Our guide to Guy Fawkes

Photo / Mark McKeown

We offer some suggestions on where to go for Guy Fawkes displays tonight and at the weekend, check out the weather, look at how fireworks sales are going and ask why we celebrate this event in the first place.

WHERE TO GO

Some spots to see fireworks displays over the coming days:

TONIGHT

Wellington: Pelorus Trust Sky Show, Wellington Harbour, 9pm, free

Christchurch: : Treetech Guyfawkes Fireworks Spectacular , New Brighton Pier, 9pm, free

Auckland: Westfield Albany Fireworks Display , 7pm, free

SATURDAY

Auckland: Waitakere Fireworks Display , The Trust Stadium, Henderson, from 6.30pm

Taupo: Starlight Cinema Guy Fawkes Spectacular , 5-9pm

Waikato: PriceWaterHouse Coopers Fireworks Xtravaganza , Morrinsville, 5.30pm

Hawkes Bay: Blast in the Park Fireworks Fundraiser , Anderson Park, Te Aute Rd Havelock North 6-9pm

Canterbury: Kidzmethven Fireworks and Hangi Night , Mt Harding Racecourse, 6pm

WEATHER

Metservice forecasters are predicting an overcast Guy Fawkes for the country, with rain expected to foil celebrations in Auckland tonight.

"Central parts are mostly good, but it is a bit gloomier than usual for Guy Fawkes - especially in Auckland," Metservice forecaster Derek Holland said.

Rain in Hamilton will ease by early evening. Wellington is the place to be on the North Island, with the forecast fine weather and moderate northerlies.

The South Island is slightly better off, with rain not reaching Christchurch until late this evening. Occasional showers are expected in Dunedin with the possibility of thunder storms and hail.

FIREWORKS SALES

The popularity of Guy Fawkes night is still evident to fireworks retailers, with sales remaining constant throughout the week. Barry Wah Lee, of Wah Lee's General Store in central Auckland says business has been "steady".

"It's a little bit down on last year because it's been a tough year in general but we're doing well."

He says November 5th was their busiest day last year, and he is expecting a repeat.

Wah Lee employee Duane Te Maari says that although not as many people are coming through the doors, the amounts they are buying have increased.

"We're not getting many $5 sales anymore, it's more of a substantial amount because of the age limit. People are going for the big displays."

WHY WE DO IT

Guy Fawkes night marks the downfall of the Gunpowder Plot of 1605 in which Guy Fawkes and other Catholic conspirators tried to blow up the Houses of Parliament to end Protestant rule.