopped selling fireworks a number of years ago – and won’t be offering them to customers again this year.
The move was sparked by concerns raised by charities that fireworks cause unnecessary distress to pets, wildlife and elderly people.
caroline.mortimer@thesun.co.uk Today, 15:07
Why did plot fail?
All the best laid plans tend to fall apart due to the people in them and the Gunpowder Plot is no exception.
It is believed a letter was probably sent to Lord Monteagle by his brother-in-law Francis Tresham – who was one of the plotters warning him of the plot.
Whomever it was presumably just wanted to spare a fellow Catholic – regardless of how many others died – and thought Monteagle would keep quiet to help the plot along.
But Monteagle was loyal to the Crown – and presumably not a fan of mass murder – so he immediately went to the King.
caroline.mortimer@thesun.co.uk Today, 14:45
Who did the plotters want to put on the throne?
The plotters thought if they could take out James and his first born son – Henry – they could instead install his eldest daughter Elizabeth as a puppet ruler.
Henry had a younger brother – who later became Charles I as his brother died of illness – but the plotters thought he was too young and feeble.
Nine-year-old Elizabeth was being raised a Protestant and was not in London at the time – but the plotters thought they could kidnap her, raise her Catholic and marry her off to a Catholic groom.
Alas for Elizabeth, or perhaps luckily, it was not to be and she was later married off to briefly be the Queen of Bohemia.
But that was not the end of the story. Charles I’s descendants had died out by the early 18th century and his Catholic ones were barred from the throne by the Act of Succession.
That meant it fell to her grandson a little known Elector of Hanover – son of her Protestant daughter Sophie – who later became George I.
And from him our modern Royal family is descended.
caroline.mortimer@thesun.co.uk Today, 14:33
Scarred for life
A boy scarred for life after a firework accident when he was little has spoke out about to warn others about protecting children near displays.
Ben McCabe, 14, said medics are continuing to treat injuries to his chest, neck and right arm with skin grafts TEN YEARS after he suffered third degree burns from a stray rocket.
He spoke out about the horror at a family gathering as he urged others to attend organised Bonfire Night displays.
Ben, of Cumbernauld, said: “If there isn’t one on, think twice about the risks of a home display.
“A few moments of excitement can have a lifetime of consequences.
“I’ve had multiple ops with more to come and need regular treatments to keep my skin supple.”
Alasdair Perry, of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, added: “We are appealing to the public to attend organised events rather than do-it-yourself fireworks displays.”
caroline.mortimer@thesun.co.uk Today, 14:15
Apocalypse meow
For cats the loud bangs of fireworks can sound like the end of the world, so here is the best advice for trying to keep them happier and calmer on Bonfire Night.
Provide hiding places in your home, such as under some furniture or in a quiet corner. Don’t try and tempt your cat out, as this will cause them to become more stressed. Consider keeping them in – cats can become more stressed if they’re outside during fireworks. Microchip your cats in case they’re startled and escape outside.
caroline.mortimer@thesun.co.uk Today, 14:00
Top tips for fireworks deals
SILENT SIZZLERS: Low-noise fireworks are all the rage — particularly for those with pets.
Tesco is doing a 3 for ￡18 Clubcard deal on packs, including the Carnival selection box, Gala fountain and Jubilee rockets, each ￡7.
Or try Aldi’s LOL selection box for just ￡12, or Asda’s Rainbow selection for ￡10.
CRACKING OFFER: It’s all about monster sparklers this year. Head to Lidl for 12 giant ones at ￡1.99 — 16p each.
MEATY MULTIBUYS: For big gatherings, check out Iceland for its three-for-￡5 deals on party food, including packs of chicken poppers, mini hot dog rolls and southern fried chicken sticks.
The best advice though is to NEVER cheap out on safety - make sure whatever you buy carries the official kitemark.
All prices on this page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
caroline.mortimer@thesun.co.uk Today, 13:45
What were the Gunpowder plotters trying to do?
While the majority of us celebrate the failure of the plot every year, many do not know why they were trying to kill the king in the first place.
Well the reason was simple, for years plotters had wanted to get a Catholic to succeed Protestant Elizabeth I to the throne.
But when their last hope effectively died when the Catholic cousin of Elizabeth, Mary, Queen of Scots, was executed in 1588.
Her son James I, known as James VI in Scotland, inherited her claim instead and came down to England to take up the throne alongside his Edinburgh seat in 1603.
James was a staunch Protestant, he was the King James of the ‘King James’ Bible’, and had no time for people of his mother’s faith. She had been separated from him as a baby when she fled to England.
As a result the plotters decided they need to get him out of the way….
caroline.mortimer@thesun.co.uk Today, 13:30
Plots and intrigue
Many people associate William Shakespeare with Elizabeth I but he was also living and writing during the early years of James I&VI’s reign as well.
Some of his later works are said to have been written to please the king – or at least not anger him and risk a trip to the Tower – at a time of intense political tension.
Some Shakespeare scholars have even said the Gunpowder plot may have at least partially inspired the story of Macbeth – a play about a traitor who kills a Scottish king and gets his comeuppance.
The play was written in around 1606 – months after the plot was exposed.
Although the story is fictional, Macbeth was a real Scottish medieval king who was eventually usurped and James is said to have claimed descent from Banquo – who was prophesied ‘to be father to a line of kings here after’ in the play.
caroline.mortimer@thesun.co.uk Today, 13:15
When can I buy fireworks?
Due to concerns about their effect on animals, the elderly and how dangerous they can be if they are not handled properly the sale of fireworks is strictly controlled.
Accoridng to Gov.uk, you can only buy fireworks (including sparklers) from registered sellers for private use on these dates:
15 October to 10 November 26 to 31 December 3 days before Diwali and Chinese New Year
At other times you can only buy fireworks from licensed shops.
caroline.mortimer@thesun.co.uk Today, 13:00
Brrrr-fire night
A four-day “Arctic blast” is set to bring icy temperatures, gales and even snow in a Bonfire Night washout.
Temperatures are set to plunge after Britain was whipped by 80mph winds and lashed by torrential rain over the Halloween weekend.
Although it will be mostly dry during the week, the heavy rain returns on Friday for the Bonfire Night weekend, with blustery winds in the north.
A Met Office forecaster said: “After a wet and windy Halloween with a deep Atlantic low pressure system and damaging winds, it turns colder into the new week.”
Bookmakers Coral have already slashed odds on November being the wettest on record to 6-4.
caroline.mortimer@thesun.co.uk Today, 12:45
How to play with fire (safely)
According to the London Fire Brigade, there is a safety code you should follow when setting off fireworks:
Only buy fireworks with the British Standard Kitemark BS7114. Don’t drink alcohol and set off fireworks. Keep fireworks in a closed box and follow the instructions carefully. Light them at arm’s length using a taper, stand well back. Never go back to them once they are lit. Even if a firework hasn’t gone off, it could still explode. Never throw fireworks or put them in your pocket. Do not give sparklers to children under five. Once sparklers have gone out, they are still hot so put them in a bucket of water. Keep your pets indoors if you’re setting off fireworks.
caroline.mortimer@thesun.co.uk Today, 12:30
Did Guy Fawkes mastermind the plot?
Despite being less famous than Guy Fawkes, Robert Catesby was actually the mastermind behind the gunpowder plot.
He was born around 1572 in Warwickshire to a Catholic family in newly-Protestant England.
He was said to be charismatic and made friends easily – many of whom remained fiercely loyal to him.
Catesby became deeply religious as he matured after what was said to be a wild youth.
He wanted to bring England back to the Catholic faith and is understood to have colluded with the Spanish government in 1602 about instigating a rebellion to achieve that goal.
caroline.mortimer@thesun.co.uk Today, 12:15
Who invented fireworks?
Fireworks are incredibly ancient - they were first used in China during the Song dynasty between 960 and 1279.
Firework making was a respected skill and the first rockets were made from rolled sheets of paper containing gunpowder and a fuse.
Knowledge of the technique gradually drifted west as Arab explorers began moving east in the Middle Ages and bringing the knowledge back.
Fireworks were first recorded in Europe by the late 14th century and became popular during the 17th century - just in time for Guy Fawkes' night.
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