Guy Fawkes Night takes place on 5 November. This page has information on Christchurch Guy Fawkes events, the history behind the celebration and fireworks safety.
Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot
The day celebrates the failure of the Gunpowder Plot in 1605. Guy Fawkes is the best-known figure in the conspiracy which aimed to blow up England’s Parliament building with King James I and his chief ministers. The Plot was a reaction to the increased oppression of Roman Catholics in England.
England’s celebration of Guy Fawkes includes fireworks, bonfires, children begging ‘a penny for the guy’, and the burning of effigies of Fawkes himself. In New Zealand and other countries, fireworks are the main element of the occasion.
5 November is also notable in New Zealand history as the date of the invasion of Parihaka.
Find in our catalogue
- Guy Fawkes 1570 - 1606
- The Gunpowder Plot 1605
eResources
Guy Fawkes
Biography from Biography: Gale in Context
Access this with your library card number and PIN, or at our libraries.
- Guy Fawkes - Wikipedia
- How fireworks are made Find out about the chemistry and physics of fireworks from How Stuff Works.
Fireworks safety
Find out about being safe with fireworks, and how to ensure your pets are safe:
- Fireworks and pyrotechnic displays Fire Emergency New Zealand
- BANG! Fireworks frighten animals Find out about keeping animals safe. From the RSPCA (UK).
