Areley Kings Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Areley Kings poster

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

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in Areley Kings?

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

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 here.

Why do we celebrate Bonfire Night?

The main reason why Bonfire Night exists in the UK is because it’s 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.

The Bonfire Night was celebrated in 1605 and has been celebrated ever since.

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

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

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

The king was in attendance there, so the plan was also to assassinate him during the process.

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

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

The fact that the conspirators were caught and punished was shared by the Parliament in a public statement.

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

We went to the Bonfire Night due to that.

There are a lot of Bonfire Night activities in the UK today.

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

The firework manufacturers decided to change the celebration's name to Fireworks Night at the beginning of the 20th century due to the focus being on having fun.

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

There are attractions during Bonfire Night.

You are going to find a lot of amazing things to do in the UK.

In the countryside, you mostly have large bonfires and local events, food and drinks being shared by the community.

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 get to see some great firework displays, with some regions going out of their way to use incredible pyrotechnics for a night to remember.

Common traditions are here:

  • There is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during processions. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had for blowing up the Parliament building.
  • The tradition of "Penny for the Guy" is interesting. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in a bid to get some money for the fireworks. In some areas you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was about to blow up the Parliament.
  • It is very common for people in the UK to make and burn an effigy of a man. This effigy is meant to represent Guy Fawkes, and it’s usually made out of straw or paper, all of it stuffed within old clothes.
  • The biggest cities in the country get some of the largest fireworks displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find bonfires and incredible firework displays.
  • The bonfires are not meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook food. In fact, a lot of people heat up soup for the crowds coming by to see the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil and also marshmallows and sausages. People eat a traditional cake called the parking cake on Bonfire Night. There is syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle in this cake.

There are traditions associated with the night of bonfires.

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

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 way.

Most of the time, there is a firework display and a large bonfire during Bonfire Night.

Which foods are popular during celebrations?

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

There are lots of foods associated with this event.

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

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

Some families eat soup and share it with friends or family members.

What should you wear on Bonfire Night?

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

This approach is quite interesting, and is being prepared for the events.

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

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

It is not necessary to dress up in a costume to protect yourself against the cold weather.

In the end

Over time, Bonfire Night has become a staple event.

It is a great time for people to relax and enjoy some great food.

Over the years, it has been one of those events that people have been impressed by.

Even if the origins of the event are a bit darker, there is no denying that it has become 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 years and years to come!

Areley Kings Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Areley Kings, Stourport-on-Severn, Wyre Forest, Worcestershire, England, DY13 0AX, United Kingdom

Organiser: Areley Kings Bonfire Night