Anstey Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Anstey poster

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

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

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

Why do people love the festivities so much?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind the popularity of the Bonfire Night with a quick rundown.

What is the Bonfire Night associated with?

The main reason why Guy Fawkes failed in his attempt to assassinate King James I is that Bonfire Night is a way to celebrate.

People have been celebrating the Bonfire Night since 1605.

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

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

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

The plan was to kill the king because he was in attendance.

A conspiracy member sent a letter to the parliament but was cold feet.

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

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

The Parliament decided to light up bonfires on the 5th of November in honor of being thankful.

After that, we went to the Bonfire Night.

Throughout the UK, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed.

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 because of the focus on having fun.

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

What should you wear?

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

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

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

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

You don't have to wear a costume if you have a proper outfit that protects you from the cold weather.

There are attractions for Bonfire Night.

You are bound to find some amazing attractions and events throughout the UK.

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

For a lot of people, Bonfire Night has become a community focused event where everyone has a great 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 traditions that are common:

  • The bonfires aren't just meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, they are also used to cook all kinds of food. A lot of people heat up soup for the crowds that come by to see the fireworks. Some cook potatoes wrapped in a foil and also marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on the night of bonfires. It has syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle, and it is very delicious.
  • It is very common for people in the UK to burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, very similar to a scarecrow. The effigy is usually made out of paper or straw, and stuffed with old clothes.
  • The biggest cities in the country get some of the largest fireworks displays. You are bound to find bonfires and firework displays all over the country, even in rural areas.
  • Another tradition is called "Penny for the Guy". A few days before the Bonfire Night, kids used to take the homemade Guy effigies on the street, trying to ask for some money for the fireworks. Kids blackened their faces in some parts of the country, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was about to blow up the Parliament.
  • It is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the processions. Again, this is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had for blowing up the Parliament building.

Traditions associated with the evening of bonfires.

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

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, but in a safe manner.

Most of the time, the events of Bonfire Night include a firework display and a large bonfire.

Which foods are popular during the night?

Bonfires and fireworks are not the only things that can be celebrated at the Bonfire Night events.

There are a lot of things associated with this event.

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

These are eaten throughout the country, and some regions even have their own special meals prepared around the 5th of November as well.

It’s also important to note that some families eat soups too, and they share it with friends or other family members.

At the end

Every year, Bonfire Night continues, and has become a staple event.

It’s a great opportunity for people to reconnect, celebrate and also enjoy some amazing foods.

It’s certainly one of those events that have impressed people over the years.

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there is no denying that over the years it has evolved into 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 years and years to come.

Anstey Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Anstey, Charnwood, Leicestershire, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Anstey Bonfire Night