Alway Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Alway poster

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

What information is important to know about Alway's Bonfire Night?

An annual event over the years, the Bonfire Night is one of those incredible celebrations.

Why are people so fond of these festivities?

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

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, while also attempting to blow up the parliament in the UK.

Since 1605 people have celebrated the Bonfire Night.

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 that an armed struggle would bring Catholicism back to its rightful place.

The two supporters came up with a plan to blow up the palace.

The plan was to kill the king during the process.

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

The other conspirators ended up being taken into custody after they learned about the plan.

The Parliament made a public statement that the conspirators were caught and punished.

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

We went to the Bonfire Night due to this.

There are many Bonfire Night activities in the UK today.

The origins of Bonfire Night are sinister, but over the years it has become a community event.

The firework manufacturers decided to change the celebration's name to Fireworks Night at the beginning of the 20th century because they were focused on having fun.

The event looked similar as the 20th century progressed.

What should you wear on Bonfire Night?

The interesting thing to note about Bonfire Night is that people tend to dress up in various costumes, depending on where they live.

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

The Bonfire Night is a great opportunity for most people to show off their winter clothing.

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

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

There are traditions associated with the evening of bonfires.

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

This is a clear 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.

Which foods are popular at Bonfire Night?

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, treacle toffee are just some of the things that are associated with the Bonfire Night.

Some regions have their own special meals to be prepared around the 5th of November.

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

There are attractions at Bonfire Night.

You will find a lot of amazing 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.

It has become a community-focused event where everyone has a great time and they enjoy the presence of other like-minded people.

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

There are some common traditions:

  • During the Bonfire Night processions, flaming tar barrels on the shoulders are a tradition. This is also a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.
  • Some of the biggest cities in the country have some of the largest firework displays. There are bonfires and firework displays all over the country.
  • The bonfires are not meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook all kinds of food. Many people heat up soup for the crowds to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil and also marshmallows or sausages. There is a traditional cake called the parking cake that people eat on Bonfire Night. There is syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle in this cake.
  • It is very common for people in the UK to make a homemade model of a man and burn it. The effigy is usually made out of straw or paper, and stuffed with old clothes.
  • There is a tradition called "Penny for the guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in order to ask for money to buy 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.

Summing up

Every year, Bonfire Night continues, and has become 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 over the years 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!

Alway Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Alway, Newport, Cymru / Wales, United Kingdom

Organiser: Alway Bonfire Night