Ashurst Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Ashurst poster

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

What should you know about Ashurst's bonfire night?

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

Why do people love this event so much?

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

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 and also blow up the parliament in the UK.

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

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

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

Two of the supporters came up with a plan to blow up the Palace.

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

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

The conspirators who were involved in the plan were taken into custody here once they learned about it.

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

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

It eventually led us to the Bonfire Night.

In the UK, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed in a number of locations.

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a community focused event despite its sinister origins.

The celebration was renamed at the beginning of the 20th century because of its focus on having fun.

The event looked similar as the 20th century progressed.

What should you wear?

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

It is quite interesting that this is being prepared for the events.

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

A winter knit with a classical touch is usually the right way to go here.

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

There are attractions during the night.

There are a lot of amazing attractions and events in the UK.

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

Yes, 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.

With some regions going out of their way to use incredible fireworks for a night to remember, you will also get to enjoy some great firework displays.

Here are some traditions:

  • It is very common for people in the UK to burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man. This effigy is usually made out of paper or straw and stuffed with old clothes.
  • Some of the biggest cities in the country host firework displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find bonfires and incredible firework displays all over the country.
  • "Penny for the Guy" is one of the more interesting traditions. 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.
  • The bonfires are not just meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook all kinds of food. A lot of people make soup for the people coming by to see the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil with marshmallows or sausages. There is a traditional cake named the parking cake that people eat on Bonfire Night. This cake is made with syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle, and it is very tasty.
  • The tradition is to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the Bonfire Night processions. This is in reference to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.

Which foods are popular during celebrations?

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

There are a lot of foods associated with the event.

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

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

Some families share their soups with friends or other family members.

The Bonfire Night is associated with traditions.

People parade in costumes and 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 attempted to blow up the Parliament, 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.

Bottom line

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a staple event.

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

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

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

We can expect this event to continue for years and years to come because of the importance of happiness and a good time.

Ashurst Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Ashurst, Skelmersdale, West Lancashire, Lancashire, England, WN8 6QW, United Kingdom

Organiser: Ashurst Bonfire Night