Armadale Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Armadale poster

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

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

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

What does it mean to people and why do they love them so much?

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

What is the tradition of the Bonfire Night?

It is a way to celebrate the failure of Guy Fawkes as he tried to assassinate King James I, while also trying to blow up the parliament.

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

There was a lot of anger against the king because he was seen as being against the Catholics.

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

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

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

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

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

The Parliament shared the news that the conspirators were caught and punished.

The Parliament decided to light up bonfires on the 5th of November because it is a day to be thankful.

We decided to go to the Bonfire Night.

In the UK, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed in many places.

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a community focused event despite the fact that it is sinister in nature.

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

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

What are you going to wear to the events?

Depending on where they live, people tend to dress up in various costumes for 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 clothing.

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

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

There are attractions at Bonfire Night

There are some amazing attractions in the UK.

In the countryside, you usually have large bonfires and local events, food and drinks being shared with the community, but there are also smaller events.

For a lot of people, Bonfire Night has become a community event where everyone has a great time and they enjoy the presence of other people.

You will be able to enjoy some great firework displays with some regions going out of their way to use incredible pyrotechnics for a night to remember.

Some traditions are common:

  • There is a tradition called "Penny for the guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in order to get some money for the fireworks. In some parts of the world, you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.
  • In the UK, it is very common for people to burn a homemade model of a man. The effigy is usually made out of paper or straw and stuffed with old clothes to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • Some of the biggest cities in the country host firework displays. You are bound to find firework displays and bonfires all over the country.
  • The bonfires are supposed to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook all kinds of food. Crowds come by to see the fireworks and a lot of people heat up soup for them. Some cooks cook potatoes wrapped in a foil, as well as marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake people eat on the night of the bonfire. There is syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle in this cake.
  • There’s also a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the Bonfire Night processions. This is a nod to the plans that Guy and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.

Traditions associated with the night of the bonfire.

People use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers at 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 events end with a large bonfire and firework display.

Which foods are popular at Bonfire Nights?

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

There are lots of foods associated with this event.

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

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

Some families eat soups and share them with friends or family members.

In the end

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

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

Over the years it has impressed many people.

Even if the origins of the event are a bit darker, there is no denying that it has become a more community-friendly event over the years.

Happiness and a good time are the most important parts of Bonfire Night, and we can expect this event to continue for many years to come!

Armadale Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Armadale, West Lothian, Alba / Scotland, EH48 3QB, United Kingdom

Organiser: Armadale Bonfire Night