Ashtead Bonfire Night 2022

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

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in Ashtead?

Over the years the Bonfire Night has become an annual event.

Why do people love these festivities so much, what does it mean?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind its popularity with this quick rundown.

Why do we celebrate Bonfire Night?

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.

Since 1605 people have celebrated Bonfire Night.

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 restore Catholicism to its rightful place.

The two supporters came up with a plan to blow up the palace.

The plan was for the king to be assassinated during the process.

A member of the conspiracy sent a letter to the parliament.

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

The Parliament said that the conspirators were caught and punished.

The 5th of November was chosen by the Parliament to be a day to be thankful for.

Which eventually lead us to the Bonfire Night.

There are lots of Bonfire Night activities in the UK today.

Despite the fact that its origins are sinister, the event has become a community-focused event over the years.

The celebration was renamed at the beginning of the 20th century by firework manufacturers to Bonfire Night or the Fireworks Night because the focus was on having fun.

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

Which are the most popular foods during Bonfire Night?

The events of bonfires and fireworks are not the only thing happening during the night.

There are lots of foods associated with the event.

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

Some regions have their own special meals that they prepare around the 5th of November as well.

It is important to note that some families share their soups with friends.

There are attractions during the night.

You're going to find a lot of amazing attractions and events in 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 event where everyone has a great time and they enjoy the presence of other like-minded people.

You will also get to watch some great firework displays, with some regions going out of their way to use incredible fireworks for a night to remember.

Common traditions are here:

• There are firework displays all over the country, with the biggest cities getting some of the largest displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find bonfires and firework displays.
• During the Bonfire Night processions flaming tar barrels are carried on the shoulders. This is also a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.
• The tradition is called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street and try to get some money to buy fireworks. In some parts of the world, you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes tried to do when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.
• The bonfires are not meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook food. A lot of people heat up soup for the people who come by to watch the fireworks. It's possible to cook potatoes wrapped in a foil and also marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that is eaten on Bonfire Night. This cake is made with syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle, and it is very delicious.
• It is very common for people in the UK to make a homemade effigy of a man and burn it. This effigy is made out of straw or paper and stuffed with old clothes, it is meant to represent Guy Fawkes.

The traditions associated with the night of bonfires.

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

Most of the time, there is a firework display followed by a large bonfire.

What are you going to wear to the events?

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

It is quite interesting that this is in preparation for the events.

The Bonfire Night is a great time for most people to show off their winter gear.

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

You don't have to dress up in a costume, but a proper outfit that protects you from the cold weather is more than welcome.

Conclusion

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

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

Over the years, it has been one of the most impressive events.

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there’s no denying that over the years Bonfire Night shifted towards being a more community-friendly event.

The most important part of Bonfire Night is happiness and a good time, and we can expect this event to continue for many years to come.

Ashtead Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Ashtead, Mole Valley, Surrey, England, KT21 2FH, United Kingdom

Organiser: Ashtead Bonfire Night