Wrap up warm and celebrate Bonfire Night in the birthplace of Guy Fawkes, with a visit to York this November.
Learn about the history of Guy Fawkes from visiting his childhood home, walking tours and explosive new shows. In 1570, Guy Fawkes was born in York. He spent his childhood years in the building now home to the Guy Fawkes Inn on High Petergate and was baptised in St Michael Le Belfrey Church.
Here are some top picks on how to spend Bonfire Night in York:
1. Guy Fawkes at the York Theatre Royal (28th October - 12th November)
An explosive new comedy by David Reed brings a hilarious new take on one of the most notorious tales of all time. This brand-new comedy about York’s traitorous trigger man is a devilishly dangerous mix of Blackadder and Horrible Histories – and sure to be a barrel of laughs. Recommended for ages 14+, find out more here.
2. The York Dungeon
Guy Fawkes might have been caught underneath the Houses of Parliament, but his story began in York, where he was born in 1570. You're about to meet him; well, what's left of him...
Discover what really happened on the 5th of November 1605, the plot behind gunpowder and treason and exactly what happened to Guy across 10 days of torture at The York Dungeon. You can find out more here.
3. Little Peasants City Walking Tour
Little Peasants and their families are invited to embark on a new City Walking Tour to discover the toe-curling tales of York. Join two favourite York Dungeon residents, the ever so slightly bonkers Dungeon Jester and the smelliest peasant Smedley, as to learn more about York’s famous characters such as Dick Turpin, Guy Fawkes and the Pearl of York, Margaret Clitherow. There'll be plenty to see, lots to learn and a barrel of laughs on this City Walking Tour. You can find out more here.
4. Guy Fawkes Inn
Why not enjoy an evening at the Guy Fawkes Inn, the childhood home of Guy Fawkes. Centuries have passed but this historic building has been beautifully restored into an AA Rosette candle-lit restaurant with regional real ales and classic British food. Hear and see the historic sights of York with a free guided tours when you stay in one of their thirteen rooms, available Friday – Wednesday.
5. Bonfire Night 2022 with Sandburn Hall (4th November)
Wrap up warm and enjoy a spectacular evening of fireworks and family-fun at Sandburn Hall on the 4th November. With family-friendly amusement rides, face painting, hot food and a York Gin bar for the adults, be sure to book your tickets in advance.
6. The Bar Convent
The Bar Convent is England’s oldest living convent and has lots of history dating back to the Gunpowder Plot. Mary Ward, who first brought education for girls to England and foundress of the order at the Convent, was the niece of two Gunpowder Plotters. Learn about Mary Ward in the exhibition, with the opportunity to see a 400-year-old crucifix on display linked to the Gunpowder Plot. More information here.
7. Scampston’s Firework Spectacular: ‘Musical Movie Magic’ (4th November)
Arrive into the stunning Scampston Hall’s 70-acre Parkland for a night of spectacular Pyromusical Fireworks, choreographed to a popular soundtrack from Movie Musicals! Sing and dance along to classic tracks from the past as well as some more popular up to date movies. Find more information here.
8. The Story of Guy Fawkes Tour
Beyond a tale of gunpowder, learn about Guy Fawkes, his family history and the influences surrounding him as a Protestant and later a recusant Catholic.
Each tour is operated by people affected by homelessness and shaped by their own interests or personal experience of the city. The Story of Guy Fawkes is run by Vicki, who interweaves her own personal journey of being diagnosed with stage 4b cancer, treatment, and remission, with the story of his life. Found out more here.
For more inspiration this half term, there’s plenty of Halloween fun to be had in York. Visit the Haunted York hub page at visityork.org/haunted for more inspiration.
ENDS
For more information:
Sarah Foster and Brittany Guymer
Communications team at Make It York Comms@makeityork.com
About Make It York
Make It York’s purpose is to develop and promote the city and its surroundings – nationally and internationally - as a vibrant and attractive place to live, visit, study, work and do business. The company’s remit covers leisure and business tourism, city centre management, Shambles Market and festivals and events.
Visit York is a part of Make It York and is the leisure tourism brand
Under the brand Visit York, Make It York’s aim is to market York as a must-see world-class destination to the leisure visitor and ensure investment to develop the quality of tourism in York.
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