Abbey Wood Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Abbey Wood poster

Every year in Abbey Wood, on November 5, we come together to celebrate Bonfire Night, with fireworks lighting up the skies across the county of Greater London.

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in Abbey Wood?

The Bonfire Night has been an annual event over the years.

But what is it that makes people love these festivities so much?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind the amazing popularity of the Bonfire Night in a few minutes.

What is a common association with Bonfire Night?

The main reason why Guy Fawkes failed in his attempt to assassinate King James I is that it is a way to celebrate.

The Bonfire Night was celebrated in 1605 and has been ever since.

There was a lot of anger against the king, due to the fact that he was against the Catholics.

Robert Catesby and Guy Fawkes were Catholics who believed in an armed struggle to bring Catholicism back to it's rightful place.

A group of people came up with a plan to blow up the Palace of Commons.

The plan was to kill the king during the process, because he was in attendance.

A conspiracy member sent a letter to the parliament but ended up getting cold feet.

The other conspirators ended up being taken into custody here after they learned about the plan.

The Parliament made a statement regarding the situation and shared that the conspirators were caught and punished.

The Parliament decided to light up bonfires on the 5th of November as a way to be thankful.

We went to the Bonfire Night because of that.

Nowadays Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed throughout the UK in locations like Greater London.

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a community-focused event despite its origins being sinister.

The celebration was renamed to Fireworks Night at the beginning of the 20th century because of its focus on having fun.

The event of the 20th century looked more and more similar to what we are seeing today.

There are attractions at Bonfire Night.

There are a lot of amazing attractions in the UK.

In the countryside, there are usually large bonfires, food and drinks shared with the community, and smaller events.

For a lot of people, Bonfire Night has become a community focused event where everyone has a great time and they enjoy the presence of other like-minded people.

You will get to enjoy some great firework displays with some regions going out of their way to use incredible pyrotechnics for a night to remember.

Here are some traditions:

  • The tradition of "Penny for the Guy" is very interesting. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street, trying to get some money to buy fireworks. In some areas, you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes tried to do when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.
  • The bonfires are supposed to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook all kinds of food. A lot of people make soup for the people coming by to watch the fireworks. Some cook potatoes wrapped in a foil and also marshmallows or sausages. There’s also a traditional cake that people eat on the Bonfire Night, named the Parking Cake. There is syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle in this cake.
  • It is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during Bonfire Night processions. Again, this is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the parliament building.
  • An effigy, a homemade model of a man, is very common in the UK. The effigy is usually made out of straw or paper and stuffed into old clothes.
  • The biggest cities get some of the largest firework displays. There are bonfires and amazing firework displays all over the country, even in rural areas.

There are traditions associated with the Bonfire Night

People use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers on Bonfire Night.

This is a clear nod to the failed attempt by Guy Fawkes and his band to blow up the Parliament as a celebration of independence.

Most of the time, the events of Bonfire Night include a firework display and a large bonfire.

Which foods are popular during celebrations?

Bonfires and fireworks are not the only things that can be celebrated at the Bonfire Night events.

There are a lot of foods associated with the event.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas and treacle toffee are some of the things associated with the Bonfire Night.

Some regions have their own special meals that they prepare around the 5th of November.

Some families eat soups and share them with friends or family members.

What should you wear to the event?

Depending on where you live, people tend to dress up in different costumes on Bonfire Night.

This approach is in preparation for the events.

The Bonfire Night is a great time for most people to show off their winter attire.

Something to keep in mind is the fact that a winter knit with a classical touch is the right way to go here.

A proper outfit that protects you from the cold weather is more than welcome, even if you don't have to dress up in a costume.

Bottom line

Every year, Bonfire Night becomes a staple event.

It is a great time for people to connect, celebrate and enjoy some amazing foods.

The event has impressed many people over the years.

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there's no denying that it's become a more community-friendly event.

The most important aspects of Bonfire Night are happiness and a good time, and we can expect this event to continue for many years to come.

Abbey Wood Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Abbey Wood, Royal Borough of Greenwich, London, Greater London, England, SE2 9EN, United Kingdom

Organiser: Abbey Wood Bonfire Night