'Remember, remember, the 5th of November, Gunpowder, treason and plot. I see no reason why gunpowder treason should ever be forgot.'
But, here in Birmingham, 10 years have passed since Birmingham Labour cancelled the last Bonfire and Fireworks night celebration, leaving a whole generation of young people across Birmingham to 'forget' the historic celebration of the King and Parliament being saved from Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder plot.
Marking the 10th anniversary of Labour cancelling Bonfire Night in Birmingham, the Opposition Local Conservative Group has launched a petition calling on the Council to bring back the Council-run celebration of Bonfire Night from 2026.
As well as celebrating an important part of the country’s history, which has been celebrated for 420 years nationally, it also ensured that residents in Birmingham could access a large-scale Fireworks and Bonfire display in a safe environment, which meant residents did not need to use fireworks at home instead.
Cllr Robert Alden (Con, Erdington), Leader of Opposition & Birmingham Local Conservatives, said,
We need to ensure that we don't lose over 400 years of history being celebrated here in Birmingham. That is why, on this 5th of November, we are calling for the Council to reintroduce a bonfire night celebration here in Birmingham, which will provide a safe environment for Brummies to enjoy a large-scale bonfire and fireworks display. The Council could also work with schools, libraries and community centres to ensure other events and information remembering the 5th November is shared. We are asking residents to back our petition to help show the Council the demand for Bonfire Night to be properly celebrated and remembered by the Council again!
Cllr Ewan Mackey (Con, Sutton Roughley), Deputy Leader of the Opposition & Birmingham Local Conservatives, said,
.The Council should be looking at working with sponsors to be able to provide a cost-effective way of funding Bonfire Night going forward, ensuring that future generations of Brummies learn about the celebration of Bonfire Night and the history behind it. We are keen to work with the Council to make this happen.