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...
caroline.mortimer@thesun.co.uk 10 minutes ago
Was Guy Fawkes burnt at the stake?
Despite people burning a ‘Guy’ every Bonfire night, Guy Fawkes was not burnt alive.
Some of the conspirators, such as Robert Catesby died in a shoot out a few days later, but Fawkes and a few others stood trial and were sentenced to death.
Traditionally traitors in 17th-century England were hanged, drawn and quartered in public.
But Fawkes avoided punishment by leaping from the platform, to avoid having his testicles cut off, and broke his neck.
caroline.mortimer@thesun.co.uk 40 minutes ago
Corner cutting will cost you
It is predicted that hundreds of thousands of bonfires will be lit next weekend as Brits mark Guy Fawkes Night, with fire crews being up to four times as busy on November 5.
The Environment Agency has asked people planning on having bonfires at home to ensure they are only using clean, non-commercial waste, or they could be at risk of a ￡50,000 fine.
The burning of most types of waste is illegal in the UK, and can cause pollution which could be extremely harmful to family, friends and neighbours.
Sam Pickard of the Environment Agency said: “Bonfires are not to be used for a seasonal clear-out of your rubbish. It is not an excuse to get rid of difficult to dispose of rubbish by burning it yourself or asking others to do it for you.
“We want to encourage people to make sure they dispose of their waste legally and safely at their recycling centre or through their doorstep collections. And if you are responsible for a bonfire, when you are doing your checks for wildlife also look to see if anyone has added rubbish to your bonfire.”
caroline.mortimer@thesun.co.uk Today, 03:30
Robert Catesby's Game of Thrones connection
Actor Kit Harington – who famously played Jon Snow in the hit Game of Thrones – revealed he is actually a direct descendant of Robert Catesby.
He told how his mother is descended from the plot ringleader, while a relative on his father’s side was in Parliament when Catesby’s head was paraded outside.
The 34-year-old even later went onto star as Catesby in a BBC One drama series Gunpowder in 2017.
Kit he said: “When [Catesby’s] head was marched past the houses of Parliament on a pike, John Harington on my father’s side, who was in the houses of Parliament at the time, looked at him and is quoted as saying, ‘He’s an ugly fellow, isn’t he?’. Isn’t that brilliant?”
caroline.mortimer@thesun.co.uk Today, 03:00
Potato spark
One mum has shared her savvy trick to stop little fingers getting burnt on Bonfire night.
Francesca Ross uploaded a photo showing how she sticks potatoes on the end of sparklers for her children to hold instead of the metal end.
She wrote on the Facebook group Family Lowdown Tips & Ideas: “With bonfire night coming up I thought I’d share the potato trick we just did for the sparklers.
“Worked amazing for the little toddlers.”
Her post has racked up over a thousand likes, with one person writing: “Great idea!”
Another added: “I find carrots and parsnips work best…abit longer and easier for the little ‘uns to hold.”
caroline.mortimer@thesun.co.uk Today, 02:30
All good intentions
Bonfire night is full of myths and legends - but here at the safety myths you MUST ignore this holiday.
It’s good to know what you should – and more importantly – shouldn’t do if you end up needing to leap into action.
Bonfire night is one of the busiest nights of the year in the UK’s A&E departments.
There are plenty of old wives’ tale and myths surrounding how to deal with burns and choking. But we have busted the traditional treatments and explained what you should really do.
Here we’ve collated some first aid tips and myths from St John Ambulance trainer Clive James to keep everyone safe this weekend…
Read more here.
caroline.mortimer@thesun.co.uk Today, 02:00
Hot deals for hot toddy
Whip up a hot toddy – a warming mixture of whisky, lemon and honey – with Aldi’s Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky for ￡16.99.
The Sun’s money team say it’s the cheapest avilable in the supermarkets at present.
And while you’re there, grab some instant hot chocolate for the kids for 99p.
All prices on this page correct at time of going to press.
caroline.mortimer@thesun.co.uk Today, 01:30
Remember, remember the what?
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!
caroline.mortimer@thesun.co.uk Today, 01:00
What was the Gunpowder plot?
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.
Several of the plotters, including the ringleader Robert Catesby, died at a shoot out in Lincolnshire a few days later but the rest – including Guy Fawkes – were put on trial and sentenced to death.
caroline.mortimer@thesun.co.uk Today, 00:30
Bang out of order
Bonfire night is here and many of us will be setting off fireworks at home - but light them at the wrong time and you could be faced with a ￡5,000 fine or jail.
If you want to set off fireworks on your property, make sure you know the rules so you can avoid getting in trouble.
You can only buy "adult" fireworks if you’re over 18, and they can only be bought from registered sellers on selected dates.
Fireworks are assigned different categories depending on their intended purpose, ranging from category F1 to F4 - you can usually find these categories printed on the packaging.
F1 fireworks are considered indoor fireworks and can be bought by anyone over the age of 16 - this includes sparklers and party poppers.
Fireworks in the F2 and F3 categories are intended for garden and display use respectively, and can only be bought by people over 18.
F4 fireworks are professional fireworks that can only be used by specialist companies.
caroline.mortimer@thesun.co.uk Today, 00:00
What would the Gunpowder Plot have done to London?
There has been a lot of debate among historians about whether the eventual plan – to stage a coup and put James’ daughter on the throne as a puppet – would have worked.
But more recent scientific analysis has shown if they had at least managed to blow up Parliament it would have caused horrific damage to the city.
Analysis from the Centre for Explosion Studies, at the University of Aberystwyth, published by the New Scientist in 2003, suggested there would have been a blast radius of 40 metres.
Buildings would have also at least partially damaged up to 110 metres away and it could have even blown out windows as far away as 900 metres.
17th century gunpowder was not as powerful as modern TNT or C4 but buildings at the time were not as strong as they are today either. In any case, hundreds of people in the surrounding area would have been killed.
Milica Cosic 4th Nov 2021, 23:30
Don’t forget the small stuff
Dogs, cats and horses are not the only ones who get scared this time of year.
Smaller aminals, such as rabbits and guinea pigs, are often still living outside at this time of year and can be very frightened by fireworks.
Bringing them indoors for a few evenings, or moving their hutch into a shed or garage, can be really helpful. If this is not possible, cover their cages with a thick blanket and give them extra bedding so they can really snuggle down.
Milica Cosic 4th Nov 2021, 23:00
Why do we use fireworks on Bonfire Night?
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.
Milica Cosic 4th Nov 2021, 22:30
Explained: What rules do you need to stick to?
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.
Milica Cosic 4th Nov 2021, 22:00
Daughter is a life saver!
A quick-thinking three-year-old girl saved her mum’s life after a bonfire triggered an asthma attack.
Imogen bravely called 999 and directed an ambulance to the family home as her mum Kayleigh Robus, 29, struggled for breath.
The pair were playing in the garden when the community carer suddenly felt her chest tighten and she was soon unable to speak. Terrified Kayleigh, of Burgess Hill, West Sussex, realised that the smoke from a nearby bonfire had triggered an asthma attack.
The mum told The Argus: “I was playing in the garden with Imogen when suddenly I smelt smoke and straight away felt my chest tighten. I rushed inside the house and took puffs on my inhaler which helped at first but it wasn’t enough and I was struggling to breathe. I couldn’t breathe in or out, I couldn’t speak, I couldn’t do anything. It was horrific.”
As Kayleigh battled for breath, her toddler amazingly dialled 999 and told an ambulance where they lived.
Milica Cosic 4th Nov 2021, 21:30
Explained: Who was the leader of the Gunpowder 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.
Milica Cosic 4th Nov 2021, 21:00
Huge consequences if Gunpowder Plot actually went through
There has been a lot of debate among historians about whether the eventual plan – to stage a coup and put James’ daughter on the throne as a puppet – would have worked.
But more recent scientific analysis has shown if they had at least managed to blow up Parliament it would have caused horrific damage to the city.
Analysis from the Centre for Explosion Studies, at the University of Aberystwyth, published by the New Scientist in 2003, suggested there would have been a blast radius of 40 metres.
Buildings would have also at least partially damaged up to 110 metres away and it could have even blown out windows as far away as 900 metres.
17th century gunpowder was not as powerful as modern TNT or C4 but buildings at the time were not as strong as they are today either. In any case, hundreds of people in the surrounding area would have been killed.
Milica Cosic 4th Nov 2021, 20:30
No cutting corners
It is predicted that hundreds of thousands of bonfires will be lit next weekend as Brits mark Guy Fawkes Night, with fire crews being up to four times as busy on November 5.
The Environment Agency has asked people planning on having bonfires at home to ensure they are only using clean, non-commercial waste, or they could be at risk of a ￡50,000 fine.
The burning of most types of waste is illegal in the UK, and can cause pollution which could be extremely harmful to family, friends and neighbours.
Sam Pickard of the Environment Agency said: “Bonfires are not to be used for a seasonal clear-out of your rubbish. It is not an excuse to get rid of difficult to dispose of rubbish by burning it yourself or asking others to do it for you.
“We want to encourage people to make sure they dispose of their waste legally and safely at their recycling centre or through their doorstep collections. And if you are responsible for a bonfire, when you are doing your checks for wildlife also look to see if anyone has added rubbish to your bonfire.”
Milica Cosic 4th Nov 2021, 20:00
Explained: Can my landlord ban fireworks?
Tenancy agreements often prohibit bonfires or fireworks, so check your agreement or ask your landlord if you are unsure.
It is legal for a landlord to ban the use of fireworks in a tenancy agreement.
Your agreement may also state that you must not engage in antisocial behaviour or cause noise pollution, which may include letting off fireworks.
It is, therefore, a good idea to check with your landlord and neighbours if you plan to hold a fireworks display.
Milica Cosic 4th Nov 2021, 19:30
Southampton to see more police officers ahead of bonfire night
City residents in Southampton can expect to see an increased police presence on the night of Friday, November 5.
It comes following a Halloween crime spree which left the areas of Millbrook and Maybush residents shocked.
Gangs of youths smashed windows, damaged property and flipped cars during what has been dubbed a night of chaos.
Following this, the District Commander for Southampton, Supt Simon Dodds, has now issued a statement ahead of bonfire night and the weekend.
He said: “We want to reassure the community that we are having increased and dedicated patrols in the Southampton West this coming bonfire night.
“We know the community were shocked by what they witnessed on Halloween after two groups of young people caused damage to a number of cars, committed theft and were involved in anti-social behaviour.
“We are committed to identifying those responsible and we are doing all we can to tackle this kind of criminality amongst young people in the area alongside the community safety team, youth services and secondary schools.
“Ahead of bonfire night our message is to parents too.
“Do you know where your children will be, what they doing and who they are with?
“The Southampton West Neighbourhood Team and additional officers will be patrolling the area on Friday so we will be doing everything we can to be visible and able to respond.”
Milica Cosic 4th Nov 2021, 19:00
What are the lyrics to the Remember rhyme?
There are many versions of the rhyme that have survived in different parts of England since the 17th century, however 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 4th Nov 2021, 18:30
Fireworks were created by accident in ancient China
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.
Milica Cosic 4th Nov 2021, 18:00
Why do we use fireworks and bonfires?
People first started lighting bonfires as a celebration that the king hadn’t been killed, and the tradition has carried on to this day.
Fireworks are also set off throughout the country – representing the 36 barrels of gunpowder that were never used.
Traditionally, the yeoman of the guard will 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 actually lead the plot – just got caught red handed.
The ringleader of the plot was Robert Catesby.
Milica Cosic 4th Nov 2021, 17:30
Six tips for asthmatics
Asthma UK has issued top tips for people with asthma on bonfire night.
Remember, remember… carry your reliever inhaler with you at all times Take your preventer medicines as prescribed If you find that smoke is making you cough, stand well back Make sure you friends and family know what to do and when to get help if your asthma symptoms suddenly get worse As cold air can be an asthma trigger, wrap a thing scarf loosely over your nose and mouth; this will help to warm up the air before you breathe it in Visit the Asthma UK website and share 'what to do in an asthma attack' with friends and family members
Milica Cosic 4th Nov 2021, 17:15
Urgent warning issued to millions with asthma ahead of this weekend
BRITS with asthma have been warned to start taking measures to protect themselves now in order to avoid a deadly attack this bonfire weekend.
Particles of smoke caused by fireworks and bonfires could trigger symptoms in 3million asthma sufferers - making it hard for them to breathe.
The particles of smoke can irritate the airways, causing sufferers to become inflamed and tighten.
This results in coughing and wheezing and could result in a fatal asthma attack.
If you are planning on going to a bonfire and firework display, you should stand well back and make sure you have your blue inhaler, usually the reliver inhaler, with you at all times.
Milica Cosic 4th Nov 2021, 17:00
Aldi to the rescue
You can get your fireworks from Aldi this year.
The discount supermarket confirmed to The Sun that it would be selling normal fireworks, and has increased the number of low noise options this year too.
All fireworks are labelled with a “volume rating”, so customers can pick and choose to buy quieter ones if they live with older people or have pets.
Aldi hasn’t listed which fireworks are available to buy in stores yet – but said it would update its website soon with the options available.
You can find where your nearest Aldi store is by using the supermarket’s online store checker tool.
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