Guy Fawkes

Guy Fawkes day takes place on 5 November. The day celebrates the failure of the Gunpowder Plot in 1605. Fawkes is the best-known figure in the conspiracy which aimed to blow up the Parliament building while James I and his chief ministers met within, in reprisal for increasing oppression of Roman Catholics in England.

England's celebration of Guy Fawkes day includes fireworks, bonfires, children begging "a penny for the guy," and the burning of effigies of Fawkes himself. In other countries, including New Zealand, fireworks are the main element of the occasion.

• Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot
• Christchurch and Canterbury fireworks displays
• Fireworks safety

Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot

Gunpowder Plot Society

History of the Plot, character profiles, historical background, latest news and research

Guy Fawkes

Biography from the Biography Resource Centre
Access this with your library card number and PIN, or at our libraries.

Guy Fawkes

Biography from Oxford Dictionary of National Biography
Access this with your library card number and PIN, or at our libraries.

Guy Fawkes - Wikipedia

Information on Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot

Christchurch and Canterbury fireworks displays

New Brighton

Fireworks display at New Brighton Pier - Wednesday 5 November 2008, starting 9.00pm.

St Albans

Fireworks Family Extravaganza - This year, Fireworks Family Extravaganza will be held on Wednesday, 5th November, at St Albans Baptist Church, 64 McFaddens Road, Christchurch.

Methven

Kidz Methven - Saturday 1st November 2008. 9.30pm fireworks display to end the evening.

Motukarara Domain

Saturday 8th November, gates open at 5:30 pm. See localeye for more information.

Rakaia

Rakaia Lions Club - Fireworks Show - Annual fireworks show held in Rakaia Domain. The only organised fireworks display in the Ashburton District. Wednesday 5 November 2008, from 6pm.

Rolleston

Rolleston Fireworks - At Rolleston Reserve, Saturday 8 November from 5pm. A great family night for the whole family. Food stalls, entertainment and more.

Waiau

Waiau Family Fun Night and Fireworks Display - Saturday 1 November 2008. Fabulous Fireworks and an evening of fun for all the family. The Waiau Fireworks display is a community run event in its fourteenth year, with a reputation for being one of the best of its type in Canterbury. Stalls and entertainment available from 5pm.

See localeye for more information on displays in Christchurch and Canterbury.

Fireworks safety

Guy Fawkes safety

A website with fireworks safety tips and a nationwide list of public displays - part of a joint ERMA New Zealand, Fire Service, Police and Ministry for the Environment initiative promoting safety this Guy Fawkes.