Bonfire Night English Style

Festive Fireworks & More 

Remember, remember, the fifth of November
Gunpowder treason and plot
We see no reason
Why gunpowder treason
Should ever be forgot...

Bonfire Night (November 5) commemorates the anniversary of the failed plot to blow up the Houses of Parliament in 1605. Ironically, Guy Fawkes was not the ringleader of the plot. However, Fawkes was the one found in the cellar of the House of Lords with 36 barrels of gunpowder. 

Traditional Bonfire Night food and drink, includes Parkin Cake and Mulled Wine. Parkin is a traditional sticky oat, spiced cake (somewhat of a cross between gingerbread and sticky toffee pudding). With the cooler temperatures, mulled wine is one of my favorite winter warmers. Mulled wine is usually made with red wine that is heated, spiced and sweetened.

Of course, the highlight of the national holiday is fireworks — representing the gunpowder. With Bonfire Night falling on Sunday, there will be fireworks (you have likely heard them already!) leading up to and through the weekend. The biggest fireworks shows in London and Surrey are:

Alexander Palace (London) — The Ally Pally’s Fireworks Festival will take place Friday and Saturday. In addition to fireworks, the festival includes a bonfire, family area, DJ / live music, German bier festival and parade. Advance Tickets: Adult £8, Child £6.
www.fireworks.london ✆ +44 2083 652121
Alexander Palace Way, London N22 7AY

Imber Court Sports Ground (East Molesey) — Fireworks Live takes place Sunday and features a fireworks display, bonfire, DJ / life music and fun fair. Bonfire 6:30 pm, Live music 7 pm, Fireworks 7:30 pm.  Advance tickets: Adult £8.50, Child £4.50, Family £20.
www.fireworkslive.co.uk ✆ +44 2034 411688
Imber Court, Ember Lane, East Molesey, Surrey, KT8 0BT

Even if you don’t have a chance to go to a fireworks show, you can set off your own at home. Unlike the US, which limits fireworks to holidays and rural areas, the UK allows fireworks (including those of the aerial and explosive varieties) year-round and in many parts of the country.

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