Barnoldswick Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Barnoldswick poster

Every year in Barnoldswick, 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 Barnoldswick's bonfire night?

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

Why do people love these events?

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

What is the Bonfire Night associated with?

It is a way to celebrate the failure of Guy Fawkes as he tried to assassinate King James I, and also to blow up the parliament.

Since 1605 people have been celebrating the Bonfire Night.

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

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

The two people came up with a plan to blow up the Palace.

The plan was to kill the king while he was there.

A conspiracy member got cold feet and sent a letter to parliament.

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

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

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

Which lead us to the Bonfire Night.

There are Bonfire Night activities all over the UK.

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

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

As the 20th century progressed, the event looked similar to what we are currently experiencing.

What should you wear for the Bonfire Night events?

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

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 wardrobe.

Something to remember is that a winter knit with a classical touch is usually the right way to go here.

You don't have to wear a costume, but a proper outfit that protects you against the cold weather is more than welcome.

There are attractions for Bonfire Night.

You will find a lot of amazing attractions and events in the UK.

In the countryside, you usually have large bonfires and local events, food and drinks being shared with the community, but there are also smaller events.

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 see 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 is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the Bonfire Night processions. Again, this is a nod to the plan that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the Parliament building.
  • It is very common for people in the UK to burn a homemade model of a man. The effigy is usually made out of straw or paper, and stuffed with old clothes.
  • Some of the biggest cities in the country get some of the largest displays for firework displays. You can find bonfires and firework displays all over the country, even in rural areas.
  • "Penny for the guy" is an interesting tradition. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in the days leading up to the Bonfire Night to ask for money for the fireworks. Kids blackened their faces in some regions, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was about to blow up the Parliament.
  • The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food, even though they are only meant to be a symbol of the failed complot. In fact, a lot of people heat up soup for the crowds coming by to see the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in a foil and also marshmallows and sausages. There is a traditional parking cake that people eat on Bonfire Night. A cake with syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle is very tasty.

Traditions related to the Bonfire Night.

Generally, Bonfire Night is a time when people parade in costumes and they also utilize flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers.

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.

The majority of the time, these Bonfire Night events end with a firework display and large bonfire.

Which foods are popular at Bonfire Night?

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

There are many foods associated with this event.

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

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

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

Summing up

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

It is a great time for people to celebrate and eat amazing foods.

It is one of those events that have impressed people in the past.

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

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

Barnoldswick Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Barnoldswick, Pendle, Lancashire, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Barnoldswick Bonfire Night