Banstead Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Banstead poster

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

What information is important to know about Banstead's Bonfire Night?

The Bonfire Night is an annual event that has been adopted as an incredible event over the years.

Why do people love these celebrations?

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

What is the Bonfire Night associated with?

The main reason why Guy Fawkes failed in his attempt to assassinate King James I is that he was celebrating the failure of the parliament.

People have been celebrating the Bonfire Night since 1605.

There was a lot of anger against the king, since he was seen as being anti-Catholic.

Robert and Guy Fawkes were Catholics who believed that an armed struggle would restore Catholicism to its rightful place.

These two and other supporters came up with a plan to blow up the Palace of Westminster.

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

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

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

The Parliament shared with the public that the conspirators were caught and punished.

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

We went to the Bonfire Night after that.

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 origins being sinister.

The fireworks manufacturers rebranded the celebration at the beginning of the 20th century because it was focused on having fun.

In the 20th century, the event looked similar to what we are seeing today.

Traditions associated with the night of bonfires

People 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 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.

What should you wear on Bonfire Night?

The interesting thing to note about Bonfire Night is that people tend to dress up in various costumes, depending on where they live.

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

The Bonfire Night is a good time 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 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 dress up in a costume.

There are attractions for Bonfire Night.

You are bound to find some amazing attractions and events throughout the UK.

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

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.

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

There are some common traditions:

  • The biggest cities in the country get some of the largest firework displays. You are bound to find bonfires and firework displays all over the country, even in rural areas.
  • There is a tradition of carrying flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the Bonfire Night processions. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had for blowing up the Parliament building.
  • The "Penny for the Guy" is an interesting tradition. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street and try to get some money for fireworks a few days before the Bonfire Night. Kids blackened their faces in some regions, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was about to blow up the Parliament.
  • It is very common for people in the UK to burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, similar to a scarecrow. The effigy is usually made out of straws or paper and stuffed with old clothes.
  • The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food and are not just meant to be a symbol of the failed complot. A lot of people cook soup for the people who come by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes in a foil and also marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake that people eat on the night of Bonfire Night. The cake is made of syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle.

Which foods are popular at Bonfire Night?

The events of bonfires and fireworks are not the only things happening.

There are many foods associated with the event.

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

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

It is important to note that some families share soups with friends or family members.

At the end

A staple event over the years, Bonfire Night continues every year.

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

Over the years it has impressed many people.

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.

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

Banstead Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Banstead, Reigate and Banstead, Surrey, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Banstead Bonfire Night