Why do we gather every November 5 to watch spectacular, colorful firework displays fill the night sky with noise and light?
Across the UK, these annual celebrations commemorate the collapse of the 1605 Gunpowder Plot, when Guy Fawkes and his fellow conspirators were thwarted in their attempt to destroy the Houses of Parliament.
To mark the occasion, families and local communities build massive bonfires in open fields, parks, and back gardens. It is a tradition for children to build a "guy", a life-sized effigy made from old clothes, newspapers, and tights – which is set atop the fire and burned.
Much has changed, it’s much better (and far safer) to attend properly organised Bonfire events nowadays.
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These nostalgic pictures capture everything from classic Guy Fawkes contests and neighbourhood bonfires in community parks to sweet treats like toffee apples and the popular modern ‘After Dark’ spectacles.
Spanning six decades, the collection highlights celebrations from the 1960s right up to recent years.
Can you see anyone you recognise?
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Sheffield's Botanical Gardens Light up the Garden event for Bonfire Night Ben, Izzy and Thomas enjoy their night | Johnston Press Resell
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Sheffield's Botanical Gardens Light up the Garden event for Bonfire Night Zach Cattley and Francesca Riley | Johnston Press Resell

11. Toffee apple
Enjoying her toffee apple is Isabelle Porter aged 2 from Wybourn at the After Dark Event at the Don Valley Bowl, November 5, 2011
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Bonfire night at Hollin Bush Pub, Sheffield Lucy Perrins and Josh Didcote, both ten, with sparklers | Johnston Press

