IT'S that time of year again – Bonfire Night is upon us once more.
With events more or less entirely called off due to covid last year, 2021 is a chance for families up and down the country to make up for lost time.
So whether you're looking for the best fireworks displays in your area, the latest weather forecasts or if you're simply hoping to bag some great Guy Fawkes-themed supermarket deals, we have you covered.
This live blog will cover absolutely everything Bonfire Night related so make it your one-stop shop for making plans and grabbing a bargain this year.
Read our Bonfire Night live blog below for the very latest updates…
- Louis Allwood
The dangerous first aid ‘advice’ you must ignore
We've collated some first aid tips and myths from St John Ambulance trainer Clive James to keep everyone safe this weekend…
Child choking on a hotdog
Myth: Put your fingers in their mouth or hang them upside down by their feet.
Clive said that this could actually make the problem worse, as by putting fingers into the throat could push it down further.
He said: "Hanging a child upside down is not only can it be very traumatic, it could also result in head injury if the child is dropped."
Fact: Stand or kneel behind the child and slap sharply on the back up to five times
Clive explained: “If back slaps fail, move on to abdominal thrusts, stand or kneel behind the child, put both arms around them and place one fist between the belly button and the end of the breast bone.
"Pull sharply inwards and upwards up to five times. If the child is still choking, call an ambulance and alternate between back blows and thrust until the blockage is removed.”
- Louis Allwood
Why was the plot not successful?
It is believed a letter was probably sent to Lord Monteagle by his brother-in-law Francis Tresham – who was one of the plotters warning him of the plot.
Whomever it was presumably just wanted to spare a fellow Catholic – regardless of how many others died – and thought Monteagle would keep quiet to help the plot along.
But Monteagle was loyal to the Crown – and presumably not a fan of mass murder – so he immediately went to the King.
- Louis Allwood
Bonfire snacks?
TABLE A DEAL: Don’t forget the table nibbles. Tesco is matching Aldi prices for bargain staples, with breadsticks 59p per pack, onion ring crisps at 88p and a cheese and garlic baguette for 32p.
THE MOST TOAST: When it comes to toasting marshmallows, up your game with Epic Giant Toastin’ Marshmallows for £2.39, down from £2.99, from Sainsbury’s.
You’ll also need a stack of sweet treats, for which I’d go to Asda.
Its two-for-£7 deals on fun-size packs of 35 choccy bars and its two-for-£3 deal on mini Brownie bites should leave everyone happy.
WHISKY WARMER: Whip up a hot toddy (whisky, lemon and honey) with Aldi’s Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky, £16.99, the cheapest I can find in the supermarkets.
While you’re there, grab some instant hot chocolate for the kids — 99p.
All prices on this page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
- Louis Allwood
Therapy for pooches
Fireworks are frightening for most canines so the Dogs’ Trust is offering sound therapy for worried pooches.
The free downloads are available on their website and are a course of sounds to expose your pet to as they age designed by vets Sarah Heath and Jon Bowen.
The trust said it is easier for dogs to be exposed to loud noises like fireworks during that socialisation period when a puppy is between three and 16 weeks old when they are more prepared to hear it.
But the programme will reportedly also work on an older dog.
- Louis Allwood
Legal do's and don'ts
If you prefer to do things yourself, it’s worth taking note of the laws around when it’s legal or illegal to set off fireworks.
Usually, it’s against the law to set off fireworks between the hours of 11pm and 7am – however, this is relaxed on special occasions.
For Bonfire Night, the curfew is extended to midnight.
On New Year’s Eve, it’s legal to set off fireworks until 1am.
- Louis Allwood
Who was the ring leader?
Despite being less famous than Guy Fawkes, Robert Catesby was actually the mastermind behind the gunpowder plot.
He was born around 1572 in Warwickshire to a Catholic family in newly-Protestant England.
He was said to be charismatic and made friends easily – many of whom remained fiercely loyal to him.
Catesby became deeply religious as he matured after what was said to be a wild youth.
He wanted to bring England back to the Catholic faith and is understood to have colluded with the Spanish government in 1602 about instigating a rebellion to achieve that goal.
- Louis Allwood
Traditional inaccuracy
Despite people burning a ‘Guy’ every Bonfire night, Guy Fawkes was not burnt alive.
Some of the conspirators, such as Robert Catesby died in a shoot out a few days later, but Fawkes and a few others stood trial and were sentenced to death.
Traditionally traitors in 17th-century England were hanged, drawn and quartered in public.
But Fawkes avoided punishment by leaping from the platform, to avoid having his testicles cut off, and broke his neck.
- Louis Allwood
RSPCA advice for smaller friends
- Partly cover outside cages and pens with blankets so an area is soundproofed and hidden, but allow another area for the animals to look out.
- Provide bedding for small animals to burrow in.
- Consider bringing them indoors – this will need to be done gradually, so plan ahead.
Firework attacks
COPS were burnt after fireworks were thrown at them as firefighters were attacked by 20 yobs lobbing rockets over the Halloween weekend.
The pair of policemen were left with hearing difficulties and minor burns after being targeted on Lyons Road in Moreton, Merseyside.
And during the weekend on Longmoor Lane, Fazarkerley, 20 yobs threw fireworks at firefighters who were trying to put out blazes set alight in wheelie bins.
Both police officers are expected to make a full recovery and no arrests were made.
Despite the anti-social behaviour, the police said that calls about criminal damage were 52 per cent down at the same time last year.
Chief Inspector Peter Clark described the throwing of fireworks as “incredibly reckless” but said it was “pleasing to see a massive decrease in reports”.
Merseyside Fire wrote in a tweet: “Firefighters & prevention staff have been physically attacked this evening as they carried out their duties. Thankfully no one was injured but that doesn’t make it acceptable.”
- Louis Allwood
How to protect your pets
- Provide hiding places in your home, such as under some furniture or in a quiet corner.
- Don’t try and tempt your cat out, as this will cause them to become more stressed.
- Consider keeping them in – cats can become more stressed if they’re outside during fireworks.
- Microchip your cats in case they’re startled and escape outside.
The men behind the plot
The main, known, plotters were:
- Robert Catesby (the ringleader)
- Guy “Guido” Fawkes (the guy who got caught)
- Thomas Bates,
- Robert Wintour
- Thomas Wintour
- Thomas Percy
- Christopher Wright
- John Wright
- Francis Tresham (believed to have been the one who gave it away)
- Everard Digby
- Ambrose Rookwood
- Robert Keyes
- Hugh Owen
- John Grant
Stay safe this weekend
Dr Lynn Thomas, St John’s Medical Director, said: “Bonfire Night parties should be great fun and we want everyone to be able to enjoy their evening and the displays.
“Unfortunately, accidents can sometimes happen and, while our highly trained volunteers will be present at public events, people hosting their own parties would benefit from having a few simple first aid techniques to hand.
“For serious incidents we would always recommend dialling 999 but many minor issues can be easily dealt with at home.
“Further information can be found in the first aid advice section of our website – www.sja.org.uk. Please learn these simple techniques and share them widely with family and friends so that everyone can be as safe as possible.”
Bonfires no good for the environment
Critics claim bonfires are bad for the environment as they release toxic fumes into the atmosphere.
Susie Giles, secretary of Dulwich Sports Club, which will this year replace the traditional blaze with a big screen TV, said: “Tickets always sell incredibly well and they are again this year.
“I think people’s focus is on the fireworks which we’ll be holding in full. We normally get around six to seven thousand each year and we’re on track for it again.
“People are aware it will be an eco-friendly bonfire this year so it doesn’t seem to have put them off.
“The decision was made by a separate organising committee, but there are some good reasons behind it.”
White Bonfire night on the cards maybe
Bookies have slashed the odds on some Brits seeing a white Bonfire Night as temperatures plunge amid a four-day Arctic blast this week.
Meteorologist Helen Roberts of the Met Office said: "Will there be snow from midnight tonight?
"Yes is the short answer, with some caveats.
"It won't be continuous.
"There'll be showers on and off, really over the very highest parts of the Cairngorms and possibly also part of central and southern Highlands.
"However, that will really be focused for the time being on just the highest peaks."
The chilly blast will see snow for the next few days – before things turn milder at the end of the week and rain washes any accumulations away.
Scottish shows
Leith Bonfire Night 2021, Edinburgh – November 5
Edinburgh Bonfire Night 2021, – November 5
Glasgow Bonfire Night 2021, – November 5
Bught Park, Inverness, November – 5
- Louis Allwood
Where to go in the Midlands?
Fireworks Spectacular and Fun Fair at Edgbaston Stadium, Birmingham – November 6
Bournville Bonfire Night 2021, Birmingham – November 5
Bonfire Bonanza at the Notts Maze, Nottingham – November 4
Fireworks Frenzy Drive-In, Santa Pod Raceway, Wellingborough – November 5
- Louis Allwood
London displays
London and South East
Alexandra Palace Fireworks Festival 2021 – November 6 & 7
Battersea Park Fireworks Show – November 6 & 7
Musical Fireworks Display, Wimbledon Park – November 5 & 6
Lewes Bonfire Celebrations – November 5
Leeds Castle Firework Spectacular, Maidstone – November 6 & 7
Hatch Warren Firework Display Extravaganza, Basingstoke – November 6
- Joseph Gamp
Strict laws around setting off fireworks yourself
If you prefer to do things yourself, it’s worth taking note of the laws around when it’s legal or illegal to set off fireworks.
Usually, it’s against the law to set off fireworks between the hours of 11pm and 7am – however, this is relaxed on special occassions.
For Bonfire Night, the curfew is extended to midnight.
On New Year’s Eve, it’s legal to set off fireworks until 1am.
- Joseph Gamp
Why do we celebrate Bonfire Night with fireworks?
Bonfire Night is celebrated in the UK by lighting bonfires, burning "Guys", which are effigies styled after the plotter and setting off fireworks.
People first started lighting bonfires as a celebration that the king hadn't been killed, and the tradition has persisted to this day.
Fireworks are also set off throughout the country as they are powered by gunpowder, representing the explosives that were never used.
And yeoman of the guard still search the cellars of the Houses of Parliament before the state opening in November.
However, it is a ceremonial gesture rather than an actual terrorist hunt, even using old lanterns.
Funnily enough, and despite being the most famous member of the group, Guy Fawkes didn't lead the plot, he just ended up being caught in Parliament's cellars with a shed load of gunpowder.
- Joseph Gamp
Why is Bonfire Night held on November 5?
Bonfire Night always takes place on the same day each year – November 5.
This is because it was November 5, 1605, when Guy Fawkes was arrested after being caught planting explosives underneath the House of Lords in an attempt to kill King James I.
Guy Fawkes, who was one of a group of Catholics who opposed the protestant king, was hung, drawn and quartered – not burnt alive, as many assume.
Instead, the tradition of lighting bonfires and burning effigies of Fawkes comes from the fact that after he was caught, the people of London celebrated by lighting bonfires.
Later, King James I would make the celebrations an official event after declaring that November 5 would become a day of thanksgiving.
- Joseph Gamp
Tesco fireworks on sale this year
Tesco has also confirmed that it will be selling fireworks this year.
Last year, it didn't sell any big boxes of bangers, offering low-noise ones instead.
But this year the supermarket is offering a whole range of fireworks.
These include Titanium Sparklers for £1, low-noise options like the Carnival Selection Box from £7, and a whopping ten different selection boxes in the Firework Party Kit for £110.
Clubcard holders can also get two "Northern Lights" selection box for £20.
You can check where your nearest Tesco store is – and if they're selling fireworks – using the supermarket's store locator tool.
- Joseph Gamp
Asda selling fireworks for Bonfire Night
Asda has confirmed to The Sun that it will be selling fireworks in its stores for bonfire night.
It said that it would be offering both traditional fireworks and "low/no noise" options.
For example, we spotted it was selling a box of low noise fireworks for £10.
It's also selling boxes of normal fireworks for £6 each.
You can only buy fireworks in stores, according to its website.
It's a good idea to check ahead with your local store to see if they have boxes available – you can find where your nearest one is using Asda's store locator tool.
- Joseph Gamp
All fireworks banned from sale at Sainsbury's for third year
Since 2019, Sainsbury's has not sold any fireworks.
The ban came after more than 750,000 people signed a petition earlier that year to ban shops from selling fireworks.
It is claimed that big bangs and whizzes frighten pets – animal charity the RSPCA says that 45% of dogs show signs of fear when they hear the loud displays.
Sainsbury's told The Sun that shoppers can buy other seasonal items instead to celebrate the big night.
- Joseph Gamp
Dangerous first aid ‘advice’ you must ignore this bonfire night
BONFIRE night is full of fun for adults and kids alike – but it also can cause plenty of injuries and accidents.
It's good to know what you should – and more importantly – shouldn't do if you end up needing to leap into action.
Bonfire night is one of the busiest nights of the year in the UK’s A&E departments.
There are plenty of old wives' tale and myths surrounding how to deal with burns and choking. But we have busted the traditional treatments and explained what you should really do.
Here we've collated some first aid tips and myths from St John Ambulance trainer Clive James to keep everyone safe this weekend…
Read more here.
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- Joseph Gamp
Where to buy fireworks this year?
For those planning to create their own display, we’ve looked at the cheapest fireworks available – from sparklers to finale boxes – from major supermarkets.
But note you’ll need to be at least 18 years old to purchase fireworks.The supermarkets are also only selling them in store only rather than online.
In addition, you should check what regulations your local council has in force regarding fireworks.
In most cases, you'll need to be finished by 11pm – except on the actual night of Bonfire Night where the cut-off is midnight.
It comes as the sales of fireworks become increasingly under scrutiny amid concerns raised by charities that they cause unnecessary distress to pets, wildlife and elderly people.
This year, Sainsbury's has once again banned the sale of fireworks from all of its stores. But have other shops followed suit? We explain where you can buy your bangers this year.
Read more here.
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