In France (as you said) it’s pronounced “Gee” with a ‘hard’ G because it’s often short for Guido. But we have Anglicised the name and in England Guy is pronounced “Gye” (rhymes with bye or buy), just as it is in the States.

It would be great for you to have a bonfire night party too, especially if you have British roots, as the Gunpowder plot was BEFORE the Mayflower left for America, so your ancestors would have known about it.

In the UK there are fireworks warehouses that supply fireworks at any time of year (for birthdays etc), or you could try storing them from July to November if you have somewhere safe, dry, cool and LOCKED to keep them, but please warn your neighbours who have pets, so they know it’s going to happen!

Most people these days go to organised events, but if you’re doing you’re own, remember to follow the firework safety code, just as you would do on 4th July.

Then make some mulled wine and hot dogs, fill your fire bowl (you’ll have to make a tiny mini-Guy!) set light and think about the chaos that would have ensued (probably civil war) had Guy Fawkes lit that fuse…

November 5th falls on a Friday next year; ideal for a party. Have fun,

Anna xx

Thanks for sharing a little of the history. Like you said, I never knew about the larger plan to create a new government – over here, we just hear about the aborted plan to blow up Parliament. Though perhaps someone here can help with how to pronounce “Guy.” I’d heard it was pronounced with a long “e” sound (as in, short for “Guido”), but I don’t want to be wrong.