Barrhead Bonfire Night 2022

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

What should you know about Barrhead's bonfire night?

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

Why do people love these celebrations so much, and what does it mean?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind its popularity here.

What is a common association with Bonfire Night?

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

This happened in 1605 and people have been celebrating it ever since.

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 return Catholicism to the rightful place.

Two people came up with a plan to blow up the Palace of Commons.

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

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

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 were caught and punished.

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

It led us to the Bonfire Night.

There are Bonfire Night activities in the UK nowadays.

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

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

The 20th century event looked similar to what we are seeing today.

There are attractions at Bonfire Night.

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

Smaller events also take place in countryside regions too, although here you mostly have large bonfires and local events, food and drinks being 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 get to enjoy 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:

• The bonfires are used to cook all kinds of food, even though they are just meant to be a symbol of the failed complot. Crowds come by to see the fireworks and a lot of people cook soup for them. Some people cook potatoes wrapped in foil with marshmallows or sausages. People eat the parking cake on Bonfire Night. There is syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle in this cake, and it is very tasty.
• The biggest cities in the country get some of the largest displays for firework displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find amazing firework displays and bonfires.
• There is a tradition called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street to ask for money for fireworks a few days before the Bonfire Night. Kids blackened their faces in some parts of the country, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was about to blow up the Parliament.
• It is a tradition to carry flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during Bonfire Night. Again, this is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the parliament building.
• 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 from straw or paper and stuffed with old clothes.

There are some traditions associated with the Bonfire Night.

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

This is a clear nod to the failure of the band that tried to blow up the Parliament as it was a celebration of independence.

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

What are you going to wear for the events?

Depending on where you 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 time for most people to show off their winter gear.

Something to keep in mind is the fact 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 need to dress up in a costume.

Which foods are popular during the night?

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

There are many things associated with this event.

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

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

Some families eat soup and share it with friends or other family members.

Summing up

Every year, Bonfire Night continues to become a staple event.

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

Over the years, it's one of those events that has impressed people.

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there is no denying that over the years it 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.

Barrhead Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Barrhead, East Renfrewshire, Alba / Scotland, G78 1SD, United Kingdom

Organiser: Barrhead Bonfire Night