Voice of London

Guy Fawkes night – a night in which Brits gather together to celebrate the survival of former king, James I, with a twist.

The festivity takes place on 5 November each year to commemorate the failed 1605 Gunpowder Plot attack against King James I, proposed by a group of British Catholics. The attack planned to blow up the parliament’s House of Lords using gunpowder but ultimately failed.

Currently, the celebration consists of firework shows around the country; the most popular displays taking place at Alexandra Palace, Primrose Hill, and Wimbledon Park.

Although these events are now sold out, rest assured as we have better suggestions for you.

Edensbridge, Kent has announced its most recent celebrity victim to ridicule this year, part of their yearly tradition.

Liz Truss, the most recent ex prime minister, will be stealing the spotlight for the night, as an effigy impersonating her has been constructed and is ready to be burned in flames this Saturday.

The 11m tall effigy resembles Truss with a laughing lettuce on her shoulder, referring to the famous meme which predicted the vegetable would outlast the ex prime minister’s time in the office.

The figure is seen holding a cardboard with various messages ridiculing her for being the shortest standing prime minister, including messages such as “ I am a fighter, not a quitter”, and a £115,000 cheque which relates to the funding every former prime minister is entitled to.

The night will also consist of carnival floats, costumed walking parties, and marching bands, accompanied by non-stop music provided by a DJ. Entrance is free and everyone is welcome from 18:00pm.

Fireworks Night on the Thames Plus Afterparty

This event is held on a boat starting at 19:30 by the Crown Pier and making its way to the Thames, passing all major firework shows, including Battersea Park.

Additionally, guests will be able to enjoy live music as well as a variety of drinks, all pub priced. Tickets are sold out in the majority, but 4th and 5th releases are still available for last-minute plans – although priced on a higher scale, starting from £34.95 + £3.50.

BucketRace’s Guy Fawkes Bonfire Hunt

This is a 4-hour scavenger hunt in which teams complete a series of provided tasks for the prize of free tickets to any firework display later in the day.

Standard entry costs £15 per individual, and the race will begin at 12pm in Golden Square and ends by 4pm, just in time for the display.

Activities involve discovering new landmarks such as a dragon located in Camden, and executing miscellaneous activities including serenading a stranger or wearing a toilet seat around the neck. The teams then must then share photos or videos on social media in order to prove the completion of tasks.

Words: Andreea Bejan | Subbing: Lumi Leinonen