It’s a tradition that’s been around for more than 500 years.
As night falls on November 5, we gather with family and friends to stand around a blazing bonfire, send fireworks soaring into the dark skies and remember Guy Fawkes, the man who planned the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605, which aimed to blow up the Houses of Parliament.
It’s a tradition as British as a Sunday roast and a fantastic highlight of the autumn season that’s not to be missed.
The best way to take part in the celebrations is by heading for an organised event.
There are lots of events taking place over the next few days, and remember, not all of them take place on Monday November 5 this year.
Here’s a selection of what’s on offer. Remember, it’s always best to double-check before heading out to an organised event as plans can change at the last minute due to weather conditions.
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 2
- Kintore and District Community Council is organising its annual bonfire and fireworks display at Kintore School Playing Fields. The entertainment will begin at 6.30pm, with the bonfire and the professional fireworks display shortly thereafter. Refreshments and burgers will be on sale on the night. Those attending are advised to bring a torch and take cash for donations/refreshments.
- Tain bonfire and firework display, hosted by Tain Gala Association. Takes place at the Links, from 7pm.
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 3
- Monaltrie Park, Ballater. Ballater Charitable Chiels Community Bonfire and Fireworks Display, from 7pm.
- Banchory bonfire and fireworks display, organised by Banchory and District Round Table. King George V Park, Banchory. Food available from 6.30pm and bonfire lit then. Fireworks display at 7pm.
- St Combs bonfire and fireworks display, taking place at the Beach, St Combs. Bonfire lit at 6.30pm and fireworks at 7pm.
- Oldmeldrum fireworks display, presented in association with Making Meldrum Better and Oldmeldrum Sports Committee. Pleasure Park, Oldmeldrum at 6.30pm. Donations welcome.
- Rosehearty bonfire and fireworks display. Refreshment stands and light-up goodies available. Caravan Park, Rosehearty. Bonfire will be lit at 6.30pm and fireworks at 7pm.
- Forres bonfire and fireworks display organised by Rotary Forres. Grant Park, Forres. Bonfire to be lit at 6.30pm, fireworks from 7pm. Donations welcome.
- Elgin Rotary Club’s annual bonfire and fireworks display in the Cooper park, Elgin. Bonfire lit at 6.30pm, fireworks around 7pm. Donations welcome.
- Rosemarkie bonfire and fireworks display organised by Rosemarkie Amenities Association. Takes place on the beachfront. Refreshments available from 6pm.
- Deshar PTA bonfire and fireworks night, Boat of Garten Moor by Grampian Crescent. Bonfire lit at 5.45pm, fireworks at 6.15pm. Food available, donations welcome.
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 4
- Grampian Transport Museum, Alford. Bonfire and Fireworks, 6.30-8pm.
- Stonehaven bonfire and fireworks display, hosted by The Roundtable at the town’s Mineralwell Park. Gates open and bonfire lit at 6pm fireworks at 7pm. Refreshment stalls on the site. Admission £3 for adults, £1 for children.
- Cruden Bay fireworks display, Mill Park. Food and hot drinks available. Display begins at 6pm.
MONDAY NOVEMBER 5
- Aberdeen Fireworks Night. Best vantage points are the Beach Boulevard, Queen’s Links and Esplanade areas.
- Hosted by local DJs, the fun starts at 6.30pm with fire jugglers and a charity fire walk. The fireworks display, set to music, starts at 7.30pm. A Park and Ride scheme will be in operation.
- Inverness bonfire and fireworks display takes place in the city’s Bught Park from 7.30pm. This year’s show will feature a giant bonfire and a 20-minute musical fireworks display.
- Hot-food stalls and a visit from Horne’s Fun Fair. Those attending are advised to allow plenty of time to get there and use city-centre car parks whenever possible.
- Dornoch community bonfire and fireworks. The fun begins with a piper-led torchlight procession from the Square, followed by a fireworks display from 7.15pm in Meadows Park. Homemade soups and snacks for sale plus a visit from Horne’s fun fair.
- Kemnay fireworks display, Bogbeth Park, Kemnay. Goodies and food available before the display which starts at 7.30pm.
- Kincraig bonfire and fireworks display, War Memorial Field, Kincraig. Gates open at 5.30pm, bonfire lit at 6.15pm, fireworks at 6.30pm. Refreshments available. Donations welcome.
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 10
- Thurso Rotary fireworks display, Esplanade, Thurso at 7pm. Donations welcome.