Guy Fawkes
Guy Fawkes 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 England’s Parliament building with King James I and his chief ministers. The Plot was a reaction to the increased oppression of Roman Catholics in England.
England’s celebration of Guy Fawkes includes fireworks, bonfires, children begging ‘a penny for the guy’, and the burning of effigies of Fawkes himself. In New Zealand and other countries, fireworks are the main element of the occasion.
5 November is also notable in New Zealand history as the date of the invasion of Parihaka.
Search our catalogue
Fireworks displays in Canterbury
Search Be There for information on local events.
- Guy Fawkes 1570 - 1606
- The Gunpowder Plot 1605
Browse the Source
- 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.
Online resources
Fireworks safety
Find out about being safe with fireworks, and how to ensure your pets are safe:
How fireworks are made
Find out about the chemistry and physics of fireworks from How Stuff Works.
- Guide to outdoor fireworks displays
- Information from the New Zealand Fire Service.
- Guide to indoor fireworks displays
- Information from the New Zealand Fire Service.
- Safety and fireworks from the Christchurch City Council
- Information from the Christchurch City Council.
- BANG! Fireworks frighten animals
- Find out about keeping animals safe. From the RSPCA (UK).
- Fourth of July tips
- Cesar Milan the Dog Whisperer offers advice on animal safety around fireworks.
