Enjoy School World News
5th November 2022
Reported by Enjoy School, Life bloom Academy
What is Bonfire night?
The 5th of November, also known as the Bonfire Night or Guy Fawkes Night, is a commemoration of the failure of Guy Fawkes and his co-conspirators to blow up parliament. On this day, some people organise small gatherings around a small bonfire while firing off cheap fireworks.
"For people outside the United Kingdom, Guy Fawkes is known as the man whose face was stylised and turned into a mask used by the protagonist in the 2005 film V for Vendetta. As good as the film—and the graphic novel on which it was based on—was, the movie mostly glosses over why November 5 and the burning of Guy Fawkes holds a special significance for the people of London, and the UK, in general." Writes Leni.
Bonfire Night acts as a reminder of Guy Fawkes’ failed attempt to blow up the Houses of Parliament in 1605. He was a member of the Catholic group behind the Gunpowder Plot, whose aim was to assassinate the Protestant King James I of England. The day King James I was almost killed by 36 barrels of gunpowder on 5 November 1605, (by Guy Fawkes), but was not killed (thanks to the guards, who stopped Guy Fawkes before this could happen). People had a big party in the streets, with lots of fires, and it is from this day on that people celebrate Bonfire Night. In 1605, Guy Fawkes and his friends wanted to blow up the Houses of Parliament in London where the King and his leaders were so that someone else would rule England instead. "He was caught before he did this so nobody was hurt, and it's because of him that we celebrate Bonfire Night on 5 November" explains Aston. Guy Fawkes was not alone "A group of English Catholics led by Robert Catesby, were accompanied by Guy Fawkes to commit the crime" clarifies Louis.
How do people celebrate bonfire night?
"Guy Fawkes Night, observed every November 5 since 1606" states Lucie. On 5 November, people remember the plot to blow up the Houses of Parliament by celebrating 'Bonfire Night'. All over Britain there are firework displays and bonfires with models of Guy. In the UK, people celebrate Bonfire Night by lighting fires, exploding fireworks and making a big fire outside with dead leaves and old pieces of wood they don't want anymore.
"Children also participate: they put newspaper in old clothes to make something that looks like a man, and they call it: a guy, sometimes they carry their guy in the street, to show it to people, and say "a penny for the guy" to be able to buy fireworks later." explains Noa.
"The Guy is made of old clothes and the clothes are filled with newspaper." says Aston. In the UK most people attend large fireworks displays at Bonfire Night festivals. Others join in with thousands of other onlookers around a larger pyre and watch as professionals execute large firework displays using rocket fireworks and other pyrotechnics. Traditionally, a straw effigy of Guy Fawkes is also created and thrown into the bonfire, in remembrance of The Gunpowder Plot. People across the UK celebrate Bonfire Night with fireworks, bonfires, sparklers and toffee apples. "Fireworks explode across the UK at nightfall, people sing popular nursery rhymes." tells Ilana.
Tips to Stay Safe next Bonfire Night 2023
1)Check the weather.
Check the wind direction, Don't make a fire when it's windy because it could set fire to the home.
2)Store fireworks in a metal box in a dry and cool location.
3) Check for animals.
Protect your pets
4) Only responsible adults should light fireworks.
5) Take care when lighting the fire.
Do not burn aerosols, canisters or anything containing foam or paint.
6) Don't smoke near the gunpowder.
7) Prepare an emergency water supply.
Keep a bucket of water or garden hose nearby in case the fire starts to spread.
8) Have firemen near by
9) Make sure the area where you start your fire is a legal place.
Keep a close eye on fire as well as children nearby. You have to supervise the children when you make a big fire.
10) Practice safe sparkling.
Tips to Stay Safe next Bonfire Night 1605
1) Be very careful then transporting 36 barrels of high explosive.
Don't smoke near the gunpowder.
2) Alway make sure there are no fellow catholics in parliament.
This could be fatal.
3)When lighting the gunpowder, stand well back.
Preferably three miles back so you don’t get caught red handed.
4) Do be careful not to get tortured .
It it is important under no circumstances get hung, drawn and quartered .
5) HAVE FUN!
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