Remember The Night The Sky Lit Up!

Remember Remember the fifth of November

Usually misguided and failed plans are not something one would hold praises for but Guy Fawkes is one of the exceptions to that rule. Failure can mostly be looked at as an opportunity to try harder and better or, in the worst scenario, fail better. No such chance for this Guy, though... As a member of the Gunpowder Plot conspiracy which sought to overthrow the ruling King James I and the soon-to-be new Parliament, a cunning plan was erected so as to literally blow up both prominent figures and create an uprising of English Catholics, who at the time were terrible dissatisfied by the latest penal laws applied to the practice of their religion; such uprising, they hoped, would spur a radical change of the current state of affairs. However, the plan proved to be very unlucky, to say the least.

As a result, bonfires were lit all around London to celebrate and soon enough, this tradition spread to other locations in the UK, turning it into a unique festivity that came to include amazing firework displays! Of course no proper celebration would be right without the appropriate bonfire food: some of these dishes, if they may be called that, are potatoes wrapped in foil and cooked on the fire, a traditional Parkin Cake, as well as the indispensable bangers and mash and for those with a sweeter tooth, marshmallows or chestnuts can also be added to the mix! All that yummy food can be difficult to muster down and you better ask for the help of some fine hot punch or mulled wine so as not to be so taxing to eat all those jacket potatoes and other bonfire delicacies.

And what are the best places to go and admire this incredible festivity? London is obviously a must, being the location where it all first happened but on the 5th of November, or around that date, there are also a number of other locations in the country which live up to the expectation and are able to provide impressive displays of fireworks to amuse locals and visitors alike.

Blackpool is another location to enjoy a firework display in particular set against the spectacular background of the annual illuminations which light up the promenade throughout October and November.

Whether coming from another part of the world for some sight-seeing and want to man up your stay through such an unforgettable experience or if you are a British citizen looking for something other than the usual local feast, tackle the road and participate in one of these venues: Leeds will host the  celebrations in its historic Roundhay Park or you can head off to Sussex and be part of the party with the most bang! Lewes provides six different bonfire venues which will mean most roads will have to be closed so everyone can enjoy the processions and activities with the less hassle possible. This means that if you intend to bring your own vehicle or rely on the services of a hire car, you better take notice of these circumstances before venturing on the road.

From the Highlands of Scotland to the southernmost tip, it's not only the United Kingdom which can make the most of this celebration: some countries under the Commonwealth or with a high prevalence of British culture and history are also in on the jest! From Australia, passing through South Africa and Canada, there is no reason you should miss out on the chance to see a Guy effigy burn to the ground – simply look up to the sky and wherever you find a glowing spark, allow them to make you remember, any 5^th of November.