1697::

Following the popular hysteria provoked by the Titus Oats revelations Pope burning processions were witnessed in London and in Lewes.   No evidence survives to indicate whether such processions were an annual occurrence in Lewes, but it seems certain that some form of regular celebration was taking place probably involving street bonfires and squabbling.

1831::

In an effort to stop dangerous practices the magistrates issued cautions but the "Boys" displayed even greater energy.

At the opposite side of the country in the South West, instead of bonfire societies, Guy Fawkes Carnivals are held in November, with giant illuminated floats dome carrying 32,000 light bulbs powered by their own mobile generating plant towed behind the entry, tour seven towns in Somerset. This circuit since the 1950's has been known as the Somerset County Guy Fawkes Carnivals Association. Each of these large entries some seventy in total measure 100' long, 17' 62high and 11'. 6" wide. The oldest recorded Guy Fawkes Carnival is that of Bridgwater in 1861, however it is recognised that celebrations were in fact taking place even before that. The largest Carnival website in the world devoted to Somerset Guy Fawkes Carnivals is also based here in Bridgwater, and is called South West Carnivals.

Other Guy Fawkes Carnivals are held in Burnham-on-Sea, Glastonbury, Midsomer Norton, North Petherton, Shepton Mallet, Wells City and Weston-super-Mare, all with the exception of Midsomer Norton are affiliated to the Somerset County Guy Fawkes Carnivals Association. These spectacular carnivals attracted anything up to 150,000 spectators at the larger events, even the smaller carnivals attract in excess of 80,000 visitors, come along there is no entrance fee all they ask is for a donation of £3.00 per head to the street collectors, for 3 hours of superb entertainment that passes your position on the route.