Guy Fawkes NightGuy Fawkes Night celebrations on the 5th of NovemberOne of the best Guy Fawkes Night celebrations I've seen was in Lewes. There is a spectacular parade with some amazing costumes followed by several firework displays and bonfires.
This event not only marks the date of the uncovering of the Gunpowder Plot in 1605, but also commemorates the memory of the seventeen Protestant martyrs.
The current celebrations take the form of a series of torchlit processions through the town organised by the local bonfire societies, under the auspices of the Lewes Bonfire Council.
Each bonfire society has its own traditional costumes, ranging from Tudor dress to Mongol warriors. A number of large effigies are drawn though the streets. Effigies of Guy Fawkes and Pope Paul V, who became head of the Roman Catholic Church in 1605, feature every year. In addition, each of the five main local societies creates a topical 'tableau' and the Cliffe society displays on pikes the effigy heads of its current 'Enemies of Bonfire'.
To mark the demise of the 17 martyrs, 17 burning crosses are carried through the town, and a wreath-laying ceremony occurs at the War Memorial in the centre of town. A flaming tar barrel is also thrown into the river Ouse. The festivities culminate in five separate bonfire displays, where the effigies are destroyed by firework and flame.
Worth a visit one day!
Bonfire PrayersRemember, remember the Fifth of November
The Gunpowder Treason and plot
I see no reason why Gunpowder Treason
Should ever be forgot
Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes 'twas his intent
To blow up the King and the Parliament
Three score barrels of powder below
Poor old England to overthrow
By God's providence he was catch'd
With a dark lantern and burning match
Holler boys, holler boys, ring bells ring
Holler boys, holler boys, God Save the King!
Labels: 5th november, bonfire night, guy fawkes night
