Bonfire night is nearly upon us. Some of you may be planning to go along to an organised bonfire and firework display and some of you may choose to avoid the crowds and host your own bash.
Hopefully you'll pick up some inspiration here!
So why do we celebrate bonfire/guy fawkes night? Well, I think we all have some idea that it was to do with a plot to blow up the Houses of Parliment but what actually happened?
Well, after Queen Elizabeth 1 died in 1603, a group of young catholics decided to plot to blow up the Houses of Parliment in an attempt to kill the King and members of parliment after their persecution of catholics.
The conspirators hid 36 barrels of gunpowder in a cellar under the House of Lords. As the plans developed, it became apparent that innocent people would be hurt or killed in the attack. Some started to have doubts and an anonymous letter was sent to Lord Monteagle warning him to stay away from Parliment on 5th November.
This letter made it to the King who then made plans to stop the conspirators. When the cellar was stormed by the authorities it was Guy Fawkes who was found with the gunpowder. He was caught, tortured and executed.
Today in Parliment they still observe the tradition at the state opening of Parliment of searching the cellars.
On the night the plot was foiled, 5th of November, bonfires were lit to celebrate the safety of the King.
It makes you wonder....are we celebrating the execution of Guy Fawkes or honouring his attempt to do away with the Government?!
A bonfire night party is one of my favourites! I love getting dressed up all warm and being outside watching a firework display. It's an easy one as far as dress code goes-anything warm!
I love bonfire night food too....the traditional favourites of roast chestnuts, baked potatoes and toffee apples just can't be beaten! If you're throwing your own party you could have a BBQ if you aren't having a bonfire. Check out www.fireworks.co.uk/party/recipes.html for some food ideas and recipes.
Also bear your pets in mind. For advice about pets and bonfire night visit http://www.rspca.org.uk/allaboutanimals/pets/general/fireworks
Have a fun, safe night!
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