Aberavon Bonfire Night 2022

Every year in Aberavon, on November 5, we come together to celebrate Bonfire Night, all over the county of Neath Port Talbot we gather around the bonfire.

What information is important to know about Aberavon's Bonfire Night?

The annual celebration of the Bonfire Night has been adopted as an annual event over the years.

What is it that makes people love these festivities so much?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind its popularity with a quick rundown.

What is the Bonfire Night connected to?

It is a way to celebrate the failure of Guy Fawkes as he tried to assassinate King James I, while also trying to blow up the parliament.

This happened in 1605, and people have been celebrating the Bonfire Night ever since.

At that time, there was a lot of anger against the king, since he was thought to be against the Catholics.

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

The two supporters came up with a plan to blow up the palace.

The plan was to assassinate the king during the process.

A conspiracy member sent a letter to the parliament but got cold feet.

The other conspirators were taken into custody when they learned of the plan.

The Parliament made a public statement about the situation and shared that the conspirators had been caught and punished.

The Parliament decided that the 5th of November would be a day to be thankful for.

Which eventually took us to the Bonfire Night.

Throughout the UK, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed.

Despite the fact that its origins are sinister, the event has become a community focused event over the years.

The firework manufacturers decided to change the celebration's name to Fireworks Night at the beginning of the 20th century because the focus was on having fun.

The event of the 20th century looked similar to what we are experiencing today.

Traditions associated with the night.

People parade in costumes and use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers on Bonfire Night

This is a clear nod to the failure of the band that tried to blow up the Parliament as a celebration of independence.

Most of the time, these events end with a large bonfire and a firework display.

What are you going to wear for the event?

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

This is in preparation for the events, and it’s quite an interesting approach.

Most people like to show off their winter clothes on Bonfire Night.

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

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

Which foods are popular at Bonfire Nights?

The bonfire Night events are more than just a celebration with fireworks.

There are a lot of foods associated with the event.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee or the toffee apples are all associated with the Bonfire Night.

Some regions have their own special meals prepared around the 5th of November as well, and they are eaten throughout the country.

It is important to note that some families share their soups with other family members.

There are attractions at Bonfire Night

The UK has a lot of amazing attractions and events.

In the countryside, you usually have large bonfires and local events with food and drinks shared with the community.

It's become a community-focused event for a lot of people, where everyone has a great time and they enjoy the presence of other like-minded people.

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

Here are some common traditions:

• There’s also a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the Bonfire Night processions. This is a nod to the plans that Guy and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.
• "Penny for the Guy" is a tradition. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street and try to get some money for the fireworks a few days before the Bonfire Night. There are kids that blackened their faces in some regions, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was about to blow up the Parliament.
• The biggest cities in the country get some of the largest displays for firework displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find firework displays and bonfires.
• In the UK, it is very common for people to make a homemade model of a man and then burn it. The effigy is stuffed with old clothes and made out of straw or paper, which is supposed to represent Guy Fawkes.
• The bonfires are not only meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook all kinds of food. Many people heat up soup for the crowds to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil, and also marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on the evening of Bonfire Night. There is syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle in this cake.

Summing up

Every year, Bonfire Night continues to be a staple event.

It is a great time for people to get together and enjoy some great food.

It’s certainly one of those events that have impressed people over the years.

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there is no denying that the event has evolved into a more community-friendly event over the years.

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

Aberavon Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Aberavon, Neath Port Talbot, Cymru / Wales, United Kingdom

Organiser: Aberavon Bonfire Night