Weymouth Bonfire Night 2019: Here's what's being planned

The action begins at 4pm when the funfair opens on the Pavilion forecourt, complete with a range of traditional stalls and attractions.

At 6.45pm, judging of the traditional children's Guy Fawkes competition gets underway in the foyer of the Weymouth Pavilion. Kids wanting to enter should arrive with their Guys at the venue from 6pm. This year, the competition will be judged by special guests including the mayor of Weymouth Town Council, Graham Winter, the team from Wessex FM and the cast of this year Christmas pantomime, Cinderella. Prizes will be provided by the Weymouth Pavilion, Alexandra Gardens Pleasure Grounds and Weymouth Swimming Pool and Fitness Centre.

The giant beach bonfire will be lit at 7.40pm, with the unmissable fireworks display across Weymouth Bay taking place at 8pm.

Councillor Graham Winter said: "Weymouth’s Big Guy Fawkes Event is always a great spectacle and very popular, creating a wonderful atmosphere on Weymouth seafront. Many thousands of people come down to the town to enjoy and share one of our great local events in a unique fun and safe environment."

He added: "I’d like to thank Dorset Waste Partnership, the Town Council’s parks department, Weymouth Harbour, and many other local businesses for donating the pallets for the giant beach fire this year, as well as Edgar Moxom and Masterplan Offshore for providing HM Denham for the firework display platform."

Free parking will be available in all Dorset Council car parks in Weymouth from 6pm.

November 5 marks the anniversary of the failure of the Gunpowder Plot of 1605, in which 13 men schemed to blow up the Houses of Parliament in the hope of killing the Protestant king, James I. The plot was foiled and Guy Fawkes, one of the men involved, was captured in the cellar while guarding the gunpowder. He was sentenced to death.

Since the 19th century, it has been customary to burn an effigy of Guy Fawkes on a bonfire every year.