Aberystwyth Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Aberystwyth poster

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

What should you know about Aberystwyth's bonfire night?

Over the years, the Bonfire Night has become an annual event, one of the incredible festivities and celebrations.

Why do people love these celebrations?

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

Why do we celebrate Bonfire Night?

It is a way to celebrate the failure of Guy Fawkes as he tried to assassinate King James I, as well as blowing up the parliament.

In 1605 this happened, and people have celebrated the night ever since.

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

There was a vision that only an armed struggle would return Catholicism to its rightful place.

Some people came up with a plan to blow up the palace.

The king was in attendance there, so the plan was also to assassinate him during the process.

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

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

The Parliament made a statement about the situation and said that the conspirators were caught and punished.

The Parliament decided that the 5th of November was a day to be thankful for and therefore the tradition to light up bonfires.

Which eventually took us to the Bonfire Night.

Nowadays Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed throughout the UK.

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a community focused event despite the fact that its origins are sinister.

The celebration was renamed at the beginning of the 20th century due to the focus being on having fun.

As the 20th century progressed, the event looked a lot like what we are experiencing today.

Bonfire Night attractions

You're going to find a lot of great attractions and events in the UK.

In the countryside, you usually have large bonfires and local events, food and drinks being shared with the community, but smaller events also take place.

It's become a community-focused event for a lot of people because they enjoy the presence of other like-minded people.

You will also be able to see some great firework displays, with some regions going out of their way to use incredible fireworks for a night to remember.

There are some traditions that are common:

  • The bonfires are not meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook all kinds of food. Crowds come by to see the fireworks and a lot of people make soup for them. Some people cook potatoes in a foil and also marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on the Bonfire Night. It has syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle.
  • Another interesting tradition is called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in a bid to get some money for the fireworks. In some parts of the world you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.
  • It is common for people in the UK to make a model of a man and burn it. This effigy is stuffed with old clothes and made out of straw or paper, which is supposed to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • There are firework displays all over the country, with the biggest cities getting some of the largest displays. There are bonfires and amazing firework displays all over the country, even in rural areas.
  • During the Bonfire Night processions, flaming tar barrels on the shoulders are a tradition. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had, in order to blow up the parliament building.

Which are the most popular foods during Bonfire Night?

The Bonfire Night events are more than just a celebration with bonfires and fireworks.

There are lots of foods associated with the event.

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

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

It is important to note that some families share soups with friends or family members.

What should you wear to the Bonfire Night events?

People tend to dress up in different costumes depending on where they live on Bonfire Night

In preparation for the events, this approach is quite interesting.

The Bonfire Night is a great chance for most people to show off their winter clothes.

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

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

Traditions related to the Bonfire Night.

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

This is a clear nod to the failure of the band that tried to blow up the Parliament, a celebration of independence but in a safe manner.

The majority of the time, these Bonfire Night events end with a firework display.

In the end

Every year, Bonfire Night becomes a staple event.

It is a great time for people to celebrate and eat amazing foods.

It has 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 over the years into a more community-friendly event.

We can expect this event to continue for years and years to come, because happiness and a good time are the most important parts of Bonfire Night.

Aberystwyth Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, Cymru / Wales, SY23 1LH, United Kingdom

Organiser: Aberystwyth Bonfire Night