Altofts Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Altofts poster

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

What should you know about Altofts's bonfire night?

Over the years the Bonfire Night has been an annual event.

But what is it that makes people love these festivities so much?

Here are a few things you can do to get up to speed with the Bonfire Night.

What is the Bonfire Night associated with?

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

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

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

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

A member of the conspiracy sent a letter to the parliament, but ended up getting cold feet.

The conspirators who were involved in the plan were taken into custody after they learned about it.

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

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

We went to the Bonfire Night due to that.

Throughout the UK, there are Bonfire Night activities.

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

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

As the 20th century progressed, the event looked more and more like what we are seeing today.

There are attractions at Bonfire Night.

There are many great attractions and events in the UK.

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

For a lot of people, Bonfire Night is now a community-focused event where 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 pyrotechnics for a night to remember.

There are some traditions:

  • It’s very common for many people in the UK to burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, very similar to a scarecrow. The effigy is stuffed with old clothes and made out of straw or paper.
  • The biggest cities get some of the largest firework displays. You are bound to find firework displays and bonfires all over the country.
  • There is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during processions. Again, this is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.
  • The 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 fireworks. Kids blackened their faces in some regions, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was about to blow up the Parliament.
  • The bonfires aren't just meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook a lot of food. A lot of people heat up soup for the people coming by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes in a foil with marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on the Bonfire Night. The cake is made with syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle.

Traditions associated with the evening of bonfires.

During Bonfire Night, people parade in costumes and use flaming torches, fireworks, and sparklers.

This is a clear nod to the failed attempt by Guy Fawkes and his band to blow up the Parliament as a celebration of independence.

Most of the time, there is a firework display followed by a large bonfire.

Which foods are popular during the night?

As we mentioned earlier, the Bonfire Night events are not only a celebration with bonfires and fireworks.

There are lots of things associated with this event.

The jacket potato is one of the things that are 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 as well.

Some families share their soups with friends or family members.

What are you going to wear to the events?

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

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

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 a classical touch is often the right way to go here.

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

Conclusion

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

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

Over the years it has impressed people.

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 to continue for many years to come.

Altofts Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Altofts, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, England, WF6 2NY, United Kingdom

Organiser: Altofts Bonfire Night