How Is Guy Fawkes Night Celebrated?

**Bugbear** · 10th October 10, 10:59 AM

In the Halloween thread, Guy Fawkes or Bonfire night came up several times as a much more significant Scottish celebration than Halloween.

In what ways do you celebrate Guy Fawkes night?

**DougC** · 10th October 10, 11:08 AM

Not sure--but there better be lots of gun powder!

**Pleater** · 10th October 10, 01:50 PM

As children in Yorkshire, England, we used to make a guy from old clothes and take it around to various places where people would be going to buy things, asking for 'A penny for the Guy' which were carefully saved up to buy fireworks.

That was 50 years ago now.

I used to live near the Rushton triangular lodge, built by Sir Thomas Tresham, who's eldest son Francis was one of the plotters - or not, depending on what version of the plot you believe. It is a very strange building, having three sides, three floors, three windows on each floor on each side I think - it was a long time ago that I visited it. I found it quite by accident when out riding my motorbike one weekend. It was lived in, by the Warrener (rabbit keeper) and the warren can still - well it could still be seen when I was there. Rabbit was a prized delicacy and they had to be well guarded.

Now there are large firework displays done by professionals, but many families will go to a display which are usually held at the weekends closest to the 5th, and have a smaller display and fire in their back gardens on the actual day.

Anne the Pleater :ootd:

**tetley88mark** · 10th October 10, 01:58 PM

there are a few big fireworks displays around where i live in nottingham, usually theres a large bonfire sometimes with a guy sat on the top made by local kids and a fireworks display, i look forwards to it every year, stood in the cold night warmed by the fire and watching the sparks fly from the fireworks, it's amazing

**Pleater** · 10th October 10, 02:26 PM

It is - of course - obligatory to go 'OOOOHH' and 'AAHHHH' when watching fireworks, particularly the ones which shoot up into the air and then expand into myriad lights, streamers or crackly whirly things.

Anne the Pleater :ootd:

**Downunder Kilt** · 10th October 10, 02:32 PM

The night used to be a big deal here in Victoria, bonfires, crackers. skyrockets
etc. Usually most of the neighbourhood got together for a big blast. Best were the penny bungers and threepenny bungers. But alas, the caring government here decided that crackers and kids don't mix so they banned sale of the crackers and the big cracker night drifted into oblivion. If you ask a kid about Guy Fawkes these days, you get a blank stare or a wha?

Now the only time you see fireworks are the big professional shows at a big events or Chinese new Year, and of course they have to pay for permits

**English Bloke** · 10th October 10, 02:35 PM

Don't forget the treacle toffee and parkin.

Treacle Toffee.

NB. British Imperial measurements

450g (1lb) Soft Brown Sugar
225g (8oz) Black Treacle
110g (4oz) Unsalted Butter
2 tbsp Water
1 tbsp White Vinegar

Place the butter, water and vinegar into a heavy bottomed saucepan, heat gently until the butter has melted.
Add the sugar and black treacle, allow to fully dissolve, this takes about 20 minutes.
Boil the mixture to a temperature of 138°C (280°F).
Remove from the heat, allow the bubble to decrease.
Pour the mixture into a well oiled 18cm (7 inch) sandwich tin.
When the mixture has cooled a little mark the surface into squares with a knife.
When cold break into squares and eat...

Parkin Cake (Serves alot so don't forget to invite your mates round).

510g (18oz) self raising flour
680g (1.5lbs) golden syrup
454g (16oz) medium oatmeal
397g (14oz) butter or margarine
397g (14oz) brown sugar
284ml (1/2pt) milk
6 teasp ground ginger
4 eggs

Pre-heat oven to 130°C (fan assisted); gas mark 3.

Place flour, oatmeal, brown sugar and ginger, in a large bowl.
Melt syrup and butter with the milk in a pan.
Pour melted ingredients in with the dry ingredients and mix together.
Beat in the eggs and again mix well.
Grease a baking tin and line with greaseproof paper before pouring in the mixture.
Bake for 1hr 15 mins.
Leave to cool.

**tetley88mark** · 10th October 10, 03:09 PM

treacle toffee! thats such a treat i love it

the tradition in nottingham is mushy peas and mint sauce, not something i like much but it's very popular here

**Bugbear** · 10th October 10, 04:34 PM

Thanks, all, I enjoy your descriptions. And thanks, English Bloke, for the recipes, they sound very good.

**Pleater** · 11th October 10, 02:23 AM

Parkin is best made in advance and placed in a tin or wrapped in foil to mature, developing a slightly sticky coating as the inside dries out a little. It should be moist but not soggy - getting it just right can take practise.

Whilst you have the ginger out don't forget to make a gingerbread man for everyone, the same recipe as for ginger snaps.

Anne the Pleater :ootd: