Bakers Hill Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Bakers Hill poster

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

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in Bakers Hill?

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

But what is it that makes people love these festivities so much?

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

What is the tradition of the Bonfire Night?

Guy Fawkes tried to assassinate King James I and also tried to blow up the parliament, which is why Bonfire Night is celebrated in the UK.

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

At that time, there was a lot of anger against the king, since he was thought to be against the Catholics.

There was a vision that only an armed struggle would return Catholicism to its rightful place.

A group of people came up with a plan to blow up the Palace of Westminster.

The king was present so the plan was to kill him.

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

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

The parliament shared 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.

Which eventually lead us to the Bonfire Night.

Nowadays Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed all over the UK

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

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

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

Traditions associated with the night of bonfires.

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

This is a clear nod to the failure of Guy Fawkes and his band as they tried to blow up the Parliament as a celebration of independence, but in a safe manner.

Most of the time, these events end with a firework display and a large bonfire.

Which foods are popular at Bonfire Nights?

The Bonfire Night celebrations are more than just a celebration with bonfires and fireworks.

There are many foods associated with the event.

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

These are eaten throughout the country, and 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 eat soup and share it with friends.

There are attractions at Bonfire Night

There are many attractions and events in the UK.

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

It has become a community-focused 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 pyrotechnics for a night to remember.

There are some traditions that are common:

  • The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food and are not meant to be a symbol of the failed complot. Crowds come by to see the fireworks and a lot of people heat up soup for them. Some people cook potatoes in a foil, as well as marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on the eve of Bonfire Night. The cake has syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle, and it is very tasty.
  • It is common for people in the UK to make an effigy of a man and burn it. The effigy is usually made out of straw or paper and stuffed with old clothes.
  • The tradition is called "Penny for the Guy" Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street, trying 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 did when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.
  • The biggest cities in the country get some of the largest fireworks displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find amazing firework displays.
  • During the Bonfire Night processions there is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the parliament building.

What should you wear?

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

It is an interesting approach in preparation for the events.

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

A winter knit with a classical touch is usually the right way to go, and something to keep in mind.

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

Bottom line

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

It is a great time for people to get together and enjoy some great foods.

Over the years it has impressed many people.

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there is no denying that it became a more community-friendly event over time.

We can expect this event to continue for years and years to come, because happiness and a good time are the most important parts of Bonfire Night.

Bakers Hill Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Bakers Hill, Coleford, Broadwell, Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, England, GL16 7QB, United Kingdom

Organiser: Bakers Hill Bonfire Night