The fact that it's bonfire night has reminded me of this thread.
I've just looked at the sleeve notes ritten by Harry Boardman on "Deep Lancashire" and they say:

"This song has connections with earlier mummers' plays, but in living memory, it has provided a means by which children extract money from unsuspecting grown-ups for fireworks during the weeks leading up to the 5th November. The chorus, including the tune, is from the Failsworth version (near Oldham) whereas the tune used for the verses is that sung by children in and around the Oldham area itself. The last two verses are still sung by children in the Oldham area but the first three verses were given by Mrs Norah Sykes of Greenfield who, in a letter to the Oldham Chronicle in November 1966, decried the fact that children are singing less and less of the song which she remembers from childhood. In spite of this, the custom shows no sign of dying out completely."

I shall be singing the song tonight at my folk club to keep the tradition going. Whether I'll collect enough money for fireworks or even half a pint remains to be seen!

Does anybody know if this song is still sung or heard kids singing it anywhere or has it died out apart from people singing it in folk clubs?

Cheers
Mark