Bangor Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Bangor poster

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

What should you know about Bangor's bonfire night?

Over the years, the Bonfire Night has evolved into an annual event.

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

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind the amazing popularity of the Bonfire Night by reading this short article.

What is the Bonfire Night connected to?

Guy Fawkes tried to assassinate King James I and also tried to blow up the parliament in order to celebrate the failure of the event.

People have celebrated the Bonfire Night since 1605.

At that time there was a lot of anger against the king, since he was seen as being anti-Catholic.

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

They came up with a plan to blow up the palace.

The plan was to assassinate the king because he was there.

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

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

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

The Parliament decided to light up bonfires on the 5th of November as a day to be thankful for.

Which eventually lead us to the Bonfire Night.

In the UK, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed throughout the year.

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

The firework manufacturers decided to change the celebration's name to Fireworks Night at the beginning of the 20th century because it was focused on having fun.

As the 20th century progressed, the event looked a lot like what we are seeing today.

There are traditions associated with the Bonfire Night.

People use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers at Bonfire Night.

It is clear that this is a nod to the failure of the band that tried to blow up the Parliament as a celebration of independence.

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

Bonfire Night attractions

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

In the countryside, you mostly have large bonfires and local events, food and drinks being shared with the community, although smaller events also take place.

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

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

There are some traditions that are common:

  • The bonfires are more than just a symbol of failed complot, they are also used to cook all kinds of food. People heat up soup for the crowds that come by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes in a foil, but also marshmallows or sausages. There is a parking cake that people eat on Bonfire Night. It has syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle.
  • Another interesting tradition comes in the form of “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 country you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.
  • There is a tradition of carrying flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the processions. Again, this is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had, in an effort to blow up the Parliament building.
  • In the UK, it is very common for people to make an effigy of a man and burn it. The effigy is usually made out of straw or paper, stuffed with old clothes, and meant to represent Guy Fawkes.
  • Some of the largest firework displays can be found in the biggest cities. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find incredible firework displays.

Which foods are most popular during Bonfire Night celebrations?

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

There are many different foods associated with this event.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee, and the toffee apples are some of the items 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.

Some families share soups with friends or other family members.

What are you going to wear for the events?

Depending on where you live, people tend to dress up in a variety of costumes.

In preparation for the events, this is quite an interesting approach.

The Bonfire Night is a great chance for most 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 against the cold weather is more than welcome, even if you don't have to wear a costume.

At the end

Every year, Bonfire Night continues as a staple event.

It is a great time for people to get together and enjoy some great 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 is no denying that the event 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 happiness and a good time are the most important parts of Bonfire Night.

Bangor Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Bangor, Gwynedd, Cymru / Wales, United Kingdom

Organiser: Bangor Bonfire Night