“Remember, remember the fifth of November, of gunpowder treason and plot. I know of no reason why the gunpowder treason should ever be forgot.”
Alan Moore

Who exactly was Guy Fawkes? Wasn’t he that mysterious man in the mask from V For Vendetta? Or was the mask inspired by him? And why on earth do people want to burn him every year? What is bonfire night?

Discovering Guy Fawkes Night in England

Guy Fawkes Night, also known as Bonfire Night, remains one of England’s most spectacular and historic celebrations.

During our first weekend in London, I received a random email from fellow travel bloggers, Hitchn’ It. They invited us to join them in a little village called Brockham the 5th of November, to eat cookies, warm ourselves by a bonfire, and stay the night. Complete strangers, but the warmth of the travel community never fails to amaze me.

We were staying at Flemings Mayfair, so I decided we’d skip the overnight stay but absolutely couldn’t miss a true English bonfire night experience.

What Is Guy Fawkes Day?

Back in 1605, a man named Guy Fawkes and 12 other conspirators plotted to blow up the Houses of Parliament in an attempt to kill King James I and his government. Their goal was to replace the Protestant king with a Catholic ruler.

The plan failed spectacularly. Fawkes was caught guarding barrels of gunpowder under Parliament, arrested, and later executed. Londoners were encouraged to celebrate the King’s survival with bonfires, and by the mid-1600s, fireworks and burning effigies of Fawkes became part of the tradition.

Today, this centuries-old event is known as Guy Fawkes Night or Bonfire Night, celebrated every 5th November with bonfires, fireworks, and family gatherings across the UK.

Why Brockham Bonfire Night Is the Best Place to Celebrate

Communities across England host bonfires, but few compare to Brockham Bonfire Night in Surrey on November 5. The village proudly boasts the biggest Guy Fawkes bonfire in Southern England.

When we visited, the bonfire towered nearly 40 feet high, built over weeks using logs, brushwood, and old furniture. More than 500 torches are crafted by locals and ceremoniously thrown onto the pile to ignite the inferno in unison. It’s a breathtaking moment that captures the fiery heart of this English tradition.

The centrepiece, known as The Guy, is an 8-foot paper-mâché effigy dressed in real clothes, with painted features and a hemp beard. Watching him burn is bizarrely dramatic, symbolic, and strangely addictive.

Another long-standing tradition is the roast pig auction, where the winning bids can climb well into the thousands. Add in a fireworks display that has lit up the skies since 1928, and you have one of the most unforgettable Bonfire Nights in the UK.

In recent years, more than 25,000 visitors have attended Brockham Bonfire, with fireworks now managed by professional pyrotechnic teams for safety and impact.

Where Is Brockham Bonfire?

Brockham Village lies in Surrey, near Dorking. To get there, take a train from London Victoria to Dorking (around 50 minutes). From the station, it’s about a 45-minute walk or a quick taxi ride to the village green – though taxis can book out quickly on Guy Fawkes Night.

When Mia, Caius, and I visited, we were lucky to have local hosts, Jess and Jared, who lived right next to the bonfire grounds. Their hospitality turned a wild festival night into a truly cozy English experience, complete with home-cooked dinner and warm smiles.

What to Wear to Brockham Bonfire Night

England in November is chilly, and Brockham Bonfire Night is an outdoor event, so dressing warm is key. I bundled Mia and Caius in layers – track pants under snowsuits from our winter in New York – and pulled on jeans, jackets, and gumboots to handle the muddy field.

If you’re attending in 2025, dress for real winter weather: coats, gloves, scarves, and waterproof boots. The cold air and bonfire glow create the perfect balance of British autumn magic.

What Happens During Brockham Bonfire Night

As night falls, Brockham’s Guy Fawkes celebrations begin with a torch-lit procession through the streets. Locals parade The Guy toward the towering bonfire, chanting and cheering.

The crowd counts down, torches fly, and suddenly the entire structure roars to life.

The air fills with heat, smoke, and the crackle of burning wood. Then – fireworks! Bright bursts of color explode overhead as The Guy begins to burn. The noise is deafening. The energy, contagious. Mia and Caius stood wide-eyed, their faces glowing orange in the firelight.

It’s chaotic, smoky, and thrilling all at once. A strange mix of ancient ritual and village pride that makes you feel part of something much bigger.

Around the bonfire, food stalls serve mulled wine, hot chocolate, burgers, and toffee apples. There’s laughter, live music, and families bundled in scarves, all sharing in the warmth of tradition.

After the Fireworks

Once the fireworks fade and The Guy turns to ash, locals often linger, chatting and singing around the embers. Some even stay overnight on the field, guarding the site as part of the custom.

We eventually made our way back toward Dorking, tired, smoky, and full of wonder. Mia and Caius fell asleep instantly, their hair still smelling faintly of smoke and sugar.

That night reminded me why I travel – for those spontaneous invitations that lead to unforgettable stories.

Visiting Brockham Bonfire Night 2025

When is bonfire night? If you’re planning to attend Brockham Bonfire 2025, check the official Brockham Bonfire website for confirmed dates, safety information, and parking details. The event remains free, though donations help support the local community and charities.

But usually you will find the Guy Fawkes bonfire night 5th of November.

If you find yourself in England in early November, don’t miss this centuries-old Guy Fawkes celebration in Surrey. It’s one of the most unique and fiery traditions you’ll ever experience.