WEBLINKS
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 |  | We've been lighting fires and burning effigies on 5 November for around 500 years and the popularity of Bonfire Night - regardless of age or degree of pyromania - continues to grow around the world.
The tradition first began to mark the failure of the Gunpowder Plotters' plan to blow up the House of Parliament (see link on the left) on 5 November, 1605, when people lit huge fires to represent the one that didn't burn in Parliament Square.
Ìý| Ìý |  | Guy Fawkes takes a look round the cellars
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However, people had been lighting huge bonfires at this time of year anyway because of the Celtic festival of Samhain, which marked the end of their year and the beginning of winter (see Halloween link for more information).
But the idea took off on a grand scale after the Gunpowder Plot and the tradition of burning an effigy began. The word "guy" - a figure burned on a fire - comes from Guy "Guido" Fawkes, the man caught under the Houses of Parliament with barrels of gunpowder.
Particularly in the early years, though, the effigies would often represent the Pope as the plotters were Catholic and today, in some areas, this tradition continues with some people burning figures representing the Vatican leader and others politicians and other out-of-favour figureheads.
ÌýSafety on Bonfire Night
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Whether you're celebrating the foiling of the plot, admiring the cheek of the plotters or just enjoying a good burn-up, make sure you enjoy this bonfire night safely.
We've included a guide to firework safety (click here) but the best way to stay out of trouble is to go to an official display, like those listed below.
ÌýWarwick Racecourse
Saturday 8 November: Starts 5.15pm - Display at 6.30pm. Tickets are £3 in advance, £5 on the night, accompanied children under 12 are free. Contact 01926 491 137.
St Peters School, Barford
Saturday 8 November: Starts 6.45pm. Tickets £3 adult, £1 Child/OAP, £7.50 Family (2 adultas and up to 4 children). Contact 01926 624 936 for details.
Balsall Common
Saturday 8 November: Contact Balsall Common Lions.
ÌýGet your display listed
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Have we missed out your firework display? If so click here to e-mail us with the details.
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