For those that don't know, in 1605, Guy Fawkes and a group of conspirators attempted to blow up the Houses of Parliament in London. But as the group worked on the plot, it became clear that some innocent people would be hurt or killed in the attack. Some of the plotters started having second thoughts. One of the group members even sent an anonymous letter warning his friend, Lord Monteagle, to stay away from the Parliament on November 5th. Was the letter real? The warning letter reached the King, and the King's forces made plans to stop the conspirators. Guy Fawkes, who was in the cellar of the parliament with the 36 barrels of gunpowder when the authorities stormed it in the early hours of November 5th, was caught, tortured and executed.

"Remember, remember the fifth of November.
Gunpowder, Treason and Plot.
I see no reason why Gunpowder Treason
Should ever be forgot."

This poetic little rhyme, still popular amoung children today, continues to remind us why, on the night of November 5th, bonfires surmounted by cloth manikins or "Guys" are set alight in every town and village in Britain amongst a blaze of celebratory fireworks!

This year we made sure that we got in early and went to Morrisons our local stockists of fireworks, and bought our 'usual' amazing selection of fireworks. You can't go wrong with Dynasty's Chinese Fireworks - they are great! Ceri had bought another load of fireworks from Lidl, which were really good.

Myself, James, Sian, Francesco and Ceri started the evening off at Barry Island about 7.15pm, watched the show over there then headed back to mine for soup and snacks (wonderful rockcakes from Rachel), where we were joined by Jenny, Stuart, Rachel, Richard, Claire and Ellen, and not forgetting my sister Ceri and Quirine!! With no problems this year, our show was a success and everyone enjoyed themselves!

* Some pictures are labelled with an asterisk, this denotes they were taken last year. I added them in because I like the photos, and they were of fireworks that we had this year too, because we always buy the same set....so its not really cheating! My new camera doesnt have a preset fireworks mode, so I need to read up more on how to take better fireworks pics for next time!!!