Eita asks Matthew about the UK’s most famous festival.
Matthew, what is the UK’s most famous festival?
The most famous festival in the UK is Bonfire Night. It is also called Fireworks Night and Guy Fawkes Night.
When is it held?
It is held on the 5th of November every year.
Where is it held?
It is held throughout the UK and in some Commonwealth countries like Canada, Australia and South Africa.
What kind of festival is it?
It is a festival dedicated to bonfires, fireworks and celebrations.
What does ‘bonfire’ mean?
A bonfire is a large, controlled, outdoor fire used to celebrate something.
What are you celebrating?
Nowadays Bonfire Night is an opportunity to bring the community together and enjoy hot food, lovely drinks and beautiful fireworks, but originally it was to celebrate the failed assassination attempt of King James I.
On November the 5th 1605, a group of people decided that they wanted to assassinate the Protestant King James I, so that he could be replaced by a catholic king. The group of assassins placed gunpowder under the Houses of Parliament. A member of the group called Guy Fawkes was guarding the explosives when he was caught and arrested. People lit bonfires to celebrate the fact that King James was safe
Wow. That is an interesting story. What happened to Guy Fawkes?
He was tried and then sentenced to death with seven other people.
What do British people do on Bonfire Night?
People go to where the bonfire is held and they eat delicious hot food like baked potatoes and soup and they watch the beautiful fireworks. It is a good festival for all the family.
How long does it last?
It only lasts one night. Here are some pictures.
