"REMEMBER, remember the 5th of November..."

Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot have been a part of British tradition for nearly 400 years.

The infamous events of the early 17th century have even been immortalised in a nursery rhyme.

Fawkes was one of a band of traitors who conspired to blow up the Houses of Parliament during the reign of King James I in 1606. The plot was foiled and Fawkes was captured and hanged.

So, Bonfire Night could be said to commemorate an early example of the fight against terrorism.

Today, children still make their own dummies of Fawkes and ask passers by for a "penny for the Guy", before it is placed on top of the bonfire and set alight.

Firework displays can be a focal point of a local community and a great source of joy to young and old alike.

This year, a campaign has been under way to save the annual bonfire and firework display at Witton Park, which is organised by Blackburn Rotaract in aid of local charity.

Geoff Moss, chairman of the bonfire committee and vice president of Blackburn Rotaract, says there is nothing disrespectful about holding the annual firework display.

He said: "We have held the bonfire and firework display at Witton Park for the last 20 years.

"It is a properly organised celebration originating from Guy Fawkes and nothing else.

"Firework displays are a way of bringing a town together.

"We still need sponsorship for this year's event, but we are in the final stages of providing something special for local people."

He added: "We want to be respectful of what happened in America, but I don't see a problem with holding such a display or think that it could be connected with the events of September 11.

"It is a charity event which will benefit a lot of people, as opposed to just letting off a lot of fireworks."

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