Aldridge Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Aldridge poster

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

What should you know about Aldridge's bonfire night?

Over the years, the Bonfire Night has evolved into an annual event.

Why do people love these festivals so much?

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

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.

In 1605 this happened, and people have celebrated Bonfire Night ever since.

There was a lot of anger against the king at that time, since he was seen as being against the Catholics.

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

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

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

The conspiracy member sent a letter to the parliament after getting cold feet.

After learning about the plan, the other conspirators were taken into custody here.

The Parliament shared that the conspirators were caught and punished.

The 5th of November was chosen by the Parliament to be a day to be thankful for.

We ended up going to the Bonfire Night.

In places like West Midlands, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed.

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

The celebration was renamed at the beginning of the 20th century because it was focused on having fun.

The event looked similar as the 20th century progressed.

Which foods are popular during Bonfire Night celebrations?

The Bonfire Night celebrations are more than just a celebration with fireworks.

There are a lot of things associated with this event.

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

These are eaten all over the country, and some regions even have their own special meals prepared 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 they live, people tend to dress up in different costumes.

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

The Bonfire Night is a good time for most people to show off their winter clothing.

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

You don't have to dress up in a costume, but a proper outfit that helps you protect yourself against the cold is more than welcome.

There are attractions during the night.

You are going to find a lot of amazing things to do in the UK.

In the countryside, you mostly have large bonfires and local events, food and drinks being shared with the community, but there are also smaller events.

For a lot of people, Bonfire Night has become a community event where everyone has a good 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 common traditions:

  • The bonfires are also used to cook all kinds of food, which is why they are not just a symbol of the failed complot. People heat up soup for the crowds that come by to see the fireworks. Some cooks cook potatoes wrapped in a foil, as well as marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on the night of the bonfire. It has syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle, and it is very tasty.
  • During the Bonfire Night processions, flaming tar barrels can be carried on the shoulders. Again, this is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had, in an effort to blow up the Parliament building.
  • The tradition is called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take the homemade Guy effigies on the street and try to get some money for the fireworks. In some regions you can even find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes tried to do when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.
  • In the UK, it is very common for people to make an effigy of a man and burn it. The effigy is usually made out of straw or paper, and stuffed with old clothes.
  • The biggest cities in the country get some of the largest displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find firework displays and bonfires.

There are traditions associated with the Bonfire Night

People use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers when they parade in costumes at 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 Bonfire Night events end with a firework display and large bonfire.

In the end

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

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

People have been impressed by it over the years.

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there’s no denying that over the years Bonfire Night shifted towards being 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.

Aldridge Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Aldridge, Walsall, West Midlands Combined Authority, England, WS9 8QP, United Kingdom

Organiser: Aldridge Bonfire Night