Bonfire night celebrations are underway across Britain this evening, as hundreds gather to mark Guy Fawkes’ failed gunpowder plot to blow up Parliament.
The streets of Lewes are alight with fire and celebration as pavements through the historic East Sussex town are packed with spectators.
Among the centrepieces of the annual festival are the controversial effigies, which often take the form of well-known politicians and celebrities.
In 2018 a giant portrayal of Boris Johnson holding an axe and Theresa May’s severed head was set on fire.
In Skinningrove, North Yorkshire a ‘Greatest Showman’ themed bonfire was set alight in tribute to North Skelton ironstone miner Harry Cooper who was born locally in 1853 spotted by PT Barnum.
While in Ottery St Mary in Devon the traditional burning tar barrels are carried through the streets on the backs of locals who pass the flaming objects from person to person.
The celebrations take their name from Guy Fawkes – the ringleader of the Catholic plot designed to assassinate the Protestant King James I and replace him with a Catholic.
It has been celebrated each year ever since, with communities marking it with fireworks and lighting bonfires which they burn a Guy on.
Pavements along the narrow thoroughfares through the historic East Sussex town are packed every year with onlookers eager to catch a glimpse of the centuries-old traditions.
Children from the village of Ottery St Mary in Devon carry traditional burning tar barrels through the streets of the village on bonfire night
A ‘Greatest Showman’ themed bonfire burns in Skinningrove, North Yorkshire as part of an annual themed bonfire reflecting the area’s history. It was made in tribute to North Skelton ironstone miner Harry Cooper who was born locally in 1853 and later spotted by PT Barnum – who made Harry a celebrity in America, being one of the tallest men in the world
Participants from the village of Ottery St Mary in Devon carry traditional burning tar barrels through the streets of the village on bonfire night
Participants parade through the town during the annual Bonfire Night festivities in Lewes, Britain
Participants from the village of Ottery St Mary in Devon carry traditional burning tar barrels through the streets of the village on bonfire night
Bonfire societies parade through the streets during traditional Bonfire Night celebrations on November 5, 2019 in Lewes
Revellers’ torches are thrown into the fire after being paraded through the streets of Lewes in East Sussex
Among the centrepieces of the annual festival are the controversial effigies, which often take the form of well-known politicians and celebrities. In 2018 a giant portrayal of Boris Johnson holding an axe and Theresa May’s severed head was set on fire, to the delight of the chanting crowds
Dubbed the UK’s bonfire capital, the town’s seven bonfire societies are known for producing controversial tableaux of public figures which are paraded by torchlight before being set on fire
People from the village of Ottery St Mary in Devon carrying the traditional burning tar barrels through the streets this evening
The event in Lewes not only marks the tale of Guy Fawkes and the uncovering of the Gunpowder Plot on November 5 1605, but also commemorates the burning of 17 Protestant martyrs in the town’s High Street in the 16th century. To mark their demise, 17 burning crosses are traditionally carried through the town, and a wreath-laying ceremony takes place at the war memorial
Children from the village of Ottery St Mary in Devon carry traditional burning tar barrels through the streets of the village on bonfire night
Participants parade through the town during the annual Bonfire Night festivities in Lewes, Britain
Ahead of the event in Lewes tonight (pictured), Sussex Police Superintendent Howard Hodges said: ‘Public safety is our priority, and that’s why we’re urging everyone to stay local this bonfire night. ‘Whilst recognising the tradition of Lewes Bonfire night, it is important the event held – and those attending – are kept safe’
The event not only marks the tale of Guy Fawkes and the uncovering of the Gunpowder Plot on November 5 1605, but also commemorates the burning of 17 Protestant martyrs in the town’s High Street in the 16th century. To mark their demise, 17 burning crosses (left) are traditionally carried through the town, and a wreath-laying ceremony takes place at the war memorial
The celebrations (pictured in Lewes, East Sussex) take their name from Guy Fawkes – the ringleader of the Catholic plot designed to assassinate the Protestant King James I and replace him with a Catholic
Revellers’ torches are carried through the streets of Lewes in East Sussex during the annual bonfire night celebrations today
Shops were boarded up as the quaint Sussex town of Lewes prepared for one of the most famous annual Bonfire Night celebrations in the county
The event marks Guy Fawkes Night and the uncovering of the Gunpowder Plot in 1605 and commemorates the memory seventeen Protestant martyrs from the town who were burned at the stake
The event marks Guy Fawkes Night and the uncovering of the Gunpowder Plot in 1605 and commemorates the memory seventeen Protestant martyrs from the town who were burned at the stake
Participants parade through the town of Lewes in East Sussex during an annual bonfire night procession held by the Lewes Bonfire Societies
A number of local societies now pick a prominent celebrity or politician to be placed on top of the bonfire, with previous guys including Nigel Farage , US President Donald Trump and Cherie Blair
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