Guy Fawkes Night, also known as Bonfire Night, is an annual celebration held on the evening of 5 November to mark the failure of the Gunpowder Plot of 5 November 1605, in which a number of Catholic conspirators, including Guy Fawkes, attempted to destroy the Houses of Parliament in London in order to kill the current ruler, King James I, who was a Protestant.

Today, people create open air fires (bonfires), in towns across England. They remember the explosives by exploding fireworks in public places. People put cotton effigies (or "guys") on the bonfires. The guys represent Guy Fawkes and are burnt at the top of the fire.

Traditionally children make the "guy" some days before 5 November, then carry it in the streets, asking for money - the traditional expression is "penny for the guy!"

In British schools, children learn the traditional rhyme for 5th November :
"Remember, remember the Fifth of November,
Gunpowder Treason and Plot,
I see no reason why Gunpowder Treason
Should ever be forgot."