Bonfire Night, Guy Fawkes Night or Firework Night, whatever you call it, is an annual event held on 5th November in Great Britain. I'm sure most people are aware of its historical origin, I remember spending a long time studying it at primary school myself and was quite intrigued by the story. For those who don't know, Guy Fawkes was a member of the Gunpowder Plot who placed explosives underneath the Houses of Lords in an attempt to assassinate King James I in 1605. He was caught before catastrophe was caused and sentenced to the death penalty shortly after.
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| The Gunpowder Plot |
Bonfire night has now become an annual event or tradition that is withheld within Great Britain. Traditionally, families and friends gather together around a bonfire and burn stuffed scare-crow-like figurines of Guy Fawkes which children make as a fun activity. Many people combine this with barbecued food such as sausages, baked potatoes and treats such as toffee apples. The fun and festivities are then followed by a firework display and sparklers. It seems strange to celebrate such an event that occurred a long time ago, and bonfire night is meant to be a day of thankfulness and reflect on what could have been, but more recently it has become an excuse to gather together and enjoy fireworks.
However, with fireworks comes antisocial behavior. In the United Kingdom it is estimated that nearly 1000 people become injured during the months of October and November as a result of fireworks. Nearly half of these required hospital treatment, and the majority of cases occurred at family events or private parties.Calls to the London fire brigade triple on the night of 5th November and hundreds of pets go missing due to the stress. To try and reduce the impact of Bonfire night, several laws have been put in place by the UK government which include:
Fireworks cannot be sold to anyone under the age of 18.
It is illegal to set fire works off between the hours of 11pm and 7am, excluding Bonfire Night, New Year's Eve, Chinese New Year and Diwali.
You can only buy fireworks from registered sellers for private use on certain days of the year.
However, with fireworks comes antisocial behavior. In the United Kingdom it is estimated that nearly 1000 people become injured during the months of October and November as a result of fireworks. Nearly half of these required hospital treatment, and the majority of cases occurred at family events or private parties.Calls to the London fire brigade triple on the night of 5th November and hundreds of pets go missing due to the stress. To try and reduce the impact of Bonfire night, several laws have been put in place by the UK government which include:
Fireworks cannot be sold to anyone under the age of 18.
It is illegal to set fire works off between the hours of 11pm and 7am, excluding Bonfire Night, New Year's Eve, Chinese New Year and Diwali.
You can only buy fireworks from registered sellers for private use on certain days of the year.
Despite the disadvantages bonfire night has economical and social benefits too, with much revenue being made from firework sales and shows, and people gathering together at an event allowing communities to socialise with those they normally would not.
Whatever you are doing this bonfire night, I hope you have a great time and stay safe :)
My next 'The Geographies of..' will be on.......... ANIMALS
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