Andover Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Andover poster

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

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

Over the years, the Bonfire Night has become an annual event because of it's incredible festivities.

Why do people love these celebrations?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind the amazing popularity of the Bonfire Night in a few moments.

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.

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

What happened at that time is that there was a lot of anger against the king, since many considered he was intolerant against the Catholics.

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

Two people came up with a plan to blow up the Palace of Westminster.

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

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

The conspirators were taken into custody once they learned about the plan.

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

The Parliament decided to light up bonfires on the 5th of November due to being a day to be thankful for.

We headed to the Bonfire Night.

Throughout the UK, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed.

Bonfire Night has become a community focused event despite the fact that its origins are sinister.

firework manufacturers rebranded the celebration at the beginning of the 20th century because it was focused on having fun.

The event of the 20th century was more similar to what we are currently experiencing.

Which foods are popular during Bonfire Night?

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

There are many foods associated with this event.

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

Some regions have their own special meals prepared around the 5th of November, which is when these are eaten throughout the country.

Some families share soups with friends or other family members.

What should you wear for the Bonfire Night events?

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

This is in preparation for the events.

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

A winter knit with a classical touch is the right way to go here, and something to keep in mind.

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

Traditions associated with the night.

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

This is a clear nod to the failure of the band that tried to blow up the Parliament, a celebration of independence, but in a safe manner.

The majority of the time, these Bonfire Night events include a firework display and large bonfire.

There are attractions at Bonfire Night

You will find many amazing attractions and events in the UK.

In the countryside, there are usually large bonfires and local events with food and drinks being shared with the community.

For a lot of people, Bonfire Night has become a community-focused 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.

These are some traditions that are common:

  • 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. Many people heat up soup for the crowds coming by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil with marshmallows or sausages as well. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on the night of the bonfire. This cake is made of syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle, and it is very delicious.
  • There are firework displays all over the country. You are bound to find bonfires and firework displays all over the country.
  • In the UK, it is very common for people to make an effigy of a man and burn it. This effigy is stuffed with old clothes and made out of straw or paper, it is supposed to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • The tradition is called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street and try to get some money for fireworks a few days before the Bonfire Night. 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.
  • There is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had, in order to blow up the Parliament building.

Summing up

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a staple event, and continues every year.

It is a great time for people to connect, celebrate and enjoy some great foods.

The event has impressed people over the years.

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

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

Andover Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Andover, Test Valley, Hampshire, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Andover Bonfire Night