EP23 Guy Fawkes Night: The folklore, traditions, history and ghosts of Bonfire Night, and how Noson Guto Ffowc was celebrated in Wales following the Halloween/ Nos Calan Gaeaf parties

Guy Fawkes Night: The folklore, ghosts, history and traditions

Remember, remember, the fifth of November, Gunpowder, treason and plot!

On this episode, Mark Rees (author of Ghosts of Wales/ Paranormal Wales etc.) is joined by storyteller Owen Staton to discuss Guy Fawkes Night in Wales.

Because while Halloween might be a few days behind us, there's still time for another autumn festival with bonfires and fireworks.

Together they explore:

• How is Noson Guto Ffowc, as Bonfire Night is known is Wales, celebrated?
• Why do people burn effigies, and who else was burned besides Guy Fawkes?
• Should it really be called Guy Fawkes Night, or is there a more suitable name?
• Do the ghosts of the plotters still walk their old haunts today?

All of these questions and more will be explored in this Guy Fawkes special episode of the Ghosts & Folklore of Wales with Mark Rees podcast.

Halloween in Wales: 5 special episodes

October was the Halloween takeover month on the Ghosts & Folklore of Wales podcast, and all five specials are now available for your listen pleasure.

For a full list of episodes check out the Halloween Specials podcast page.

What is Nos Calan Gaeaf?

In Celtic times, each day began at sunset.

October 31 - Nos Calan Gaeaf in Welsh, the night before Calan Gaeaf - marked the beginning of winter, and while it was a time for celebration, it was also a time of great foreboding and apprehension.

For more about Nos Calan Gaeaf, be sure to subscribe to the Ghosts & Folklore podcast which will be focusing on the festival all through October, and check out the book The A-Z of Curious Wales for lots more weird and wonderful facts.

What is the Ghosts & Folklore of Wales with Mark Rees podcast?

Join Mark Rees (author of Ghosts of Wales/ Paranormal Wales etc.) as he explores the weird and wonderful history of Wales.

The world’s first podcast dedicated to Welsh ghost stories, folklore, myths and legends, GHOSTS & FOLKLORE OF WALES combines Mark’s research and insights from his books and articles with long-lost tales from some ancient tomes into a truly unique podcast experience.

New episodes are uploaded every Thursday, and feature everything from real-life encounters with pesky poltergeists to the fantastical beasts from the Mabinogion, 

Be sure to subscribe, and for more details and to get in touch with Mark Rees, please visit:

• Mark Rees homepage
• Mark Rees on social media
• Books by Mark Rees
• Ghosts of Wales