Guy Fawkes Day happens every year on 5 November and celebrates the failing of the Gunpowder Plot of the 5 November 1605, in which a number of Catholic conspirators, including Guy Fawkes, attempted to blow up the Houses of Parliament in London, England.

Guy Fawkes celebrations in South Africa continue to this day, with thousands of families and friends setting some time aside each year on November 5 to witness extravagant fireworks displays around the country.

Expect to see Cape Town’s skies filled with many beautiful fireworks explosions on the night of November 5. Guy Fawkes Day and to a lesser extent New Year's Eve are the best days to experience fireworks displays in Cape Town, South Africa.

We take pride in keeping you informed about the best things to do on significant days like Guy Fawkes Day in Cape Town. Get to the Afrika Burns Guy Fawkes Day after party or head to any of the following safe sites where some of the best fireworks displays in Cape Town will be happening.

For Guy Fawkes Day 2008, the City of Cape Town has announced special areas where fireworks can be let off, so if you want to witness some excellent fireworks displays (or organise some yourself!), make sure you’re at one of the following Guy Fawkes Day 2008 safe sites.

The safe sites for Guy Fawkes Day 2008 in Cape Town are:

Cape Town:

• Mnandi Beach (near the Law Enforcement office)
• Maiden’s Cove parking area
• Strandfontein Beach parking area
• Vygieskraal Stadium parking area

Helderberg:

• Gordon’s Bay Main Beach
• Strand Beach (at Deep Blue)
• Macassar Beach

South Peninsula:

• Sunrise Beach, Muizenberg
• Fish Hoek Beach
• Hout Bay Beach

Tygerberg:

• De Grendel Sports Ground, Parow
• Sleepy Hollow Park, Elsies River
• Nooitgedacht Sports Ground, Bishop Lavis
• Sports Ground in Roosendal Street, Delft

Oostenberg:

• Blue Downs Sports Stadium, Hindle Road, Delft

Blaauwberg:

• Mamre Park, opposite SAPS
• Wesfleur Sportsfield, Atlantis
• Palms site, Milnerton
• Blaauwberg Beach, area opposite KFC
• Ratanga Junction BC parking area, Century City

There are plenty of fun things to do in Cape Town every night of the year, not just on Guy Fawkes Day!

Just browse our To Do: Night section to get some great ideas for what do at night in Cape Town, and make sure you’re subscribed to our Editor’s Picks Newsletter, which is crackerjack packed with useful Cape Town news, events and specials!