Bonfire Night - A British Tradition

On 5th November, England's sky will be lit up with bright and loud fireworks. This evening is commonly called 'Bonfire Night'. Some people also call it 'Guy Fawkes Night' as this annual tradition started in 1605 after Guy Fawkes tried to blow up Parliament in the famous Gunpowder Plot.

Nowadays, the tradition has remained but is less closely associated with its historical roots.

So what happens on the evening of 5th November? 

Friends and families may go to places (usually parks) with large bonfires. A bonfire is some sticks, wood and old things which are built up into a pile (and can often be quite big). The fire will be lit and people will stand around the bonfire, watching it and keeping warm. People will be holding sparklers. Sparklers are small fireworks that can be held in the hand. 

Firework displays often accompany the bonfires. In previous decades anyone could buy fireworks but now, although the general public can buy fireworks, regulations are a bit stricter than they were before. However, this night is the fire service's busiest night of the year and unfortunately every year there are accidents, usually involving children and teenagers being injured by fireworks.

I hope you found this interesting and learnt some new vocabulary.

If you think your friends would like it, please send this to them or share it on Facebook or Instagram. Thank you.

I make videos showing vocabulary in use every day on my Instagram stories. Check them out here.

I provide free trials for Zoom online English classes for children. Email me for more information: info@teatime-english.com