Guy Fawke's Night – November 5, 2026

Expected Guy Fawke's Night Deals

While official 2027 promotions are still under wraps, Guy Fawke’s Night typically sees a surge in local deals across the UK. Expect retailers like Tesco and Sainsbury’s to offer discounts on fireworks, sparklers, and bonfire-related snacks. Pubs and restaurants, such as Wetherspoon and Greene King, often host themed events with special menus and drinks. Local independent shops and event organizers will also promote family-friendly bonfire gatherings and firework displays. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as November 5 approaches.

History of Guy Fawke's Night

In 1603, James I became King of England after Queen Elizabeth died. Elizabeth’s reign saw the systematic persecution of Catholics in the country. Following King James’ ascension to the throne, many Catholics hoped for a reprieve since he was the son of the late Mary Queen of Scots, a Catholic. That hope was short-lived. Far from sympathetic, James continued the suppression of Catholicism in England.

Outraged by the injustice, a man known as Robert Catesby hatched a plan to kill the king and his establishment. Catesby hoped to create widespread chaos and restore a Catholic king to the English throne. Along with his cousin, Thomas Wintour, Catesby recruited other like-minded Catholics to the cause. The first part of the plan involved sneaking in multiple gunpowder barrels inside the Parliament building. Their objective was to blow up the building on the opening day of parliament with the king and his government inside it. First, they needed an expert to handle the explosives and they found the best person in a man named Guy Fawkes.

The conspirators snuck in 36 barrels of gunpowder underneath the House of
Lords. The group had leased a vault directly underneath the building. On November 4, Fawkes remained to guard the vault — but the plan fell apart that same night. Lord Monteagle — a Catholic loyal to the Crown received an anonymous letter warning him to avoid the opening day of parliament. The letter reached the king, who subsequently ordered a thorough search of the building. His troops discovered Fawkes and the gunpowder barrels a little after midnight. Fawkes was tortured at the Tower of London until he revealed who his co-conspirators were. By then, most had already been rounded up and arrested. King James, I sentenced Fawkes to death by hanging, but he avoided the noose by jumping from the gallows. He died of a broken neck soon after.

News about the failed plot broke out across London. People lit bonfires to celebrate that the king was still alive. These events led parliament to establish an annual public day – Gunpowder Treason Day – commemorating the plot’s failure. Guy Fawkes and his legacy have evolved. The popularity of “V for Vendetta” — a 1980s graphic novel, transformed his image from traitor to populist icon. Gunpowder Treason Day is now Guy Fawkes’ Night/Day worldwide.