What Is Bonfire Night? The 5 November Story, Explained
What is Bonfire Night? The story behind 5 November
Bonfire Night falls on 5 November every year. It marks the failure of the Gunpowder Plot of 1605, when a group including Guy Fawkes attempted to blow up the House of Lords and were caught with barrels of gunpowder beneath it.
It is also called Guy Fawkes Night or Fireworks Night. It is not a bank holiday, and most people mark it with a public display rather than anything at home, though sparklers in the garden are still standard.
Here is the short version of the history, the traditions attached to it, and what people actually do on the night.
Bonfire Night cards and party invites
Autumn designs, blank inside for your own invite wording. Printed in the UK and posted with a kraft envelope.
The date and the history
- 5 November, the same date every year. Shop this card
- It marks the discovery of the Gunpowder Plot in 1605. Shop this card
- Guy Fawkes was found guarding the gunpowder beneath Parliament and arrested. Shop this card
- Bonfires were lit that same night in London to celebrate the king's survival, and the custom stuck. Shop this card
The traditions
- A bonfire, often with a 'guy' — a stuffed figure — burned on top. Shop this card
- Fireworks, usually at organised community displays. Shop this card
- Sparklers, held at arm's length by children and adults alike. Shop this card
- Toffee apples, parkin, bonfire toffee and jacket potatoes in foil. Shop this card
- The rhyme: "Remember, remember, the fifth of November." Shop this card
Marking it sensibly
- Check local display listings — most towns run one on the nearest weekend. Shop this card
- Keep pets indoors with the curtains shut and the radio on. Shop this card
- Sparklers go in a bucket of water afterwards, not on the grass. Shop this card
- It falls close to Halloween, so a lot of families run the two together. Shop this card
Autumn and Halloween cards
Spooky and cosy designs that carry from 31 October through to Bonfire Night.
Cards for friends and family
Funny and heartfelt designs, blank inside for your own words.
You Old Bastard (Funny Birthday Card)
£3.87
That's What I Call Old (Funny Dad Happy Birthday Card)
£3.87
Funny 30th Birthday Card (Frying Pan)
£3.87
See You Later, Alligator (Funny Good Luck Card)
£3.75
Only The Best Dads Get Promoted To Grandad (Friends Themed Cards)
£3.87
Only The Best Mums Get Promoted To Nanny (Friends Themed Cards)
£3.87
Only The Best Friends Get Promoted To Aunty (Friends Themed Cards)
£3.87
Every Birthday With Me Is A Gift (Funny Husband Happy Birthday Card)
£3.87
Whose a Clever Girl (Funny Graduation Card)
£3.75
Only The Best Friends Get Promoted To Uncle (Friends Themed Cards)
£3.87
Only The Best Sisters Get Promoted To Aunty (Friends Themed Cards)
£3.87
Only The Best Friends Get Promoted To Aunty (Floral Pregnancy Announcement Card)
£3.87
How to write it so it lands
- If you're hosting, tell neighbours with dogs the day before.
- Buy sparklers early; they sell out in the final week.
- Wrap up — it is the coldest social event of the year.
Where to shop next
- Bonfire Night card messages
- Bonfire Night cards
- Autumn card ideas
- Autumn cards
- Halloween cards
- Christmas cards
- Scented soy candles
Frequently asked questions
When is Bonfire Night?
5 November every year. It is not a bank holiday in the UK.
Why do we celebrate Bonfire Night?
It marks the failure of the 1605 Gunpowder Plot to blow up Parliament, after Guy Fawkes was caught with the gunpowder.
Do people send Bonfire Night cards?
Mostly as invitations to a bonfire or fireworks party. Our Bonfire Night cards are blank inside so you can add the date, the time and what to bring.