Every year on November 5th, the UK lights up with bonfires, fireworks and gatherings across the country to celebrate Bonfire Night (also known as Guy Fawkes Night). If you're new to the UK or want to know why we gather around bonfires in early November, here’s a quick guide to what this fiery tradition is all about! 

Back in 1605, a group of 13 English Catholics plotted to blow up the Houses of Parliament. This was an attempt to assassinate parliament and King James I to protest against the oppression of Catholics. The most famous conspirator of this plot was Guy Fawkes, who was caught guarding the gunpowder. When the plot was foiled, Londoners lit bonfires to celebrate the King’s survival (and to show why you shouldn’t commit treason). However, this marked the beginning of Bonfire Night traditions, which soon became an annual event of remembrance and festivity. 

Nowadays, Bonfire Night has evolved into a social occasion for communities across the UK. Most people gather in parks or community spaces to watch dazzling fireworks, cozy up around bonfires, and enjoy food stalls selling hot drinks and treats. Bonfire Night is often a community effort, with volunteer-run events that bring people together in safe spaces for the celebrations. 

So now you know - grab some friends, find a local display and experience one of the UK's most explosive traditions! But if fireworks aren’t your thing, you could meet up with your mates, pick up a pack of sparklers or glow sticks from your nearest shop and play some games. Just remember to keep a bucket of water nearby to put out the sparklers.  

Or if you want to stay away from fires completely get stuck into some baking. We’d suggest a traditional Yorkshire bake called Parkin or the viral Smores Dip!