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When?: 5th November every year.
Where?: Various venues across London. Details of public displays and events are displayed on local websites and in the local press up to 2-3 days before the event.
In 1605, a group of catholic conspirators led by Robert Catesby and who included amongst their number a man called Guy Fawkes, hatched a plot to kill the new King and blow up the houses of parliament in protest at their persecution under Elizabeth I and the new monarch, James I, who succeeded her. On November 5th, the cellars of Parliament were stormed and 36 barrels of gunpowder found along with conspirators including Guy Fawkes. The conspirators were tortured and executed and on the night the plot was foiled Londoners lit bonfires to celebrate the safety of the king. The tradition carries on today with fireworks and bonfires lighting up the sky on November 5th each year. London hosts a variety of spectacular displays across the city and details of when and where the displays will take place are posted in the local press and on local websites in the days leading up to the celebration.
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