THIS atmospheric picture was taken back in 2003 at Lumb Lane/Westgate Recreation Ground. It shows local people gathering for a bonfire party.

People can be seen looking skywards as fireworks exploded high above their heads.

This weekend will see crowds gathering for annual Bonfire Night celebrations. Toffee apples, parkin, soup and other refreshments will be on offer along with hot drinks.

Also known as Guy Fawkes Night, its history began with the events of November 5, 1605 when Guy Fawkes, a member of the infamous Gunpowder Plot, was arrested while guarding explosives the plotters had placed beneath the House of Lords. The Catholic plotters had intended to assassinate Protestant king James l and his parliament.

Celebrating that the king had survived, people lit bonfires around London. Months later, the Observance of 5th November Act decreed an annual day of thanksgiving for the plot’s failure.