Remember, remember, the fifth of November,
Gunpowder, treason and plot.
I see no reason why gunpowder treason
Should ever be forgot…
At midnight on 4th November 1605 Guy Fawkes was arrested in the cellars beneath the Houses of Parliament in London next to 36 barrels of gunpowder. Fawkes was part of what would become known as the Gunpowder Plot; to blow up the House of Lords while King James I opened parliament the following day. Fawkes and his co-conspirators wanted to restore the monarchy to Catholicism, after years of upheaval since King Henry VIII founded the Church of England. To celebrate the foiling of the plot, and the saving of the king, bonfires were lit on 5th November every year.
In Britain today, Guy Fawkes Night (also known as Bonfire or Firework Night) is a much-loved tradition. Typically celebrated in parks and school playing fields across the country it centres around a huge bonfire (sometimes with an effigy of Guy Fawkes on top) and an impressive fireworks display. Many people consider it the start of winter. It is great to wrap up warm, get some friends together and have some mulled wine or hot chocolate and roasted chestnuts while you watch the fireworks!
A large number of students in Manchester attend the Platt Fields Fireworks. There is a funfair from 5pm-9.30pm, and a huge bonfire at 7.30pm followed by an amazing fireworks display. It is a great community event, with all of the restaurants along the Curry Mile in Rusholme full of people having a fun time.
If you are celebrating Bonfire Night tomorrow, please do keep safe. Wear gloves when using sparklers and never go close to a lit firework.
MMUInternational 