Alnwick Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Alnwick poster

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

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in Alnwick?

The Bonfire Night has become an annual event over the years and is one of those incredible celebrations.

But what does it signify and why do people love these festivities so much?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind its popularity by reading this 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 and also blow up the parliament in the UK.

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

There was a lot of anger towards 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 about the return of Catholicism to its rightful place.

The supporters came up with a plan to blow up the Palace of Westminster.

The king was in attendance and the plan was to kill him during the process.

The conspiracy member got cold feet and sent a letter to the parliament.

The other conspirators were taken into custody here after they learned about the plan.

The Parliament shared the fact 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.

We were eventually led to the Bonfire Night.

Nowadays Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed throughout the UK.

Over the years it 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 by firework manufacturers to "Bonfire Night or the Fireworks Night" because it was focused on having fun.

As the 20th century progressed, the event looked similar to what we are currently experiencing.

The Bonfire Night has traditions associated with it.

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

It's clear that this is a nod to the failure of Guy Fawkes and his band as they tried to blow up the Parliament, a celebration of independence, but in a safe manner.

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

There are attractions at Bonfire Night.

There are many attractions and events in the UK.

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 because everyone has a great time and they enjoy the presence of other like-minded people.

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

Common traditions are here:

  • Another tradition is called "Penny for the guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in order to ask for money for fireworks a few days before Bonfire Night. 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.
  • Many people in the UK burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, similar to a scarecrow. The effigy is usually made out of straw or paper and stuffed with old clothes to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • There is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during Bonfire Nights. This is a nod to the plan that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.
  • The biggest cities get some of the largest firework displays in the country. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find amazing firework displays and bonfires.
  • The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food, even if they are not meant to be a symbol of the failed complot. People heat up soup for the people coming by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil and also marshmallows and sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake eaten on Bonfire Night. This cake is made with syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle, and it is very delicious.

Which foods are popular during Bonfire Night celebrations?

The events of the Bonfire Night are more than just a celebration with bonfires.

There are lots of foods associated with the event.

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

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

Some families share soups with friends or other family members.

What should you wear?

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

It is an interesting approach that is being prepared for the events.

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

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

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

Bottom line

Over time, Bonfire Night has become a staple event.

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

It is one of the events that 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 of the importance of happiness and a good time.

Alnwick Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Alnwick, Northumberland, North of Tyne, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Alnwick Bonfire Night