Aldershot Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Aldershot poster

Every year in Aldershot, on November 5, we come together to celebrate Bonfire Night, all over the county of Hampshire we gather around the bonfire.

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in Aldershot?

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

What is it that people love these celebrations so much?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind the popularity of the Bonfire Night here.

What is a common association with Bonfire Night?

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

This happened in 1605 and people have celebrated it ever since.

At that time, there was a lot of anger against the king since he was seen as being anti-Catholic.

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

They came up with a plan to blow up the Palace.

The king was present so the plan was to kill him.

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

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

The fact that the conspirators were caught and punished was shared by the Parliament in a public statement.

The Parliament decided to light up bonfires on the 5th of November because it is a day to be thankful.

Which led to the Bonfire Night.

Nowadays there are Bonfire Night activities in the UK.

Over the years it has become a community-focused event despite the fact that its origins are sinister.

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

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

There are attractions for Bonfire Night.

The UK has many amazing attractions and events.

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

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

Here are some traditions that exist:

  • The biggest cities in the country get some of the largest firework displays. You are bound to find bonfires and firework displays all over the country, even in rural areas.
  • It is very common for people in the UK to burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, very similar to a bird. This effigy is meant to represent Guy Fawkes, and it’s usually made out of straw or paper, all of it stuffed within old clothes.
  • It is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during Bonfire Night. This is a nod to the plan that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.
  • The bonfires aren't just meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, they are also used to cook all kinds of food. People heat up soup for the crowds that come by to see the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes in a foil and also marshmallows or sausages. There is a parking cake that people eat on Bonfire Night. This cake is made with syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle, and it is very tasty.
  • The tradition of "Penny for the Guy" is very interesting. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in the days leading up to the Bonfire Night to ask for money to buy fireworks. In some regions, you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes tried to do when he was about to blow up the Parliament.

What should you wear at the event?

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

This approach is quite interesting, and is being prepared for the events.

Most people like to show off their winter wardrobe during the Bonfire Night.

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

You don't have to wear a costume if you have a proper outfit that protects you from the cold weather.

Traditions are associated with the night of bonfires.

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

It is obvious that this is a nod to the failed attempt by Guy Fawkes and his band to blow up the Parliament as a celebration of independence.

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

Which foods are popular at Bonfire Night?

The Bonfire Night events are more than 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 that they prepare around the 5th of November.

Some families eat soup and share it with friends and family.

Summing up

Every year, there is a staple event called Bonfire Night.

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

Over the years, it has been one of those things that have impressed people.

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

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

Aldershot Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Aldershot, Rushmoor, Hampshire, England, GU11 1FD, United Kingdom

Organiser: Aldershot Bonfire Night