Barnstaple Bonfire Night 2022

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

What should you know about Barnstaple's bonfire night?

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

Why do people love these things so much?

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

What is the tradition of the Bonfire Night?

The main reason why Guy Fawkes failed in his attempt to assassinate King James I is that it is a way to celebrate.

This happened in 1605 and people have celebrated the night ever since.

What happened at that time is that there was a lot of anger against the king, since many considered he was intolerant against the Catholics.

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

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

The plan was to assassinate the king as he was in attendance.

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

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

The Parliament shared that the conspirators were caught and punished, in a public statement.

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

We were eventually led to the Bonfire Night.

Nowadays there are Bonfire Night activities in the UK.

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

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

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

Traditions associated with the night.

People use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers when they parade in costumes on Bonfire Night.

The failure of Guy Fawkes and his band as they tried to blow up the Parliament is a clear nod to that.

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

Which foods are popular at Bonfire Nights?

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

Some regions have their own special meals that they prepare around the 5th of November, which is when these are eaten throughout the country.

Some families share their soups with friends and family members.

There are attractions at Bonfire Night

There are many amazing attractions in the UK.

In the countryside, you usually 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 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.

Here are some traditions:

• There is a tradition called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street in order to get some money for the fireworks. In some areas you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was about to blow up the Parliament.
• The biggest cities in the country have some of the largest firework displays. There are bonfires and firework displays all over the country.
• It’s very common for many people in the UK to burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, very similar to a scarecrow. The effigy is usually made from paper or straw and stuffed with old clothes.
• The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food and are not just a symbol of the failed complot. A lot of people heat up soup for people to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes in a foil, but also marshmallows or sausages. There is a traditional cake called the parking cake that people eat on Bonfire Night. This cake has syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle, and it’s very tasty.
• There is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during Bonfire Night. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had, in an attempt to blow up the Parliament building.

What should you wear to the Bonfire Night events?

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

This approach is quite interesting, and is being prepared for the events.

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

Something to keep in mind is the fact that a winter knit with a classical touch is 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 dress in a costume.

Conclusion

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 food.

It’s certainly one of those events that have impressed people over the years.

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there's no denying that it's become 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.

Barnstaple Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Barnstaple, North Devon, Devon, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Barnstaple Bonfire Night