Guy Fawkes was actually hung, drawn and quartered as a punishment (the actual process is pretty barbaric, look it up on google!), the tradition of burning a 'Guy' on a bonfire being symbolic of what he tried to achieve. However, although this is traditionally celebrated on the anniversary of the foiled plot (Nov 5th), it's become much like Christmas now and fireworks often start in mid November!
With regards to the initial post, I remember clearly flying into Heathrow 2 years ago. We were landing on 27R but our approach took us from the Ockham hold over the approach end of the runway before we were turned right overhead North London to commence our approach. It was a fantastically clear night and the view from the flight deck was incredible, flashes all over the capital. Even as we came in over Hounslow we could see rockets shooting into the air, but before people start ranting about the safety of this I will add that they were some distance from us!