Bonfire Night (also called Guy Fawkes Night) is celebrated on 5th November in the UK to mark the failure of the Gunpowder Plot of 1605.
On 5th November 1605, a group of Catholic conspirators — including Guy Fawkes — were discovered in the act of attempting to blow up the Houses of Parliament and assassinate King James I. The plot failed after an anonymous tip-off led to a search of the cellars beneath Parliament.
People lit bonfires to celebrate the King's survival. Parliament made 5th November a day of thanksgiving. Over the centuries, the occasion evolved into a popular community celebration with fireworks, bonfires and effigies of Guy Fawkes (the 'Guy') burned on the bonfire.
Bonfire Night is celebrated with fireworks displays (both public and private), sparklers and traditional food. Organised displays at historic sites like the Leeds Briggate or Lewes in East Sussex are among the most spectacular in the UK.