Ashford Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Ashford poster

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

What should you know about Ashford's bonfire night?

The Bonfire Night has been an annual event over the years and is one of those incredible festivities.

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 by reading this quick article.

What is a common association with Bonfire Night?

The main reason why Guy Fawkes failed in his attempt to assassinate King James I is because of the celebration of Bonfire Night.

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

There was a lot of anger against the king due to the fact that he was 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 of Westminster.

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

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

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

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

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

We headed to the Bonfire Night.

There are Bonfire Night activities in many locations in the UK.

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 due to the focus on having fun.

The event of the 20th century looked very similar to what we are experiencing today.

What should you wear to the Bonfire Night events?

People tend to dress up in different costumes depending on where they live on Bonfire Night

This is in preparation for the events.

The Bonfire Night is a good time 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 right way to go here.

A proper outfit that protects you from the cold weather is more than welcome, even if you don't have to dress up.

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 manner.

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

Which foods are popular during Bonfire Night?

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

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 that are associated with the Bonfire Night.

These are eaten all over the country, and some regions have their own special meals prepared around the 5th of November.

Some families share soups with friends or other family members, which is important to note.

There are attractions at Bonfire Night

There are many amazing attractions and events in the UK.

Large bonfires and local events, food and drinks are shared with the community in the countryside regions.

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 like-minded people.

You will 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 are not just meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook all sorts of food. A lot of people heat up soup for the crowds that come by to see the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil and marshmallows or sausages as well. There is a traditional cake named the parking cake that people eat on Bonfire Night. There is syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle in this cake.
  • The country's biggest cities get some of the largest firework displays. There are bonfires and incredible firework displays all over the country, even in rural areas.
  • 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.
  • There is a tradition of carrying flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during Bonfire Night processions. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had, in an attempt to blow up the Parliament building.
  • One interesting tradition is called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street and ask for money in order to buy fireworks. In some regions, you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes tried to do when he was planning to blow up the Parliament.

At the end

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

It's a great time for people to celebrate and eat amazing foods.

It is 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 the event has evolved into 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!

Ashford Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Ashford, Kent, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Ashford Bonfire Night